Knossano Gorge
A beautiful natural gorge with a river, ancient ruins, and lush greenery, offering a refreshing escape near Heraklion.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temperatures
Knossano Gorge
Best Time
Cooler temperatures
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautiful natural gorge with a river, ancient ruins, and lush greenery, offering a refreshing escape near Heraklion.
"Stunningly beautiful nature - really calm area with a wonderful climate - really hard to get to by car / find a starting point. "
🥾 Wear Long Pants
Protect yourself from spiky bushes and uneven terrain. Long pants are a must!
🗺️ Pinpoint the Entrance
Look for the restroom building on satellite maps to find the correct trailhead.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.4 · 215 reviews
Type
Hiking Area
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Serene River
Bottom of the gorge
A beautiful, cool river flows through the gorge, offering a refreshing escape on hot days.
Ancient Ruins
Along the trail
Discover remnants of ancient buildings scattered along the scenic walking path.
Lush Greenery
Throughout the gorge
Enjoy the abundant trees and vibrant plant life that make this gorge a natural beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Safety First: Mind the Trail Conditions
Finding the Entrance: Navigate with Care
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Wear Long Pants
Protect yourself from spiky bushes and uneven terrain. Long pants are a must!
🗺️ Pinpoint the Entrance
Look for the restroom building on satellite maps to find the correct trailhead.
⚠️ Check Trail Safety
Be aware of potentially unsafe bridges and rotten wooden stairs.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear Long Pants
Protect yourself from spiky bushes and uneven terrain. Long pants are a must!
🗺️ Pinpoint the Entrance
Look for the restroom building on satellite maps to find the correct trailhead.
⚠️ Check Trail Safety
Be aware of potentially unsafe bridges and rotten wooden stairs.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Knossano Gorge is praised for its beautiful natural scenery, including lush trees and a charming river, offering a refreshing escape. Visitors appreciate the presence of ancient ruins along the trail. However, concerns have been raised about trail maintenance, with reports of unsafe bridges and rotten stairs, suggesting a need for caution and proper hiking gear. +1
"The small gorge is very beautiful with alot trees and a small river in the middle, the walking path and stairs is 500 m to reach the river side. The human activities around and the lack of maintaining work makes it alitle dangerous to visit since there are rotten wood at stairs and a totally not safe small bridge to walk down. The place should be more accessible and safe."
Manos Kornarakis
"beautyfull trail easy walk. you pass ancient buildings and waterfalls"
Raffiek Torreman
"So, we drove to this place aiming for the coordinates mentioned in the Q/A section. We got very close, but ended up on the opposite side of the gorge. If you are trying to get there, please check the satellite map and you will see the little building (restroom) at the start of the trail, you should aim there. We did no hike all the way to the end (if there is an end), just past the mark on the map. It is nice and cool during the hot Greek afternoon, but the views are not super-impressive. Note: you do need proper hiking attire - there are a lot of spiky bushes and somewhat steep ups and downs."
Tatiana Moiseeva
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Finding the correct trailhead can be challenging. Aim for the small building with restrooms, which is visible on satellite maps. Some visitors have ended up on the opposite side of the gorge.
Access by car can be difficult, and finding the starting point requires careful navigation. It's recommended to use satellite maps to pinpoint the trailhead.
Knossano Gorge is located about half an hour away from Heraklion, making it a feasible day trip.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Information regarding entrance fees is not widely available, suggesting it may be a free-access natural area. However, always check local advisories before visiting.
As a natural gorge, Knossano Gorge likely does not have set opening hours. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and visibility.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The walking path and stairs are about 500 meters to reach the river. While described as an 'easy walk' by some, others note 'somewhat steep ups and downs' and recommend proper hiking attire. +1
Yes, some visitors have reported safety concerns including rotten wood on stairs and a not-so-safe small bridge. It's advised to be cautious and wear appropriate footwear.
Expect beautiful nature with many trees, a small river running through the middle, and remnants of ancient buildings along the trail. +1
While beautiful, the reported safety concerns with the trail and bridges might make it less ideal for very young children or those who are less sure-footed. Parental supervision is crucial.
Long pants and a long-sleeved shirt are highly recommended due to spiky bushes and uneven terrain. Sturdy hiking shoes are also advised.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no specific mentions of dining facilities directly within or immediately adjacent to Knossano Gorge. It's advisable to pack your own snacks and drinks.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the lush greenery, the flowing river, and the ancient ruins. The natural beauty offers many picturesque moments. +1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit