Getting Adventurous, visiting Karteros Canyon near Heraklion Crete

People say that as they get older sometimes they feel more adventurous, perhaps because they feel they are missing out and there is still so much things to visit around the world.

A few days ago, a friend suggested to take a walk at a nearby canyon named Karteros Canyon.

I had heard about it, and I was more than eager to go! Of course the answer was yes, we took some water and hit the road!

It was relatively easy to get there, but ideally you will need a strong car because after some point the road gets rocky.

Also, for some hundred meters, the road is very narrow and only one car fits on the road, therefore if you meet another car, one of you should back up for a few meters.

We were lucky not to meet anyone until we arrived.

This canyon is near a seaside village named Karteros.

Aside from its natural beauty, the area around Karteros is rich in mythology. According to legend, the canyon is named after a Byzantine general, Karteros, who came to Crete to fight Arab occupiers in the 9th century. Today, the area still retains a sense of quiet strength and ancient mystery.
links at the end of this post

When you arrive here, there is an alley where about 7-10 cars can easily park and then you can either stay on the right (we will see images later - and rest in the stone benches, or cook in its two grills) or continue straight ahead by foot to wonder inside the canyon. This is the option we chose

This canyon is one of the lesser-known natural wonders of Crete. It offers a scenic gorge being a refreshing escape for nature lovers, hikers, and anyone seeking a peaceful adventure close to the capital.

At the beginning the trail is very easy to follow, even with just comfortable sport shoes.

We visited in April, after some rain, so we did see a small amount of water in the Karteros River. I suppose that these last few years there will not be much water left during the summer time.

The entire area has been included in the Natura 2000 network of protected areas. Overall, the gorges are connected at various points with the settlements located along their route. There are five main entrances: one from Karteros, one from Aitania (Aitania bridge), one from Agia Paraskies (Kolomodi area), one from Kato Astrakoi, and one from the Kampοs of Peza (entrance to the Kounaviano Gorge).

The Karteros Gorge (also known as Astrakiano Gorge) is one of the largest in the area, with a total trail length of approximately 12.5 kilometers. It begins in the village of Kato Astrakoi and, crossing the inland, ends in Karteros, a tourist area with a beautiful beach.

We started crossing it from the Karteros area, which is close to where we live.

The river that you will find along the canyon is also called Karteros. In the past it would have more water, this time of year it becomes less..

I was hoping to see the endogenous butterfly called Zerynthia cretica, but unfortunately I was not lucky enough to see it.

During the routes there was mostly nature around me, but I did notice this old engine that had started to become one with the flora around it. I was impressed and took a few shots.

I think I would preferred to have a real camera with me, because my phone did not help me take the photos I wanted to. Still, I am satisfied and happy that I could at least keep some memories and show you another option to visit if you come near this area.

When you will see some red marks on trees or on rocks, this means that you are on the correct route. I think this is a universal signal in hiking? If you know more let me know!

Big stones in the water, big green trees and also imposing great rocks above our heads.

I will not hide the fact that sometimes I was worried that one of those rocks could easily fall on our heads.

At some point of the route, we found some half stairs that lead to a very slippery stone, so we decided not to go forward, as it would be dangerous. There was also not mobile signal in the gorge.

So we went back and decided to visit the church we had seen on the beginning of the trail.

You will need to pass across this little wooden bridge.
I admit I was a little afraid but I went across.

There are some nice benches on your left to sit and have a nice pic nic (not all the photos could be uploaded) and then we went to our right. A not so easy, but kind of easy to follow path, led us to a few older buildings and a small, very old chapel called Agios Nikolaos.

Unfortunately I could not find more information for this church..