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Imbros Gorge is the second most popular gorge in Crete with its narrow passages and incredible scenery and visit the tranquil coastal town of Loutro.
Book NowThis breath-taking gorge is 8km long and takes around 2.5 hours to complete. Due to its easy terrain it is also suitable for children and makes a perfect trip out, finishing your day in the small secluded bay of Loutro in the south of Crete. Our tour will take you on a journey of discovery but also to the tranquil and picturesque coastal town of Loutro where you can relax on the beach or dine in this peaceful location.
Imbros Gorge takes its name from the village at its origin, 55km from Chania City Centre and marks part of the passage created from Chania (in the north) to Sfakia (in the south). This narrow gorge is lined with amazing flowers, cypresses, oak trees and several caves that mark its steep walls. It is this gorge where the early Christians of Crete held out against the Ottoman conquerors and you if you look closely into the walls you will see traces of the old pavers.
At the narrowest part of this gorge it measures only 1.6m wide and a height of over 300m. After this mesmerising part of the gorge, you will find a Venetian water cistern to refill your water and to take a short rest as it opens up to a larger area. Shortly after this, the gorge ends with a breath-taking landmark known as the arch of Xepitira.
After exiting the gorge, you will find the small village of Komitades where your driver will pick you up and take you to the port of Skafia, taking a short boat ride to the stunning bay of Loutro. It is here you will have time to enjoy the picturesque beach and plentiful tavernas before ending your adventure and heading back to the boat.
Departure
Your Hotel/ Accomodation
Departure Time
Between 8:00 am to 9:00 am
Return Time
Approximately 6:00 pm
Included
Excluded
Imbros Gorge is one of Crete’s most stunning and dramatic gorges. Its 8km trail with easy terrain that is suitable for children and families to enjoy the wild nature and beautiful rock formations Imbros has to offer.
Imbros Gorge is part of the E4 European hiking trail so it sees many visitors each year but this stunning ravine never feels crowded due to the awe-inspiring landscapes you see along the way. To walk this gorge from start to finish it will take you around 2-3 hours. Many people are attracted to Imbros because of its historic heritage and it has become something of a pilgrimage by many Australians, New Zealanders and British who want to pay homage to their parents and grandparents serving in the Second World War. This was the path in which 13,000 Allied troops took under the German Occupation of Crete as they fled to ships sailing for Egypt in 1941.
Within the gorge there are many milestones marked with different names; “Airplane” is where a German plane crashed within the ravine (this plane can now be seen in the war museum at Askyfou); “Stenada” is where the gorge is only 1.6m wide with an impressive height of over 300m tall; and finally the most famous of this gorge is “The Arch of Xepitira” where buried into the rock is this remarkable arch where the gorge ends.
After completing your adventure through Imbros Gorge, we will continue our journey to the small port of Sfakia to take a boat to the beautiful secluded bay of Loutro. Its here you will have time to enjoy the tranquillity and/or local food from the many tavernas and experience the incredible hospitality of the Cretan people.
Loutro is a small picturesque fishing village on the south coast of Crete. Loutro took its name from the Greek word for “Bath” due to the many ancient baths found in the area. It was once known as the ancient city of Phoenix and was the ancient port of Anopolis. Its enclosed bay creates a small natural harbour and the small island at the entrance creates protection from bad weather. This idyllic coastal town is a MUST-SEE on the south coast of Crete and is only accessible by hiking or by sea.
Today the village of Loutro is a great attraction for tourists and locals alike. Loutro has become a peaceful escape for Cretans that want to escape the noise of some of the busy cities and take in the peace and tranquility of this beautiful coastal village. Loutro is very much still undiscovered by mass tourism and this makes it an even more special place to visit and discover for yourself.
The village has 2 beaches, both of which are pebbly and well-organised. The warm, crystal-clear waters are the perfect place to kick of your shoes and relax for a few hours in the unspoilt nature and picture-perfect scenery. Loutro is somewhere that is guaranteed to capture your heart and make you want to return time and time again.
Price per group (1-3): 270
Price per group (4-6): 310
Price per group (7-9): 340
Entrance fee for gorge 2,5€ adults, free for kids till 10years old
Boat ticket to loutro and return 12€ adults, and 6€ for kids
Remember to bring‼️ Sun Cream, Sunglasses and Hat, Long-Sleeved Shirt for Sensitive skin, Good hiking shoes, Bottle of water and Light Snacks (fruits, etc.), Swim Suit and a Beach Towel.
Upon request, we can arrange your lunch break for you and suggest a traditional “taverna” nearby, in order to experience the traditional Cretan cuisine
Upon request, changes to the itinerary may be made providing mileage and time limits are not exceeded.
