Wandering at wild west Crete – Aradena Gorge
The gorge of Aradena is located in the region of Sfakia, near Anopolis. It begins high from the White Mountains and ends at the small beach of Marmara. It is one of the most beautiful gorge walks in Western Crete and not as crowded as Samaria. The walk from Aradena village to Marmara beach isn’t very long, (about 3.5 hrs) but some walking experience is recommended due to the path at certain parts.
Before we enter the gorge, we will visit the village of Aradena which was abandoned in the 1950s because of a vendetta and have a close look at some traditional Cretan architecture. Until 1986 the village had no connection by road. At that time a spectacular Bailey bridge was constructed that spans the deep ravine. It is the tallest bridge in Greece for bungee jumping. Before the bridge was constructed, the connection of Aradena was possible by an old stone path (traditional kalderimia), and from this kalderimia we will begin our trek. Aradena and generally Sfakia are full of kalderimia due to the difficulty of making roads at such mountainous areas.
After we pass the kalderimia, we descend to the riverbed where we will have the opportunity to observe the cliff dwelling flowers and if we get lucky, observe griffon vultures that nest in the cliffs of the gorge.
Further down we end up at Marmara beach, an amazing small pebbly beach shaped at the exit of the Aradena Gorge. Marmara in Greek means “marbles” and is named after the petrification of the place that forms spectacular sea caves. There is one small tavern near the beach, where we can have a cold beer or refreshment.
After we have our swim at Marmara, we head for Loutro, a small fishing village east from Marmara beach (about 1.50 hr). Here simplicity rules. The access to Loutro is only by boat or on foot so we can enjoy our coffee or meal away from the noise of the cars. Loutro also has a beautiful pebbly beach for those who still have the energy.
The program of the tour is as follows:
* Departure from Rethymno at 7:00
* Arrival at Sfakia at 8:30
* We take the bus to Aradena at 9.00
* Arrival at 9:30 in Aradena, where we are touring the abandoned
settlement
* At 10:00 we enter the gorge and start walking
* Exit the gorge until 13:30
* 2 hours free time on the Marmara beach for swimming and / or eating
* At 15:45 departure for Loutro
* At 17:00 we arrive at Loutro
* 1 hour free time
* At 18:10 we take the ferry to Sfakia
* Return to Rethymno
This excursion offers a unique way to enjoy the beauty of Southern Crete.
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Who can join this experience?
People over 15 years old in good physical condition
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Requirements/tips
Required: mountaineering boots, comfortable clothes, mountaineering backpack
Optional: sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, nuts, raisins and chocolates, button