Gorge d'Aradena

The Gorge d'Aradena is a deep and scenic gorge located in the region of Sfakia, Crete. It is one of the most interesting gorges in western Crete and offers a unique hiking experience. The gorge is 15km long and starts from the southern slopes of the White Mountains, forming a deep cut to the small beach of Marmara. The village of Aradena, which was abandoned in the 1950s, is located at the middle of the gorge and is worth visiting for its traditional Cretan architecture. The gorge is rich in chasmophyte flowers, many of which are endemic to Crete and some are quite rare. Several pairs of griffon vultures nest in the cliffs of the gorge, and visitors can often see them flying above. A spectacular iron bridge spans the gorge, offering breathtaking views and a platform for bungee jumping. The gorge is suitable for hiking, but it requires a good deal of sure-footedness and a head for heights, making it more challenging than some of the better-known gorges in Crete