The Gorge of Aradena: Address, The Gorge of Aradena Reviews: 4.5/5
The Gorge of Aradena
The Gorge of Aradena
4.5
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Top ways to experience The Gorge of Aradena and nearby attractions
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
17 within 3 miles
Anopoli Tavern
211
1.3 mi$ • Mediterranean • Greek • Vegetarian Friendly
Platanos
255
1.4 mi$ • Mediterranean • Greek • Vegetarian Friendly
Sfakianos Fournos
16
1.4 mi$ • Bakeries • Greek
Stratis
276
1.8 mi$$ - $$$ • Mediterranean • Barbecue • Greek
The Small Paradise Nikos Restaurant
41
1.6 mi$ • Mediterranean • Greek
Ilios Hotel & Restaurant
451
1.8 mi$$ - $$$ • Seafood • Mediterranean • Greek
Pavlos Restaurant
171
1.8 mi$$ - $$$ • Seafood • European • Albanian
Notos Restaurant & Rooms
202
1.8 mi$$ - $$$ • Seafood • Mediterranean • Greek
Blue House Restaurant
250
1.9 mi$ • Seafood • Mediterranean • Greek
Keramos
67
1.8 mi$ • Bar • Cafe • Mediterranean
Attractions
10 within 6 miles
Marmara Beach
281
1.8 miBeaches
Glika Nera Beach
186
2.9 miBeaches
Glyka Nera Beach
148
2.9 miBeaches
Imbros Gorge
814
Historic Walking Areas • Geologic Formations
Votana Sfakion
2
1.4 miFarms
Ilingas Beach
63
Beaches
Ekklisia tis Panagias
1
2.4 miReligious Sites
ANENDYK
107
Ferries
Παραλία Λύκος
1
Beaches
Paralia Ilingas
Beaches
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
207 reviews
Excellent
167
Very good
32
Average
4
Poor
2
Terrible
2
ACM007
Sligo, Ireland2 contributions
Couples
Walked from Loutro up the mountainside (escorted by Griffin vultures) via Anopolis to Aradena Gorge. Spectacular with only the goats for company. Lots of fun with metal ladders and stone slopes to clamber over. Much better and quieter than Imbros. Recommended for younger, fitter walkers.
Written June 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jiri56
Brno, Czech Republic2 contributions
I spent in Greece 1 month and visited many areas from Bulgarian border to Crete. However, one of the most interesting places in Crete and perhaps during the whole trip was the area around Anopoli, namely the Aradena Gorge and southern slope of the Lefka Ori Mountains. I visited 3 other well-known gorges in Crete: Kourtaliotiko, Kotsifou and Imbros, but they cannot match Aradena. Apart from Aradena’s extraordinary scenic beauty and rather adventurous walk, there are also some rare animals and plants there which I could not see in other parts of Greece. Another highlight was trekking in Lefka Ori to Pachnes, the second highest peak in Crete which is in walking distance from Anopoli. Last but not least, I found incredibly hospitable people in Anopoli Rooms and Tavern.
Written March 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dingens25
19 contributions
Solo
So, I won't add much about how awesome this hike is. If you want to do a gorge hike on Crete, and following the hundreds of bus tour tourists through Samaria is not your idea of a great time, go here - it's absolutely stunning, and you get it mostly for yourself.
Instead, as I was a bit lost when looking for info about this, I'll describe my itinerary for a day trip from Chania through the gorge to the beach and back to Chania. Please mind that this review was written for June 2019, so double check departure times yourself.
1) Bus ride Chania - Chora Sfakion
There's a morning bus leaving Chania at 8:15 am. Be at the main bus station by around 8 to buy a ticket at the counter. The bus ride takes you about 1:40h and was a little over 8€.
2) From Chora Sfakion to Aradena
There's one bus going up to the deserted village where the hike starts, but that leaves at 9, so no public transport for you. I took a Taxi (fixed price, 30€). There is a counter of the taxi company in the supermarket on the harbor promenade (sign outside). I've been told hitchhiking works as well, but didn't want to gamble due to time constraints.
3) The hike through Aradena Gorge
Bring enough water (>2l per person) and proper hiking boots. It's a hike, not a walk. You occasionally need to use your hands, and should be sure-footed and not afraid of heights. Trust the arrows and signs, even if they seem misleading at first. As it's still reasonably early (around 10:30) when you start, there's still some shadow in the gorge and the heat isn't too bad. Plan 2-3 hours depending on how fast you are and how much time you spend taking pictures and admiring the views.
4) Marmara Beach
The hike ends at the lovely pebble beach of Marmara. There's a tavern with a marvelous view over the bay with great food and drinks for very reasonable prices. Fuel up, go for a swim, relax for a bit.
