Anopolis/Aradena/Marmara then Loutro Share and discuss the many routes and paths in the mountains, along the coast, and on the plains of Sfakia. Post your walk description, add photos, and discuss safety. Use information at your own risk.

[Jean]

If you have never walked down the gorge before, it might be a good idea to go with someone else. It is such a beautiful hike, but you need to be careful at some points.

[Mihalis]

I walked the Aradena Gorge during my trip, a day after a very bad stomach bug that had me vomitting all day. It was very hot, and the gorge was certainly tricky and somewhat difficult at moments, but it wasn't horrible. I took a taxi boat back to Hora Sfakion because I was still too sick from the day before, but my cousin who walked the gorge with me, walked back to Aradena to pick up our car! The only thing I didn't like is that the green markers were not always very visible.

[Noah]

Returning to this thread because plenty of good advice here, seems sensible to keep it together :

Planning to take daughter(s) down Aradena Gorge this August; I have walked the full gorge starting from Loutro, and shared video with the girls, so they have an idea of the challenge. Probably need to take the bus from Chora Sfakion to Aredena as they are not as enthusiastic about the heat as me - I was bred into it but epigenetics have not come in to effect, it seems.

I understand bus leaves Chora Sfakion at 0900 hrs - is this still the schedule?

One daughter is not very happy with heights, so we may need to take the route avoiding the ladders; she is sensible and will advise if she feels up to it, but I have not taken the steps route that goes around the challenging section, if I understand correctly. I did note a set of steps going up the right side of the gorge as one approaches the ladder section - is this the bypass route? Where does it return to the gorge?

The girls are reasonably fit and used to outdoor life - we walked up Snowdon last summer - and we have been visiting Crete for decade+, descended Imbros Gorge several times, so my main caution is the heat, and the ladder section. Thanks.

[Micki]

I am not confident that avoiding the ladders really helps. Three years ago, when I was last there, the steps route was more a slope of loose stones, and the handrail was hardly holding itself. And you have an unspoiled view to the bottom of the gorge which is about 30-40 m below. In my opinion, the ladders are the better choice.

So you should try to get some information whether the way has been improved since - the people from Anopoli Rooms will certainly know.

[langsten]

Noah.

I agree with Micki.

I don't believe that the ladder bypass (what I call the "steps") is a good alternative for someone who is unhappy with heights.

The steps are narrow and go up to a considerable height above the gorge. At some points the best view from the steps is a long way down to the bottom of the gorge.

If you're coming from the Aradhena bridge and walking down the gorge, one alternative is to leave the gorge just before the ladder / steps area, walking up the path to Aghios Athanasios and toward Livaniana, then descending back into the gorge on the path immediately behind (to the west of) Livaniana.

Try the ladder and/or the steps. If neither works for your daughter, try the alternative I've suggested.

Ray.