Aposelemis Canyon
Crete, Greece
Rarely visited and vastly less crowded than the Samaria Gorge, Crete’s Aposelemis Canyon guides the Aposelemis River down towards the sea. The canyon makes a rewarding wilderness walk, with the possibility of seeing vultures circling overhead. You can also follow the river to or from the sea as the gorge evolves into a valley and wetlands.
The basics
Some travelers approach the Aposelemis Canyon as a short loop route from the trailhead at Xerokamares, near the ancient aqueduct. Others follow the river all the way to or from the beach, which generally involves some scrambling over tumbled boulders. The trail is marked, but markings can be hard to follow, and getting lost is not uncommon. Booking a private guide or joining a tour from nearby Hersonissos can make for a more mellow experience.
Things to know before you go
The Aposelemis Canyon can be a rewarding walk for adventurous hikers or a simple family-friendly loop: The choice is yours.
Flash floods are a danger in fall and winter—hike the gorge in summer when the river is dry.
Wear sneakers or trekking sandals, not sliders or flip-flops, to traverse the rugged terrain and boulders.
Bring plenty of water as there are no facilities in the canyon.
The Aposelemis Canyon is not accessible to people using wheelchairs.
How to get there
The Aposelemis Canyon sits just west of Hersonissos in northern Crete. The trailhead lies about a 15-mile (25-kilometer) drive from Heraklion, right by the Xerokamares taverna. The canyon runs down to the village of Agriana, where the route becomes a valley, then wetlands, then beach. You can also follow the river inland from Aposelemis Beach.
When to get there
The Aposelemis Canyon is never crowded, so you can visit at a time that suits you. It’s safest to hike in late spring, summer, and early fall when there’s relatively little water in the river. In summer, leave early in the morning to avoid the heat of the day; if you’re only walking the short loop route, you can also visit in the late afternoon.
Crete’s best gorge walks
Crete’s rugged landscapes make the island a hiker’s dream, with plenty of gorges. The 10-mile (16-kilometer) Samaria Gorge is a Cretan signature experience, often with crowds to match. Thanks to its ancient burial caves, the Gorge of the Dead is a solid half-day hike. The Imbros Gorge is a dramatic walk with sheer walls and vertiginous trails. Both the Gorge of Aradena and the Agio Farago gorge run to the sea, exiting at unspoiled beaches.
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