5) Marmara Beach to Chora Sfakion
Now you have two options. There's a taxi boat leaving Marmara Beach at 5 pm going to Loutro. I am relatively sure that if you take that one, then the next ferry from Loutro to Chora Sfakion you should be able to reach the last bus back to Chania, but that was too risky for me. Instead, I followed the E4 hike (yellow and black markings) along the coast line back to Loutro, which took me a little over an hour and was pretty exhausting in the afternoon sun. I left at around 3 pm. The treck starts right at the beach of Marmara and is occasionally not very well marked. Loutro is a cute small coastal village, but nothing special. From Loutro there are frequent ferries going to Chora Sfakion, including one at 5 pm, which I took. The ticket was around 6€, and the boat ride took maybe 20 minutes.
6) Chora Sfakion back to Chania
The bus leaves at 6:30 (some schedules say 6:15), after some ferry that comes along the coast arrives. In my case it was delayed by about half an hour, so don't trust on this one if you have to catch a late flight out of Chania. You're back in Chania at 8:30 to 9 pm. Again around 8€.
All in all I spent around 50€ on transportation, plus food and drinks, and was on the road for about 13 hours. If you are in Chania and don't plan to stay a night on the southern coast, this is definitely a way to enjoy a fantastic gorge hike with some relaxing time at a beach. I hope this write-up helps a few people.
Instead, as I was a bit lost when looking for info about this, I'll describe my itinerary for a day trip from Chania through the gorge to the beach and back to Chania. Please mind that this review was written for June 2019, so double check departure times yourself.
1) Bus ride Chania - Chora Sfakion
There's a morning bus leaving Chania at 8:15 am. Be at the main bus station by around 8 to buy a ticket at the counter. The bus ride takes you about 1:40h and was a little over 8€.
2) From Chora Sfakion to Aradena
There's one bus going up to the deserted village where the hike starts, but that leaves at 9, so no public transport for you. I took a Taxi (fixed price, 30€). There is a counter of the taxi company in the supermarket on the harbor promenade (sign outside). I've been told hitchhiking works as well, but didn't want to gamble due to time constraints.
3) The hike through Aradena Gorge
Bring enough water (>2l per person) and proper hiking boots. It's a hike, not a walk. You occasionally need to use your hands, and should be sure-footed and not afraid of heights. Trust the arrows and signs, even if they seem misleading at first. As it's still reasonably early (around 10:30) when you start, there's still some shadow in the gorge and the heat isn't too bad. Plan 2-3 hours depending on how fast you are and how much time you spend taking pictures and admiring the views.
4) Marmara Beach
The hike ends at the lovely pebble beach of Marmara. There's a tavern with a marvelous view over the bay with great food and drinks for very reasonable prices. Fuel up, go for a swim, relax for a bit.
5) Marmara Beach to Chora Sfakion
Now you have two options. There's a taxi boat leaving Marmara Beach at 5 pm going to Loutro. I am relatively sure that if you take that one, then the next ferry from Loutro to Chora Sfakion you should be able to reach the last bus back to Chania, but that was too risky for me. Instead, I followed the E4 hike (yellow and black markings) along the coast line back to Loutro, which took me a little over an hour and was pretty exhausting in the afternoon sun. I left at around 3 pm. The treck starts right at the beach of Marmara and is occasionally not very well marked. Loutro is a cute small coastal village, but nothing special. From Loutro there are frequent ferries going to Chora Sfakion, including one at 5 pm, which I took. The ticket was around 6€, and the boat ride took maybe 20 minutes.
6) Chora Sfakion back to Chania
The bus leaves at 6:30 (some schedules say 6:15), after some ferry that comes along the coast arrives. In my case it was delayed by about half an hour, so don't trust on this one if you have to catch a late flight out of Chania. You're back in Chania at 8:30 to 9 pm. Again around 8€.
All in all I spent around 50€ on transportation, plus food and drinks, and was on the road for about 13 hours. If you are in Chania and don't plan to stay a night on the southern coast, this is definitely a way to enjoy a fantastic gorge hike with some relaxing time at a beach. I hope this write-up helps a few people.
Written July 3, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LN1946
Varde, Denmark7,960 contributions
Couples
We took in car the road from Chora Sfakia uphill the naked mountain with a fantastic view, and then through Anopoli to Aradena, where a fairly new bridge is made across the gorge to a little church, few houses and many ruins in the old village Aradena.
You can take a difficult path to the bottom of of the gorge.
We didn't, but we had an outstanding experience.
You can take a difficult path to the bottom of of the gorge.
We didn't, but we had an outstanding experience.
