Chania: Imbros Gorge Hike｜Greece

Begin your hike in Imbros village and end in Komitades village, where a bus will take you to the nearby coastal town of Chora Sfakion.

In Chora Sfakion, relax by the sandy beach, swim in crystal-clear blue waters, or enjoy a meal at a local tavern or café. For a touch of history, visit the nearby ruins of the Venetian fortress “Castel di Sfacia,” offering a panoramic view of the village and the surrounding wilderness.

Located in the region of Sfakia, Imbros Gorge is the second-largest gorge in Crete, after Samaria. With its striking natural beauty, mild difficulty, and shorter hiking time, it’s perfect for families, beginners, and anyone looking to explore Crete’s rugged landscape at a relaxed pace.

The walk through the gorge is 9 km long and takes approximately 2.5 hours. The trail is accessible year-round and offers a wonderful mix of wild nature, rocky formations, and historic paths.

As you descend, pass well-known spots like the “Airplane,” “Stenada,” “Mesofarango,” and the famous “Xepitira Arch.” About halfway through, reach the narrowest point, where the gorge closes in to just 2 meters wide, with cliffs towering 300 meters high above you.

The trail follows an ancient stone-paved path that once connected Sfakia to Chania. During World War II, this route became a crucial escape path for Allied troops retreating south during the Battle of Crete in 1941, heading toward Chora Sfakion for evacuation.