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Agia Irini Gorge

Western Crete

Agia Irini Gorge, Crete (image by Ania Mendrek)

Agia Irini Gorge Φαράγγι Αγίας Ειρήνης in the south west of Crete is less crowded than the famous Samaria Gorge, and very beautiful.

Walking the Gorge

Agia Irini Gorge - the gorge is located 43 km from Chania town and can be easily reached by taxi, car or local bus.

The best times to walk are between the months of May to October.

The gorge starts at the village of Agia Irini in Selinou and is 7 km long. The extended walk of 12 km ends at Sougia, a blissful small coastal village on the southern side of Crete. This walk is worth it, just to arrive at Sougia, one of the cutest villages in Crete.

Rocks and boulders all around and the steep sides of the mountains dwarfed us walking along the rocky river bed. The plane trees, cyprus pines and maple trees contrasted with the pink flowers of the oleanders.

If it has rained the day or so before, be careful as you may need to walk through water to get through Agia Irini Gorge. There is good signage and there are rest stops along the way.

Depending on which time of year you walk here, it is a very peaceful walk, as there are no crowds. Be sure to take plenty of water. There is a café at the start of the walk. Allow a good 3 hours for the walk, which would allow for stops and delight in the scenery and photographing of nature. Experienced trekkers could do the walk in 2 hours, and return in 4.

Agia Irini Gorge - Flora & Fauna

A forested gorge in western Crete (image by xamogelo)

The rich fauna of the area to keep an eye out for include the threatened Bearded Vulture, the European Kestrel, the Partridge, the Golden Eagle, Bonelli’s Eagle, Griffin Vulture, doves and martins. Mammals include shrews, hedgehogs, weasels, martens and badgers, mice and bats.

The colourful flora of Crete can be seen in the gorge including trachea pine, Mediterranean cyprus and plane trees. Keep an eye out for Kermes Oaks.

Sougia

The wonderful day can expand in the afternoon when you arrive in Sougia. The Libyan sea stretches out in front, you can sit on the beach in the little cove and relax, maybe eat at a seaside taverna. Stay a while and stay peaceful at Sougia.

From Sougia it is a shorter walk to the ancient site of Lissos (below). This is the location of a temple of Asclepius, who was a healer of the ancient Greek world.

Healers built the famous healing sanctuary of Asclepius in Kos and the sanctuary at Epidaurus. Some stories say he was a God. He taught Hippocrates, who is now known as the father of medicine, hence the Hippocratic oath. Lissos has been excavated and many artefacts retreived, showing the trading power of the Cretans during the 3rd century BC.

The ancient site of Lissos sits on a remote bay in the south of Crete

You could choose to take the boat from Sougia to Palaiochora in the afternoon, however it is very nice to stay in Sougia and enjoy the pretty pebble beach and crisp clear waters.

Other small coastal villages can be reached by ferry, which runs along the south coast; Agia Roumeli, Loutro and Chora Sfakion.

Accommodation

Agia Irini Gorge - choose to stay in Chania town or in Sougia Village to visit this gorge. Our suggestions for lovely places to stay are below.

Fagotto Art Residences in the Old Town of Chania

Fagotto Art Residences - on Chania - stay within the walls of the old town in these character-filled rooms to absorb the history of this beautiful Venetian town. The town is only 43 km from the gorge. Stay in comfort and style for a reasonable price.

"Great small hotel. Beautiful historic building in excellent location. Kind and attentive staff. Breakfast was served at a cafe near to the apartment looking into the harbour and was a perfect start to the day."

Check Rates & Availability Fagotto Art Residences

Galini Studios - in Sougia - stay in the centre of the village. Pretty, clean, quiet rooms and a wonderful, friendly host at this family-run accommodation. Self-cater in the kitchenette or get tips for local tavernas.

“Living in Galini apartments was a very nice experience since the rooms were very pretty and bright, also the staff was very kind. I will definitely come next summer.”

Check Rates & Availability at Galini Studios

Take the afternoon ferry to Palaiochora and enjoy the many beaches, views to the White Mountains and the vibrant hubbub of this large village. Stay in the quiet and convenient location of the Aris Boutique Hotel, close to Selino Kastelli.

"A fabulous hotel in a great location with wonderful staff and we would definitely stay there again. The quiet location in Palaiochora with sea views but just an easy stroll to the centre and restaurants was ideal. The hotel is beautifully designed with contemporary artistic touches especially in the gardens and on the roof terrace. The reception and dining area open and spacious and very relaxing with sofas and reading area. The breakfast was delicious with a huge choice and we really enjoyed our breakfasts on the terrace. We were very happy with our Superior Double room with it’s sea view from the balcony, and the room was more spacious than we had expected with a good storage and ample wardrobe. The staff were wonderful - so welcoming and helpful."

Check Rates & Availability at Aris Boutique Hotel

Chania Town

If you do fly into Crete via Chania Airport, you may want to stay a while to enjoy the highlights of Chania Town, which include:

Old Town
Venetian Harbour
Venetian Lighthouse
Fort Finca
Maritime Museum
Archaeological Museum
Mosque of the Janissaries
Ancient Kydonia
Trimartiri Cathedral and Square
Pedestrian Shopping Streets
Cafes and Tavernas
Chania Food Market

Video of Agia Irini Gorge

See below videos of Ag. Irini Gorge in Crete

Agia Irini Gorge in the Lefka Ori (image by C Messier)

Maps

Getting a good walking map of the gorge and the surrounding area is a great idea and will enable you to navigate to the start of the walk, and plan your journey in safety.

See more here about maps.

We like the Anavasi maps and find them very useful for general touring and for hiking. Walkers will choose the 1:25,000 Anavasi maps to detail this countryside.