Written July 29, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Peter B
Manchester, UK32 contributions
Couples
The Aradena gorge is a must! I had first thought that we would do the Samaria Gorge but when travelling to Crete I had the thought - let's ask the locals, they might say Yes the Samaria is the longest but the XXXXXX Gorge is better!!! ....Well the XXXXX Garge is the Aradena!!! Beautiful as you go down and not as much travelling to or from the Gorge so it's less tiring. But the Gorge has a red and green route - both the same except for a short distance after the Aradena bridge on the descent. I've done both and much prefer the red route. It's not really that difficult - it's more of a mental challenge if heights bother you!!!
Written July 9, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lars K
Aalborg, Denmark27 contributions
Couples
Lack of research, bad maps and bad tips from the locals lead me up the E4 path from Loutro (when we finally found out it was kind of too late to turn around), not the gorge - fine walk, but after going to the gorge afterwards to see it from the bridge I felt really bad that I didn't have the time and energy for a trip down. Took the boat from Hora Sfakion to Loutro (5€ per person) and the owner of a local taverna gave a lift from Anapolis to Hora Sfakion for 25€'s - a bit steep but no taxis were in sight. There's free parking in the upper part of Hora Sfakion but the lower is 3€.
Written July 17, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Zinzanfamily
101 contributions
Friends
Brilliant alternative to busy Samaria (we did this the following day). Parked in Hora Sfakion 0700 Hours and tried to find a taxi to take us to Aradena - no luck. Too early for Greek taxi drivers! Undeterred we caught a water taxi to Marmara beach for €30 and started at the bottom of the gorge instead. A great gentle 3 1/2 hour walk with lots of photo stops on the way. Saw about 5 other people the whole time. Great ladder climb with a path for those who don't like ladders. There is a bit of a steep trek out of the gorge by Aradena bridge but if you are reasonably fit is is ok. There is nothing once you get to the top. We started walking along the road hoping to hitch a lift when a mercedes taxi drove past and for €10 gave us a lift back to Hora Sfakion. Once you get there I would highly recommend "Despina's Cafe" by the harbour. Amazing homemade cakes. The only concern we had when we planned the trip was how we would get back to Hora but it worked out for us. There are a few cars about and I really don't think hitching a lift would be a problem. I would however recommend an early start to avoid the sun.
Written June 4, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
sophie_rc
Chania, Greece23 contributions
Friends
Aradena gorge is spectacular, far less people walking it than the Samaria gorge, it's a bit tricky at the beginning or at the end of the summer, especially after rain there are often rocks falling.. so be careful! A stunning gorge with amazing cliff and some 'sporty' parts (sliding down rocks etc). Marmara (or Dialiskari) beach at the mouth of the gorge is a wonderful place, the water is always refreshing and the cafe offers delicious light meals ('mezze') and coffees - it's a must!
Written May 7, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
asamasa29
Turku, Finland4 contributions
Couples
We did roundtrip by feet: Loutro, Anopoli, Aradena, Marmara, Loutro. Took total 7,5 hours with chill pace and 45min lunch break. Loutro-Anopoli 2h, Aradena gorge 2,5h. Lunch @ Platanos in Anopoli centre 5 stars. Gorge was magnificent with tall walls, variable nature and mountain goats here and there. In the upper/mid part of the gorge there is one section where you have to take the stairs by the side instead of the hazardous bottom with a ladder.
Written April 29, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Andrew T
Copenhagen, Denmark16 contributions
Friends
Aradena Gorge is a spectacular gorge that combines the beauty and the calmness. The only problem is to find a way to get there all other are just perfect ! Its about 3 hour walk with some stops and leads directly to Marmara beach. There you can enjoy a nice swim at the crystal blue waters of Marmara beach and get something to drink and eat.
Written June 12, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Did anyone tried to hike in one day from Ardena bridge - marmara- Loutro- Sfakia- up to Imbrose gorge?
Is it possible?
Jiri56
Brno, Czech Republic2 contributions
Hi, I did not hike the suggested route, I only hiked from Anopoli village to the bridge, down to Marmara through Aradena gorge and then I returned to Anopoli using the path rising up the slope and crossing the plateau east of the gorge. The route that you suggest is perhaps possible for somebody who is perfectly fit, strong and experienced, but I don't know how difficult or time consuming is the part between Marmara and Sfakia. Walking up Imbros is much easier than walking down Aradena Gorge, I think.
Sebastian S
Warsaw, Poland10 contributions
If I go there with rental car what is the best way to get back? :)
Is there a bus going from chora sfakion to aradena? I konw that there was but i would like to know if it's still going there.
Lindac
Crete, Greece9 contributions
Ju! Usually there is! But this summer i dont know, i didnt see one when i was thete last week. Check the local bus company ktel.
