Imbros Gorge, Canyon system in Sfakia region, Chania, Greece
Imbros Gorge is a deep limestone valley that cuts through the Sfakia region with towering rock walls on both sides. The path through it features alternating narrow sections and wider areas, all surrounded by steep stone formations.
The gorge became a crucial escape route during World War II in 1941 when thousands of Allied soldiers used it to reach safety. This event deeply shaped the history of the landscape and remains remembered today.
The gorge holds deep meaning for visitors from Australia and New Zealand whose relatives escaped through these passages during wartime. Local residents keep these stories alive and remember the soldiers who came this way.
The walk takes about two to three hours and requires sturdy shoes and plenty of water due to dry conditions. The route is straightforward to follow, but starting early in the day helps ensure you have enough daylight for the journey.
The narrowest sections are called Stenada and feature rock formations where the stones come so close together they almost meet overhead. Walking through these compressed passages is one of the most striking parts of the experience.
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