Kourtaliotiko gorge

It comprises one of the most beautiful and rare gorges of Crete. Known for the "kourtala", from which it was named after, the Kourtialiotiko gorge is 2.5 km long and its vertical ravines reach up to 300 meters in height at some points. In specific parts of the gorge, approximately 20 meters from the north entrance, sounds like clapping are heard; the so-called "kourtala" in the Cretan dialect. Due to the fact that the gorge is formed by limestone, there are many small caves through its length where the rustle of the wind passing through the stone openings creates this illusion of sound. The gorge is a "natural nest" for several birds and reptiles of different species, making it particularly significant for its flora. Do not forget to discover the small chapel in the middle of the route on the western side of the gorge, which is hidden in one of these numerous caves.