Gorge Kourtaliotiko is one of the most beautiful gorges of Crete, hiding many surprises. We will go down to its bottom with a gravel road and steps. For a short while we will wade the Megalopotamos River to reach the picturesque alley, where the water seeps over the green-covered rocks. Here we will prepare a small Cretan snack for you. You can stay here and enjoy the beauty of this place. But if you like challenges and you’re not afraid of icy water, you can enter between the vertical walls of the ravine to reach the main cascade after a few dozen meters – a waterfall about 40 meters high. It is a magical place, vibrant with the energy of nature. Here you will feel the strength and beauty of the water element. Even in the peak season few people reach this place. Near the waterfall you will find a charming corner with the church of St. Nicholas and a stone bridge where you can admire the waterfall from above.

We leave the gorge by the same route, admiring the stories about the legends and nature of this unique place.

ATTENTION

Do you have to be able to swim?

  • yes, to reach the great cascade.
  • otherwise it is not neccessary

  • spectacular waterfall on the Megalopotamos River
  • charming water cascades
  • church of Saint. Nicholas

About 2 hours, with breaks for bath and rest

About 2,5km

  • about 230m
  • surplus on going down and leaving the ravine

Slippery and uneven stones on a short stretch of the river bottom, steps, gravel road

Average

11 AM

Spili, the main square, under the fountains (access by own means of transport)

Spili is a traditional Cretan village, located on the route Rethymno – Agia Galini. Coming from Rethymno, on the right side of Spili there is a large parking lot, where you can leave your car.

The central point of Spili is a square with cafes, an old plane tree and lion-shaped fountains. There we meet and then we drive cars to the place above the gorge Kourtaliotiko, where we park cars (direction Plakias). We drive about 20 minutes.

Spili distances from:

  • Rethymno: 34min (27km)
  • Plakias: 29min (21km)
  • Agia Galini: 29min (25km)
  • Chania: 1h 18min (86km)
  • Heraklion: 1h 32min (107km)
  • water
  • beach accessories (towel, swimming trunks, sunblock)
  • lunch (there are no taverns on the way)
  • comfortable shoes for walking on the path and in the water, trekking sandals will be the best. There may also be sneakers, but you will need to wet them. Excluded flip flops, crocs or shoes to the sea.
  • a comfortable outfit that can be wet and dries quickly, for example, running shorts
  • a hat
  • sunglasses
  • waterproof case for the phone, camera – if you want to swim to the waterfall