A Guide to Patsos Gorge in Crete

The Patsos Gorge, located in the Rethymno region of Crete, is a natural wonder renowned for its beauty and rich history. Carved by the flowing waters of the Patsos River over millennia, the gorge offers visitors a blend of rugged cliffs, lush vegetation, and crystal-clear pools.

Hiking through the gorge is a popular activity for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike, with trails that wind through the narrow passages and towering rock formations. Along the way, hikers can admire the diverse flora and fauna that call the gorge home, including rare orchids, birds of prey, and even the elusive Cretan wild goat, known as the kri-kri.

One of the highlights of the Patsos Gorge is the Cave of Agios Antonios, a small chapel nestled within a cavern high above the river. Legend has it that the cave was once inhabited by the hermit Antonios, who lived there in solitude centuries ago. Today, the chapel is a place of pilgrimage for locals and visitors alike, who come to admire its simple beauty and soak in the serene atmosphere.

For those seeking adventure, the Patsos Gorge offers opportunities for rock climbing, canyoning, and even rappelling down its sheer cliffs. However, even for those who prefer a more leisurely experience, simply strolling along the tranquil paths and soaking in the breathtaking scenery is an unforgettable experience.

Overall, the Patsos Gorge is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the island of Crete, offering a unique combination of natural beauty, history, and adventure.

How to get there

To reach the Patsos Gorge in Crete, you can follow these general directions:

Starting Point: Most visitors start their journey from Rethymno, a city in the northern part of Crete. From Rethymno, you can either rent a car, join a guided tour, or use public transportation to reach the gorge.

Driving: If you’re driving from Rethymno, take the road towards the village of Spili. From Spili, follow signs towards the village of Patsos. The gorge is located near Patsos village, and there are usually signs indicating the way to the entrance.

Public Transportation: If you prefer public transportation, you can take a bus from Rethymno to Spili, and then transfer to a smaller bus or taxi that can take you to Patsos village. From there, you may need to walk a bit to reach the entrance of the gorge.

Guided Tours: Many tour companies in Rethymno offer guided tours to the Patsos Gorge, which can be a convenient option if you prefer not to drive or navigate public transportation on your own. These tours typically include transportation to and from the gorge, as well as a guided hike through the canyon. With our partner GetYourGuide you can book a tour here

Once you arrive at the entrance of the gorge, you can start your exploration of this beautiful natural wonder! Make sure to wear appropriate footwear and bring plenty of water, especially if you plan on hiking through the gorge.

Where to Park your car

Parking: you can park your car here (google maps)

The Trail

Once you parked the car, you go through the entrance of the gorge. A narrow footpath leads you to the small picturesque white chapel of St Antonios that you will reach after 5 minutes. There are even barbecue spots where you can have a family picnic.

You continue the trail on the right side, and you will reach after 10-15 minutes the waterfall in a cave and another small waterfall at the bottom of a crevice that creates a pond next to the second bridge.

The hike until the second bridge, is mentioned as "green route" and considered as a very easy hike but be aware that the last 100m are tricky.
As from the second bridge, the “red route” starts: If you walk further, you will get in the adventurous part of the gorge, where you will most likely be alone. You will have to help yourself with ropes, climb up, climb down, go through the river, and use ladders.

At the end of this part you will reach the Potami Dam.
Along the way, you will find many beautiful ponds where you can swim, quite deep by the way (even in the summer!). Bear in mind that it could be dangerous or even not accessible if it has rained a lot (spring mainly). You will have to walk on the river’s path and the flow of water might be too strong.

Tip: If you have not arranged for transport to pick you up at the other end of the gorge, then do not go into the process of finding another path or road back to the starting point. You will have to walk on dirt roads and asphalt for many kilometers, while the temperature during the summer months will be very high. For this reason, prefer to retrace the route through the gorge in reverse. It is the shortest route.

Useful information about the Hike

The hike is about 3 km long and requires about 1,5-2 hours one way.

The hike is divided in to 2 sections:

The first part is the green section = easy hike

The second part is the red section = moderate hike.

Keep in mind that there are points where you need to use some steady ropes and ladders. Another thing to keep in mind is that even in summer months some sections of the gorge may have water and since it’s narrow, there won’t be a way around it except taking off your shoes and walk (or swim) across.

Best time to Visit Patsos Gorge

The best time to visit Patsos Gorge is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild and the vegetation is lush.
Due to the inevitable hiking in narrowly flooded passages during the spring (March – June), a second pair of shoes and extra clothes are recommended.