Knosano gorge

Knosano gorge

The Knosano gorge from where the E4 European Path starts is the natural continuation of the Holly Moutain, Giouchtas, in Ano Archanes.
The gorge starts from the foot of the mountain, in the south of Archanes, and passes through the settlement and Kato Milos, from where the Silamiano gorge starts. It also goes through Miristis and the water bridge of Agia Eirini in Spilia and ends up near Knosos.
The Silamiano gorge can be passed by car. If you go through it, you will be surrounded by huge planes and carved rocks.
Following Knosano gorge, you meet the beautiful Karidakiani water bridge and the desolated church of Panagia Kardiotisa next to it.
The gorge passes also through Paradeisos and was included in the Natura 2000.
There is rich plantation in the gorge (planes, willows, etc). The variety of the fauna is small because of the shade but there are 11 indigenous species, two of which are rare and 9 are typical in Crete. There are also many vertebrate species, 44 bird species and 7 mammal species.
In order to go through the Knosano gorge, it needs only a good mood as it is not inaccessible and no special equipments or experience are required.

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