Hike in Agiofarago gorge in Crete

The walk through the Agiofarago gorge starts at the monastery Moni Odigitrias located south of the nice village of Sivas. Here you have to make a decision: either you park the car at the monastery and go on foot to the entrance of the gorge, or you take a chance and drive a bit further. The village of Sivas is located south of Zaros and northeast of Matala.

The village of Sivas is located south of Zaros and northeast of Matala.

Sivas is a very good base for exploring this part of Crete. It is close to the Minoan palace of Phaistos and the Minoan city of Agia Triada, close to beaches such as Matala, Komos, Agiofarago and Lendas. If you like hiking, this nice hike in the Agiofaragora Valley is close by. In the village there are several taverns and cosy hotels and pensions.

Book hotels in Sivas here »

On the square in Sivas are several shops and taverns.

Moni Odigitria Monastery in Sivas.

Before we walked through the Agiofarago gorge for the first time, we were advised not to drive all the way down to the entrance of the gorge. We didn't, but we drove quite a long way along a bad dirt road. Sometimes we regretted it, but turning back was not a choice, there was simply nowhere to turn around. Further on, there are places to park, and it is possible to turn back with a bit of effort.

This is where you park your car when you want to hike in the Agiofaragora Gorge.

However, we do not recommend driving all the way down to the large parking lot. Remember not to park your car under a tree. There are plenty of goats in the area and they gladly use the cars as ladders to get access to the trees' leaves.

To walk in the Agiofarago gorge is easy also for inexperienced hikers.

During the hike you pass many impressive rocks with caves.

To walk in the Agiofarago gorge is easy even for those who are inexperienced hikers. It is not uncommon to see people walking in flip-flops, and you also meet families with children. The Agiofarago gorge is not as spectacular as many other gorges in Crete. But that's just what is a little bit of the charm. It's like going for a walk after Sunday dinner.

If you want a bigger challenge, drive to Zaros and hike in the Rouvas gorge »

Griffon vultures are a common sight in the Agiofarago gorge.

If you are interested in birds, you have a great chance to see griffon vultures soaring above you. It is said that there is bearded vultures in the area, but I do not think so, at least I have not seen any. We have only seen bearded vultures in the Platania gorge.

Read about bearded vultures in the Platania gorge here »

The church of Agios Antonios dates back to the 15th century. I don't know how old the goats are. :-)

A few hundred meters before the end of the gorge, you pass a beautiful church called Agios Antonios. The church dates back to the 15th century. After the church, it is not far to all the hikers' goal and reward: Agiofarago beach where a refreshing swim awaits.

Agios Antonios church in Agiofarago Gorge.

The church bell of Agios Antonios hangs in a tree outside the church.

Icons inside the church.

You are impressed by very old olive trees during the hike.

This is what I looked like after stepping on a snake in the Agiofarago gorge.

The walk takes between 40-60 minutes one-way, and about the same time on the way back. We walked in 50 minutes and we walked at a leisurely pace. But we went a little faster after I stepped on a snake, and you can see how I looked then in the picture above.

The hike ends at the sea where Agiofarago beach is located.

WHAT YOU MUST NOT MISS WHEN YOU HAVE HIKED IN AGIOFARAGO GORGE

Don't miss Agiofarago beach, which you can read about here »

Learn more about Crete here »