Kritsa gorge

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15°C

The gorge of Kritsa begins at the north-eastern exit of the historical village of Kritsa and ends up at a flat area 2,5 kilometres to the north. Continuing in the watercourse from this point, one arrives at the entrance to the second section of the gorge, which is a lot more difficult. After a tiring climb, it leads to the foot of the Tsivi peak, over Katharo plateau.

The first section of the gorge is ideal for trekking. It is 2,5 kilometres long and requires approximately 1,5 to 2 hours to pass through and return back to Kritsa. The elevation difference between the entrance and the outlet of the gorge is approximately 200 metres.

The scenery inside the gorge is imposing. The watercourse is thick with plane trees, oak trees, oleanders and many typical kinds of plants that are endemic in Crete. Also, numerous birds find shelter in the holes of the walls of the gorge.

These walls are impressive in height and at certain spots they close in together (1,5 metre). At certain places, one has to climb on slippery rocks in order to pass through the watercourse.

Characteristics

Activities

Mountaineering, Bird watching, Hiking

Forensics

-

Length

2000m

Suggested period

Spring to Autumn

Relevant Routes and Trails

Environmental Indicators

CHOOSE DESTINATION

Accessibility

For the Rural Greece accessibility is fundamental to enhancing an inclusive tourism experience. Following the principles of inclusion and equality, the epaithros Rural Tourism Network and its member businesses are constantly working to enhance the tourism services provided, ensuring that all visitors have the opportunity to experience the authentic beauty of the Greek countryside.

Sustainability

Sustainability in tourism refers to a way of developing tourism that respects and protects the environment while strengthening the local economy and preserving cultural traditions. The aim of sustainable tourism is to provide unique and authentic experiences for visitors without harming the natural and social environment, while ensuring that local communities benefit from tourism activity.

This type of tourism is based on three pillars:

  1. Environmental sustainability: preserving the natural landscape and ecosystems, with actions to reduce pollution, energy consumption and waste.
  2. Economic sustainability: supporting local economies, strengthening small businesses and creating jobs, while respecting the region's natural resources.
  3. Social sustainability: respecting local culture and traditions, strengthening social cohesion and ensuring that tourism activities benefit the quality of life of local people.

With sustainable tourism, visitors can have authentic experiences, knowing that the impact of tourism on the region is positive and lasting for future generations.

Locality

For Rural Greece, localism is one of the most important factors for the development of sustainable tourism, as it promotes a strong link between the tourism product and the local society, economy and culture. Through localism, visitors get the opportunity to explore authentic elements of the destination, such as local products, traditions and culture. This not only boosts the local economy, but also helps to sustain and strengthen local businesses, creating new jobs and supporting the development of local communities.

Furthermore, localism contributes to the sustainability of the tourism sector, as it reduces the use of resources from other regions and encourages the use of local goods and services, reducing the ecological footprint of tourism activities. Thus, integrating localism into tourism practices enhances sustainability awareness, both among visitors and local businesses, creating a more responsible and sustainable tourism destination.