Hiking Imbros Gorge

Crete has beautiful hikes. Imbros Gorge, an approximately 4 mile hike, is a beautiful trek through a mountain gorge, where you'll take in amazing rock structures, kri kri on the side of mountains, and a stunning view of the ocean at the end.

How To Get There

Imbros Gorge is about an hour drive from the Chania Old Town. While we usually rent a car to drive there, you can always take a bus (which you can book at the local tourist center). The beautiful but possibly motion-sickness-inducing drive is along the highway and through winding roads in the mountain. On your way there, if you enjoy studying history, there is a family-run WW2 museum dedicated to the Battle of Crete. They have a vast collection of incredible pieces from the battle (shown below) and it's free to visit (although you can leave a donation for the upkeep of the museum). As you get closer to Imbros, you'll drive by many tavernas and entrances to the gorge. We always pass by the first few tavernas and park at Cafe Taverna Porofarago (ΠΟΡΟΦΑΡΑΓΚΟ in Greek) where we purchase some drinks (super important to carry enough water!) and sandwiches if we are hungry (they have pre-made ham and cheese or something similar). This taverna also has bathrooms you can use before you begin your hike.

The Hike

The hike begins by descending a rocky stairway where you will come across a ticket booth. My family and I have hiked Imbros twice and the ticket booth was only manned once. It takes a little over two hours (probably between two and three hours depending on your pace) and the terrain is rocky. While normal sneakers will be sufficient for this hike, it is important to watch your footing and be as steady as possible. Throughout the hike, you will most likely come across kri kri (pictured below) and while they can be friendly, it is important to keep your distance from them. Imbros has beautiful rock structures and in the last picture shown below, you will come across an incredible stone arch.

The trail is not too busy, although the crowds will of course depend on the time of year you go (the summer, especially August, is the busiest time). I have been in July both times I've hiked Imbros, and I've never run into too many people. The later in the day you go, the less crowded it will be. However, depending on the temperature, it may be best to go earlier in the morning (around 9) so it's not too hot. While there is some shade on the trail, you will be spending a good bit of time in the sun.

You'll know you're close to the end once you can see the ocean. To actually get to the beach you must walk another eight kilometers (about five miles). However, you still have a beautiful view of the water on your hike!

Tavernas & Taxis

Once you've finished the hike, you'll come onto a main road that has an ocean view and a few tavernas on it (we pass by the taverna located in the gorge towards the end of the trail). We have been to both tavernas on the road and usually get a light snack such as yogurt & honey, or tzatziki. Once you've finished your meal, the restaurant can provide you with a taxi that will drive you the approximately 20-30 minutes back up the mountain to your starting location for 20 euros. The cliffside drive is exhilarating, offering one-of-a-kind ocean views. Once you get back in your car, you can drive back to the Chania Old Town. On your way back, you're likely to pass by herds of kri kri!

Imbros Gorge is a beautiful and not-too-intense hike. I highly recommend it if you are looking to get out of the city for a couple days and explore different parts of Crete!