Sarakina Gorge:

16km west of Ierapetra is located the traditional village of Mythi or Mithi. In a short distance from the village, the small Sarakina Gorge starts, which ends near the coastal village of Mirtos.

The length of the canyon reaches 1.5km and its width ranges from 3 to 10 meters, with only a few points exceeding that. The walls reach a height of 150m, making this narrow gorge very impressive. In the gorge, Kryopotamos river is flowing all over the year.

The locals call the gorge Sarantapihos. According to legend Sarantapihos, a giant (son of Zeus) stopped to drink water from a river. His long beard slashed the mountain in two parts and created the canyon.

The canyon is rich in vegetation, birds and gurgling water. This is a canyon with most of its length being accessible, with water, ponds and some climbing points. It is ideal for a pleasant afternoon or for a walk with your children.

If you come from Ierapetra towards Mirtos you will see a bridge just before the village. Before this bridge you go down the path off and you walk in till you see an ancient Roman bridge with arches.

Here you turn right and immediately turn to the left. Follow the river bed and you will end up in the Sarakina Gorge. After 1-1/2 hour you will see another bridge. Left of it lies the village of Mithi and here starts another path back to Mirtos.

Sarakina gorge photo gallery