Good luck!
111MCH111
Breda, The Netherlands93 contributions
How is the condition of the bridges in this Gorge? The 2019 winter rain did a lot of damage:
End of Apr 2019 both Mili (challenge) and Patsos (block) Gorges were an adventure because of missing bridge parts.
Opinel
London, UK37 contributions
I have just returned from walking this gorge from the road bridge to the sea. The road bridge is undamaged. There are no bridges within the gorge. However, some erosion damage was evident to the south end of the railed higher-level path which was created to bypass the rope-and-two-ladders section. There may be more damage to other parts of the higher-level path - I used the rope and ladders - so it may now be the less safe choice. The top, handrail part of one of the ladders has been crushed flat, presumably by boulders, and needs care therefore. Other than that, the main effect of the hard winter seems to have been to bring down a number of old tyres. I hope that this helps.
Tolijezya
Pornichet, France1 contribution
bonjour je voudrais savoir si mi octobre / fin octobre il y a toujours des bus de Chora station vers aradena ainsi que des bateau de Marmara vers Chora?
merci
SchwendiJC
Strasbourg, France108 contributions
Bonjour
Il y a un bus tous les jours qui monte de Chora à Anopoli et qui en redescend le lendemain matin. D’Anopoli à Aradena il faut aller à pied
Et on trouve toujours des bateaux qui font la navette Chora-Marmara-Chora
Michelle M
New York17 contributions
There is a group of 6 of us looking to hike the gorge. We were planning on parking in Chora Sfakion. Any idea where a good place to park is? Where would we catch a taxi to the start of the gorge? What would be the cost? How can we catch a water taxi directly from Marmara Beach to Chora Sfakion? What would be the cost? How do we get from the water back to our car? I've found very limited information on these things as most people are staying in Loutro and simply hiking from there. We are limited on time to wait for the boat to Loutro and then to Chora Sfakion, hence the water taxi request. Thank you!
Andrea
Nicosia, Cyprus61 contributions
Hi. Sorry i cannot answer this because we actually did not plan anything. We just found somwhere to park and then hiked and hiked and once there, someone called a water taxi for us to get back. We payed 6 euros each but it was for a group of 20 people.
Taxi boat: it wont let me send you the link but try notosmare
As far as I remember there are more taxi boats than just this one.
Have fun and carefull of the heat!
Louise A
Crete, Greece7 contributions
I’d like to ask those who know more about the gorge itself, for example, is it worth starting at the top down towards the sea.
Also whether it’s a great distance from marmaras beach at the bottom to Loutro. Another how many km?
Louise A
Crete, Greece7 contributions
Are there guides in case assistance is needed like samaria
AnneGonthier
Vevey, Switzerland
J'organise un voyage en Crète pour mes étudiants âgés de 17 à 19 ans. J'ai déjà traversé les gorges de Samarie il y a deux ans, mais je ne connais pas Aradena. Pensez-vous que je puisse y emmener mes étudiants, ou y a-t-il des passages obligatoires qui sont trop risqués? Et en quoi constituent les risques?
Merci d'avance de vos réponses.
Anne Gonthier, Vevey, Suisse
Isabelle K
Beziers, France6 contributions
bonjour je pars en crète au mois de mars, je vais laisser mes enfants au pont pour le départ et je voudrais savoir quel moyen vont ils avoir pour me rejoindre au terme de la rando ou bien où puis je me rendre en voiture pour les récupérer ? je vous remercie
Andy312014
Connah's Quay, UK3 contributions
I am planning to park up in Chora Sfakia and walking the E4 trail to Marmara. From there I plan to ascend Aradena then walk back down the road to Finix and Loutro and catching the ferry back to Chora Sfakia from there. Has anyone done this route and, if so, do you have any advice?
Marius Z
Vilnius, Lithuania326 contributions
Very important not to miss the ferry from Loutro,
as well as a sufficient amount of potable water and
comfortable hiking shoes (sneakers are not very ...)
Frequently Asked Questions about The Gorge of Aradena
- We recommend booking The Gorge of Aradena tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 The Gorge of Aradena tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near The Gorge of Aradena:
- (1.31 mi) Anopoli Rooms
- (5.19 mi) Vritomartis Naturist Resort
- (1.87 mi) Hotel Porto Loutro
- (2.54 mi) Guesthouse Alonia
- (1.94 mi) Daskalogiannis Hotel
- Restaurants near The Gorge of Aradena:
- (1.31 mi) Anopoli Tavern
- (1.37 mi) Platanos
- (1.82 mi) Stratis
- (4.41 mi) Despina
- (1.85 mi) Ilios Hotel & Restaurant