The Astrakiano gorge (or gorge of Karteros) is one of the longest gorges in the region, with a total length of about 12,5 km. The entrance is after the settlement of Kato Astrakoi and its exit is in Mesa Karteros, a recreational area situated in a site of exceptional beauty. There is also a parking area, where we suggest you leave your car so you can continue your route to the beach of Karteros.

The gorge is crossed by the river Karteros. There is a well-marked walking trail and the total duration of the route is about 3.30 hours. There used to be 10 watermills in the gorge and the locals were fishing eels and crabs in the river.

The route in Astrakiano Gorge (or Gorge of Karteros)

You can reach the village of Astrakoi by bus from Heraklion (18.5 km) and from the village of Myrtia. In the village you will find mini markets and coffee shops.  On the eastern extremity of the settlement, and specifically on the central plateau, starts the road that leads to the abandoned settlement of Kato Astrakoi, 2 km away. The village of Kato Astrakoi was abandoned in the beginning of the year 1930. From there, follow the downhill path that leads to the gorge (10 min walking). On the side of the path you will see the ruins of a Basilica, dedicated to Saint George (Aghios Georgios). It is a Byzantine Basilica with three sections. 100 meters further from the Basilica stands the church of Mary (Panaghia), featuring a unique symbol of the Byzantine two-headed eagle over its windows.  

A bit further from the church of Aghios Georgios you will find a north intersection leading to an olive grove, where you will find a path with stone stairs that leads into the gorge, in the position of "Neraidospilo". Look for the signs.  The path crosses the entire gorge of Karteros, where you will see beautiful churches, watermills and a rest house of the Byzantine period.

Walking down the gorge, you will encounter a stone-built water reservoir, and a 3 min walk from there you will see the cave "Neraidospilo" (fairy cave). It is a natural cave associated with many legends about fairies and witches. Nowadays, the cave has been constructed and its entrance is closed with a gate, so you cannot visit it. Deep in the cave there is a water spring. The landscape around the cave is wonderful, with a small artificial lake, wild vegetation and a relaxing environment. In the gorge, follow the path by the river of Karteros until you reach the bridge of Aitania. The path often crosses the closed pipe of the aqueduct. A wooden construction covers the closed pipe of the aqueduct, in order to protect it.  Small lakes, watermills, small waterfalls and the sounds of nature (frogs, birds, wind blowing through the trees) will accompany your route.

One hour and twenty minutes away from your starting point (the cave "Neraidospilo") you will reach the open area of the bridge of Aitania, characterized by fields and dirt roads that lead to the bridge. This bridge connects the village of Skalani with the one of Aitania. The last 20 minutes of walking on the trail are especially beautiful. Moving away from the gorge, you will continue your route uphill the east wall of the gorge. The view from this point is breathtaking. Skip the bridge and move north, following the signs in order to find again the walking trail that will take you back into the gorge. 10 minutes later you will encounter the intersection that leads to the village of Kounavoi to the west, through the homonym gorge (kounaviano gorge).

Continue walking with a direction to the north, passing by old watermills, water pipes and small lakes. In one hour you will arrive at the end of the route, in the location "Mesa Karteros", where you will find an information kiosk and a beautiful recreational area. Just before the end of the route, you will see the two chapels of Aghios Nikolaos.  In the first chapel of Aghios Nikolaos you will also see the ruins of watermills. A wooden door marks the entrance to the gorge. Close the door behind you and follow the path down to the rover bank, where you will encounter the Byzantine rest house on your left, and further you will reach the recreational area of "Mesa Karteros". Here you will see the second chapel of Aghios Nikolaos and a ruined settlement. You can read more information about the gorge and its monuments on the information sign and map placed there. There is also a parking area there, where you can leave your car and drive to N. Alikarnassos or to the beach of Karteros.

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Hiking with the Naturalist Club of Heraklion (www.fysi.gr):

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More Crete:

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