There are countless gorges and ravines in Crete. A few of them are really famous, like Samaria Gorge. Though most of them are still unknown to most people, they are very interesting . Gorges are a great opportunity for some easier trekking, especially in summer; it's a lot easier to descend a gorge than ascend a mountain when the weather is warm. This is the reason why, all summer trekking tours of the Mountaineering Clubs of Crete are limited to descending a gorge and ending to the sea; it's the perfect combination of easy hiking and lots of swimming. On the other hand there are gorges which are really hard to cross and require special skills and equipment.

The gorge of Samaria is by far the most famous and the most crowded of all the gorges. There are plenty of organized tours available and it is also easy (if a little long) and safe to walk on your own. Every tourist visiting Crete is soon going to hear about Samaria Gorge. This is the longest gorge in Europe, its length being 18 km and is descending from Omalos Plateau at 1200m high, all the way down to sea-level to Agia Roumeli village. Flora and Fauna are at their best inside the National Park of Samaria gorge. There are unique species of animals and plants and they are all protected by law; in fact you are not allowed to remove anything from the gorge, not even cut a flower. Very famous is the Cretan wild goat ( Kri-Kri). You may meet some of them in the village of Samaria inside the gorge; sometimes a few of them come close to the last houses of the village. The trail along the gorge is very well-signed . There is drinkable water in many locations as well as public toilets. Samaria gorge is not an easy stroll. If you are not used in hiking and you don' t have any serious health problems you will walk it succesfully but be ready for sore legs for the next couple of days. A proper pair of shoes is essential as well as a hat. The most tiring part of the hike are the last 3 km when you exit the national park; it's noon or early afternoon (too hot) and there is no shadow. However there is a great beach in Agia Roumeli where you can cool-off before you take the ferry to Loutro, Hora Sfakion or Sougia and Paleochora. You may even stay in Agia Roumeli, as there are plenty of rooms and restaurants. Walking the whole distance will take 4 to 7 hr at a reasonable pace. However if you don' t feel fit enough then there is an easier approach: the "lazy" way. You start from Agia Roumeli and walk up to Sideroportes (Iron Gates) which is the most narrow part of the gorge; you almost touch both sides of the rock walls at the same time while these walls rise 1000 ft up. It still is a way to see a part of the gorge but it's a bit boring one as there is no interest in the first 3 km of the route. Samaria gorge is open from late April to October 31, depending on the weather conditions. It is not rare for it to be closed until May. The river inside the gorge may prove really dangerous if there is a heavy rain in spring or autumn (in 1993 a number of walkers were killed and washed out to the sea).

The Imbros gorge (ending near Hora Sfakion) can get crowded in the spring, before the Samaria gorge opens to the public when it is used as an alternative for organized tour. The path is easy to follow and the walk is short.

The gorge of Agia Irini which ends near Sougia, also has a few organized tours taking visitors there but no crowds. If you go on your own you will find that the path is well-maintained and easy to follow

The gorge of Aradena (not far from Loutro) is far less frequented and the walk is more difficult, with some steep passages.

The gorge of Tripiti is hardly frequented by anyone, and not without reason: it is a long, arduous walk starting just below the summit of Gingilos. The path is very difficult to find and there are numerous difficult passages. The gorge is almost as long as the Samaria gorge but not as narrow. It has a lot of very large trees. A guide is absolutely essential.

The gorge of Eligas runs very close to the East of the gorge of Samaria. It is just as unknown as Tripiti, although less dangerous and the path is somewhat easier to find. It is wild and full of amazing trees, high cliffs and great mountain views. It is a two days walk because the beginning of the gorge is at the foot of Pachnes and is at least 5 hours walk from the nearest road. A guide is essential.

The gorge of Klados (west of the Samaria gorge) is probably the most difficult gorge in the White Mountains and can only be crossed by climbers.

The Imbros Gorge that begins at the plain of Imbros and ends at the Libyan Sea beside Hora Sfakion.

The Kotsifou Gorge at Kotsifos area is only a few kilometres from Plakias in the prefecture of Rethimnon.

The Kourtaliotiko Gorge is only a few kilometres from Plakias in the prefecture of Rethimnon.

Agia Irini gorge in the western part of Crete.

Kilada ton Nekron (Valley of Death) gorge, named because of the Minoan graves found there.

The Ha Gorge, a hard accessible narrow gorge.

Polyrinia Gorge, from Sirikari to the ancient acropolis of Polyrinia; a great walk, 2 hours long.

Lissos gorge, 1 hr walk from Souyia to the nearby ancient town of Lissos.

Preveli Gorge, is a great place to see. There is a great beach and a river which forms the gorge. The banks of the river are full of palm-trees. It's much preferable to ascend from the beach, following the stream; there is always the opportunity of a refreshing swim in the small pools formed by the river.

Patsos gorge, another swimming & trekking experience. 3 hrs from Patsos village.

Myloi gorge, an easy 1 hr walk from Hromonastiri village to Xiro Horio village. Inside the gorge there is an abandoned village with many traditional houses. There is also a cafe` that is open in Spring, Summer and Autumn. It serves lunch too.

Rouvas gorge, in the southern flank of Psiloritis (Idi Mountain).

Voriziano gorge, from Nida Plateau to Vorizia village.