Aradena Gorge

One of the canyons recommended by Lotos Luxury Apartments and one of the most famous in Crete, is the Aradena Gorge.

It is an ideal destination for relatively gentle hiking between steep cliffs and with the Libyan Sea as a background. The fauna of the area is similar to that of larger gorges in the area, such as Samaria, and includes vultures and other rare birds, while the lucky ones may also encounter goats.

The most suitable season for excursions is spring, when the temperature is tolerable and the canyon is full of colors thanks to the wild flowers, which grow in the most unlikely places.

The most common entrance to the Aradena Gorge is near Anopolis Sfakion, in the ruined village of Aradena, after the bridge of Ag. Ioannis.
At the point where a metal bridge joins the two ends of the canyon, the path to its bed begins.

In the middle of the metal bridge of Aradena, 138 meters high, there is also a platform where bunjee jumping takes place.
It is the highest bungy jumping bridge in Greece and the second in Europe.

The length of the Aradena Gorge, from this point to the Marmara beach, is 7 kilometers and for the descent you will need about 2.5 hours. The path is clean and well maintained. But at some point, after a big landslide, a huge natural barrier has been created of big stones, about 10 meters high. Here we have two options. Either continue down the metal ladders set into the rocks, or follow the path to our right, which descends avoiding the slide and brings us back to the canyon floor safely.
Avoid going down the stairs after rain.

From the exit of the Aradena Gorge, the Marmara beach, the easiest way to leave is to take the boat to Loutro and from there the boat to Chora Sfakion.
But you can continue via the E4 path (3 kilometers, about one hour), to Loutro passing by the beautiful beaches of Lykos and Finikas and from there take the boat to Chora Sfakion.

DIRECTIONS - MAP