KOURTALIOTIKO GORGE
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Duration6.5 hours
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Group size10 - 62 guests
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LanguagesEnglish
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ConfirmationInstant
Highlights
- Walk into one of the most impressive gorges in Crete
- See the waterfalls and springs of the Kourtaliotis river
- Around 3 hours of free time to hike, swim and take photos
- A refuge for rare birds of prey such as vultures and golden eagles
What's included
- Transfer by fully air-conditioned coach
- Pick-up and drop-off at designated pick-up points
- Local escort in English
- 3 hours of free time
- Lunch box: bottle of water, juice, chocolate croissant, cheese and turkey sandwich
Not included
- Kourtaliotiko Gorge entrance fee: 5€ (students 3€, under 18 free)
- Towels and toiletries
- Tips and personal expenses
- Anything not mentioned as included
About this experience
Description
Wild scenery, cool river water and waterfalls in the south of the Rethymno region. The Kourtaliotiko Gorge is one of the most impressive natural sights in Crete. It begins near the village of Koxare and runs for about 3 kilometres, ending at the exotic beach of Preveli with its famous palm forest.
The Kourtaliotis river flows through the gorge, forming small waterfalls and springs along the way. The name comes from the clapping sound, "kourtala", made by the strong wind as it passes through the caves in the rock walls. The gorge is also of great ecological value: it shelters rare birds of prey, including the bearded vulture, griffon vultures and the golden eagle.
From the parking area you walk down through rich vegetation to the start of the waterfalls, with about three hours to explore at your own pace, hike, swim in places and photograph a landscape that feels far removed from the busy coast.
Programme
- Pick-up from your nearest pick-up point
- Arrival at the Kourtaliotiko Gorge parking area
- Walk down through the vegetation to the waterfalls
- Free time (about 3 hours) for hiking, swimming and photos
- Walk back to the parking area and return, arriving approximately 19:00 – 20:00
Type of excursion: Full-Day / Nature – Hiking – Waterfalls
Duration of the tour: approximately 6.5 hours
Should take: Hiking or closed steady shoes, swimsuit, towel, hat, sunscreen, beachwear, camera, cash for the entrance fee and extra expenses.
Children: 0 – 2 years free of charge, 3 – 9 years 50% discount.
Good to know: The visit involves walking on uneven paths and steps, so it is not suitable for guests with mobility difficulties and not recommended for those prone to travel sickness. Pets, non-folding strollers and electric wheelchairs are not allowed. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. For safety reasons the organizer may change the route and the schedule of the tour at any time.
Travel agency is not responsible for weather conditions and road traffic.
Pick Up Points & Times
Pick-up is available only from the points listed below. If your hotel is not on the list, please make your way to the nearest pick-up point a few minutes before the scheduled time.
- 07:30 – Sissi Parking
- 07:40 – Malia Church
- 07:40 – Philipidis Super Market
- 07:40 – Triton Garden
- 07:40 – Malia Bay
- 07:40 – Carolina Mare
- 07:40 – Sirens Beach Entrance
- 07:40 – Mc Donald's
- 07:40 – Meropi
- 07:40 – Ikaros Beach
- 07:50 – Alexander Beach
- 07:50 – Cactus Royal
- 07:50 – I-Resort
- 07:50 – Mochos Cross
- 07:50 – Stalis Bus Stop
- 07:50 – Blue Sea
- 07:50 – Nana Beach
- 07:50 – Arminda
- 07:50 – Mediterraneo
- 08:00 – Sunshine Village
- 08:00 – Belvedere Bus Stop
- 08:00 – Esperides
- 08:00 – Silva Beach
- 08:00 – Pela Maria
- 08:00 – Peiraios Bank
- 08:00 – National Bank
- 08:00 – Halkiadakis S/M
- 08:00 – Pigadi Piscopiano
- 08:05 – Albatros
- 08:05 – Creta Maris
- 08:10 – Village Heights
- 08:10 – Hersonissos Village
- 08:10 – Royal Mare
- 08:10 – Chrissi Ammoudia
- 08:15 – Manolis S/M / Galini
- 08:15 – Oceanis
- 08:15 – Laguna
- 08:15 – Lassithi Cross
- 08:25 – Zorbas Village
- 08:25 – Anissa Bch
- 08:25 – Serita Beach
- 08:25 – Lyttos Bus Stop
- 08:25 – Caldera Corner
- 08:25 – Filoxenia/Elizium
- 08:25 – Golden Star
- 08:25 – Stella Village
- 08:25 – Europa Beach
- 08:25 – Analipsi Bus Stop
- 08:35 – Amirandes
- 08:35 – Iraklis Apts
- 08:35 – Island Beach Rd
- 08:35 – Diogenis
- 08:35 – Gouves Church
- 08:35 – Aphrodite Corner
- 08:35 – Marina Beach Road
- 08:35 – Gouves Water Park
- 08:35 – Lavris Hotel
- 08:35 – Kyvelia Bus Stop
- 08:40 – Gournes Church
- 08:40 – Rinella Beach
- 08:40 – Themis Beach
- 08:40 – Hatzis Bus Stop
- 08:40 – Arina Sand
- 08:40 – Minoan Palace
- 08:40 – Karteros Hotel
- 09:00 – Kykliko Koyle
- 09:10 – Vanisko
- 09:10 – Shell
- 09:10 – Neptuno
- 09:10 – Candia Maris
- 09:10 – Creta Beach
- 09:10 – Agapi Beach
- 09:10 – Santa Marina
- 09:10 – Marirena
- 09:10 – Roxani
- 09:10 – Dolphin Bay
- 09:10 – Apollonia
- 09:10 – Akti Zeus
- 09:25 – Lygaria
- 09:35 – Agia Pelagia
- 10:00 – Bali
Good to know
How do I book?
Pick your date and passengers, and pay online. You'll have a confirmation email and mobile ticket within minutes — no account needed.
Can I change my date?
Yes — email or call us and we'll move it for you.
Do I need cash on the day?
The booking is paid in full at checkout. Depending on the experience you may still want some cash on hand for site entrance fees, food and drinks, or to tip your guide or driver. Anything not included in the price is listed above.
Do I need to print anything?
No. Just show the confirmation email on your phone — that's your ticket.
Who do I contact on the day?
A direct number for your guide / driver is on your confirmation email — call them if anything changes. For anything else, contact us.
