Patsos Gorge

Patsos Gorge

  • Location30 km from Heraklion
  • Length5 km, with an estimated walking time of 1 hour
  • TrailEasy and accessible year-round, with dense vegetation and a river that flows continuously
  • AttractionsChapel of Saint Anthony (in a cave)
  • FacilitiesPicnic areas, birdwatching spots, well-organized paths
  • FloraGiant plane trees, Solenopsis Minuta, Verbascum Arcturus

Patsos Gorge, one of the most beautiful and easily accessible gorges in Crete, is located about 3 km north of the village of Patsos in the Amari region and approximately 30 km from Heraklion, making it an ideal destination for day trips. The gorge is about 5 km long, with an estimated walking time of one hour.

Distinctive features of the gorge include its lush vegetation and the river that flows year-round, eventually leading to the Potamon Dam. Within the gorge, visitors will encounter giant plane trees, the tiny Solenopsis Minuta, and the endemic Verbascum Arcturus, which contribute to the unique biodiversity of the area.

The gorge is well-organized for visitors, offering birdwatching spots, picnic areas, and well-maintained paths. The Chapel of Saint Anthony, built inside a cave, is a significant pilgrimage site, while in antiquity, the same location was dedicated to the worship of Hermes.