The Imbros Gorge is a beautiful and accessible hike, offering a fantastic alternative to the larger Samaria Gorge. Unlike Samaria, which often remains closed in early spring, Imbros Gorge is open all year. This makes it an excellent option for people traveling to Crete in the preseason. The hike is suitable for anyone without medical issues and provides a stunning experience through Crete’s rugged landscape.
A Scenic and Manageable Hike
The entrance fee for Imbros Gorge is €2 per person, and the starting point is about a one-hour drive from Chania. You can reach the gorge by car, bus, or as part of an organized day tour. The hike covers 8 kilometers and takes approximately 1.5 to 3 hours to complete. While there are no dining facilities within the gorge itself, there is a water supply halfway through the trail. At the end of the hike, several tavernas and cafés provide the perfect setting for a well-deserved lunch.
The path into the gorge starts just below the village of Imbros. You will need to purchase an entry ticket at a small counter. From here the path descends gently into the gorge heading South. It is never steep and not particularly difficult but as everywhere in Crete, the path is stony so you need to pay attention to where you put your feet. Because the gorge is narrow and has plenty of trees, you will have shade most of the time. There are plenty of interesting flowers to see, especially during spring. After 19 min walk from the gorge entrance counter you will pass an impresive stone arch on your right. This is almost the end of the hike and if you are intending to walk back up to Imbros it is a good point to turn back. After this the gorge widence a little and after 15 min you get to the road and the village where you'll find a few tavernas.
Throughout the hike, you’ll walk through narrow passages flanked by towering rock formations and may even encounter the wild kri-kri goats that inhabit the area. Once you finish the hike, you can return to Chania or the starting point by bus or taxi.
Tips for Your Visit
Before or after your hike, consider stopping in the nearby mountain village of Imbros for a traditional Greek meal. The local tavernas serve authentic Cretan dishes at very reasonable prices. Each year, around 70,000 visitors embark on the Imbros Gorge hike, making it a well-loved yet less crowded alternative to Samaria.
One of the most unique features of Imbros Gorge is its narrow passages—at its tightest point, the gorge is just two meters wide, with towering rock walls blocking out much of the sky.
Getting Back After the Hike
If you hike the gorge on your own (without a tour), you’ll need to return to Imbros village afterward. While you can hike back through the gorge in the opposite direction, other options are more convenient.
A taxi from the tavernas near the exit costs €18–€20 and takes about 30 minutes. If you’re traveling with a group, the price per person is quite affordable.
Another option is to take a taxi to Chora Sfakion, a cheaper alternative, where you can then catch an afternoon bus back to Imbros.
How to Get There
The Imbros Gorge trailhead starts at an altitude of 780 meters on the southern side of Imbros village, located in the Sfakia region, about 55 kilometers south of Chania.
From Chania or Rethymno, take the main road and turn off at Vrisses, following the signs for Imbros and Chora Sfakion. Parking is available along the main road or at one of the tavernas in Imbros village.
Park here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XnbttCxL6DjLfTMe8
or here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4dmzGxLVBUk1y4ZY8
Just beyond the village, you’ll see the official entrance to the gorge, marked by a wooden sign next to a taverna and parking area.
What to Bring & Hiking Conditions
Footwear: Wear proper walking shoes. While sneakers are fine, flip-flops are not recommended due to uneven terrain.
Food & Water: There are no restaurants or cafés inside the gorge, so bring enough water and snacks for the hike.
Rest Areas: There is a rest stop halfway through the gorge, offering a shaded break.
Never start a hike during a rainy day or when it will rain.
Natural Beauty & Wildlife
The gorge is known for its lush vegetation and impressive rock formations. You’ll encounter a variety of plants and flowers, as well as wild goats and rams roaming the area.
Imbros Gorge is an unforgettable hiking experience, offering stunning scenery, rich biodiversity, and a taste of Crete’s untamed beauty.
This hike is worth the trip so go for it!
