Greece - Crete, Kourtaliotiko Gorge

The Kourtaliotiko Gorge (Κουρταλιώτικο Φαράγγι) is considered being one of the most beautiful gorges in Crete. It follows the Kourtaliotiko River flowing southwards between the mountains of Kouroupa (984 m) and Xiron (904 m).

Coming from the north the gorge starts nearby the village of Koxare winding almost three kilometers among bare vertical cliffs, which reach a height of hundreds of meters. The elevation difference between the entrance point and the outlet is hundred and fifty metres.

The Kourtaliotiko Gorge is named after the clapping sounds which can be heard when a strong wind is beating against the rocks of the gorge. These sounds are called “kourtala” in the local dialect

PiP1: the entrance of the gorge seen from the road below the village of Frati.
PiP2: Agios Nikolaos, about halfway the gorge steps are leading to this picturesque chapel