Gorges d'Irini

The Agia Irini Gorge is a beautiful and less crowded gorge located in the southwest part of the island of Crete. It is 7km long and usually takes up to 3 hours to walk. The gorge is part of the Nature 2000 area and the Ministry of Agriculture has designated it as a wildlife refuge. It is home to a variety of microenvironments which are refuge and habitat for many species of fauna, including the Cretan wild goat. The gorge is also of great historical significance, with rebels having their dens at the location of 'Polla Spitakia' during the Ottoman era, and 1000 women and children escaping from the Turks through this gorge in 1866. The trek is relatively easy, with plenty of marks and signs showing the remaining distance till the exit, and resting places with toilets, benches, and running water. The gorge is open almost all year round, but it is not advised to visit it on a rainy day. The walk is suitable for children, but proper shoes, such as sneakers or hiking boots, are recommended