Some people consider Imbros the smaller, but untamed brother of Samaria gorge, equally impressive, without that much hard work to cross it!
Journeying westwards along the islands coastal roads, passing Rethymnon, we turn to the south, through the mountains with their majestic and fantastic views, through small and forgotten villages, off the tourists trail.

Just 7kms long, you'll be rambling through orange groves and picturesque countryside. Especially in springtime the vast array of flowers and herbs, clinging to the sheer rockfaces, winding ravines and dry riverbeds, is quite spectacular.

Then we carry on, moving down the beautiful southern coast road, passing Frangokastello, with it's impressive Venetian fortress standing proudly on the volcanic black (!) sandy beach, surrounded by bright blue waters. Lots and lots of spectacular views on the way to the sandy beaches of Plakias, our next and last stop. Time for you to do whatever you like to do at the beach. Wear walking shoes or trainers, no sandals (!), a sun hat, bring a bottle of water, maybe a snack and don't you forget your camera!

The Imbros Gorge is named after the village of Imbros, which is located on its north side, at its beginning. According to tradition, the name given to the village of Imbros by two brothers Greeks who went to live there because they were evicted from Imbros, when it was ceded to the Turks.

For many years in the past, the Imbros Gorge was part of the route that linked the city of Chania with the Chora of Sfakion. Interesting fact is that during the Second World War, and after the defeat of the Greeks and their allies in the battle of Crete, thousands of British soldiers crossed the Imbros Gorge towards South Crete to reach Egypt.

Let us take you away from the hustle and bustle of resort life to a rugged and untamed part of Crete.

This fabulous gorge is located in the region of Sfakia. It is situated at the southern slopes of the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) from Aradena village at 750 meters to the small beach of Marmara (a beautiful little beach to the west of Loutro). The Aradena Gorge is one of the neighbors from the famous Samaria gorge. This gorge is for hikers that prefer a peaceful walk instead of being with a 2000 other walking fans in Samaria. Generally, the Aradena gorge is quite relaxed but is not for people without any walking experience. Many passages require a good deal of surefootedness, especially if you are walking downwards. Also, in the past the walk through the gorge used to be considered difficult because of a high passage in the upper part of the gorge which had to be negotiated with a rope. About 10 years ago a solid metal ladder (famous ladder of Aradena) was attached to the cliff instead of the rope, making the passage easy - as long as you do not suffer from fear of heights (it is about 10-12 meters high). Three years ago, a path was built which avoids the ladders and makes it a little bit more comfortable for people with fear of heights. But beware; although this new path has a handrail it is not appropriate if you suffer from vertigo. Near the end of the path the Aradaina bridge crossing the gorge. It is 138 meters high and the highest bridge for bungee jumping in Greece and the second highest in Europe.