Kourtaliotiko Gorge, Natural gorge in Agios Vasileios, Greece
The Kourtaliotiko River flows south between the mountains of Kouroupa and Xiron, creating a 2.5-kilometer gorge with 300-meter vertical limestone cliffs.
The gorge functioned as a natural fortress for the Minoan civilization over 4,000 years ago and later became a transport route during medieval times.
The presence of multiple chapels within the gorge, including one dedicated to Saint Nicholas near a waterfall, reflects the religious practices of local communities.
Visitors can access the gorge through a road connecting Koxare to Asomatos, with parking facilities available near the entrance and multiple hiking trails.
At the northern entrance, wind flowing through high caves creates distinct clapping sounds that gave the gorge its name, Kourtaliotis, meaning the rattle.
Location: Agios Vasileios municipality
GPS coordinates: 35.20278,24.46861
Latest update: March 4, 2025 03:36
This selection highlights Crete locations away from common routes. It includes historic sites such as the Venetian fortress of Spinalonga, occupied by a leper colony until 1957, and the ruins of the Minoan palace of Kato Zakros on the eastern coast. Notable geological formations include the Kourtaliotiko gorges with 600-meter limestone walls, the Aradena bridge suspended 138 meters above the void, and the Dikteon cave, extending over two kilometers into Mount Dikte. Nature enthusiasts can explore the small bay of Seitan Limania between its white cliffs, the Argiroupoli springs bursting amidst Roman ruins, or take trails through the Theriso gorges. These destinations offer a different view of Crete, away from the tourist crowds along the northern coastline.
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