01/08/2024
Imbros Gorge passes through the White Mountains in the region of Sfakia in the south of Crete and is the second most popular gorge after Samaria. The walking route is 7-8 km, and on the way there are narrow places where the mountains converge at a distance of 2 meters from each other, soaring up to 300 meters. The gorge ends with a spectacular arched passage. The nature of the gorge has remained untouched, and the local flora is striking in its diversity. Moreover, as you descend, nature gradually changes, and centuries-old pines and cypresses with oaks in the upper part of the gorge are replaced by rare shrubs and rocky landscapes closer to the exit. Also wild goats Kri-Kri live in the gorge.
It is worth noting that until the 60s, the Imbros Gorge was the only road that connected the villages of the Sfakia region with the northern part of the island of Crete. And only in the 60s a highway was laid, running parallel to the gorge, thanks to which the southern coast of Crete and the entire region of Sfakia became more accessible. The road meanders in a dangerous serpentine and requires the utmost attention from drivers. On the road itself there are several viewing platforms from which you can appreciate the greatness of the Imbros Gorge from above. There is even a car route through the gorge with stops at viewing platforms.
But in order to fully experience all the grandeur and beauty of the Imbros Gorge, you need to walk through it. Moreover, the gorge is not difficult enough to pass, and tourists visit it even with children. On average, the transition time is 2-3 hours. The gorge begins south of the village of Imbros at an altitude of 780 m. The first third of the path is a descent surrounded by the stunning nature of the gorge. And closer to the middle of the path, the mountains converge so much that you can reach from one rock to another with your hands. In this place, it is enough to look up to understand how severe and at the same time beautiful Imbros Gorge. And almost at the end of the gorge, you can walk along a stone arch in the rock, while experiencing unforgettable feelings. The walking route ends in the area of the village of Komitades, where the road connecting Hora Sfakion with Plakias passes. The gorge itself stretches further to the Libyan Sea, so its total length is 11 km.
You can visit Imbros.
1.By booking an organized tour.
2. On a rented car. There is an organized parking near the entrance to the gorge, and at the exit, in the village of Komitades, they offer taxi services to the parking lot of your car.
3. By bus Ktel Chania-Chora Sfakion (change from Rethymnon to Vrisses).
Be sure to bring water with you. In Imbros, unlike Samaria, there are no sources of drinking water.
The greatness of the rocks
the narrowest passage
famous arch