Katafyki Canyon, Canyon near Kranidi, Greece
Gorge de Katafyki is a narrow canyon near Kranidi on the Peloponnese in Greece, carved by a small seasonal stream between the villages of Fournoi and Ermioni. The canyon walls are steep rock faces with small caves and overhangs, and the trail through the gorge itself runs for about 900 meters, though the full walking route can extend to around 7 kilometers.
The canyon was carved over centuries by a stream that gradually wore away the rock, leaving behind steep cliffs and hollows. In past centuries, villagers used its caves and narrow passages to hide from pirates and other threats coming from the sea.
The name 'Katafyki' means 'refuge' in Greek, a reference to the gorge's role as a hiding place in earlier times. Near the trailhead stands a small Byzantine church dedicated to Saint Nikolaos, which locals still regard as a protective presence at the entrance to the canyon.
The trail starts near a small church and is clearly marked throughout, making it easy to follow even without a map. Sturdy shoes with good grip are recommended since the rocks can be slippery, especially after rain or near the stream.
One of the caves in the gorge is known locally as the entrance to the underworld, the spot where Hercules is said to have found Cerberus, the three-headed dog, according to ancient myth. The same rock faces also attract rock climbers, with around 50 routes on the cliff walls, some rising over 150 feet (about 45 meters).
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