Gorge of Kourtaliotis
The Gorge of Kourtaliotis is located 5km from our villas and has a length of 3km. It is one of the most spectacular natural attractions of south Rethymnon. It starts from the village Koxare and flows between the mountains Kouroupis (984 m) and Xiro Oros (Dry Mountain – 904m).
The huge cliffs of the canyon reach a height of 600 meters and are full of openings and caves, where significant fauna species live. The canyon is crossed by the Kourtaliotis River which flows up to Lake Preveli, after merging with Frati Gorge. In its latest part it is called Big River.
It is a wonderful gorge worth visiting and trekking along its riverbed, while playing with water. The canyon is crossed by a road, but walking in it is really nice. By following the steps at the side of street Koxare – Asomatos, you reach the bottom of the gorge, where the church of St. Nicholas is located. The springs of Kourtaliotis, near the chapel, are one of the nicest attractions of the gorge.
Arched Bridge of Prevelis
The beautiful arched bridge of Prevelis is met on the way to the homonym monastery and crosses Megas River which empties at the famous beach of Preveli.
It was built in the 18th century by monks of the monastery and its arc has a length of 13.5m, height 7m and width 4.5m. On both sides there are inscriptions.
The Pirates’ Fjord
The Pirates’ Fjord is located 7km of Gasparakis villas & bungalows, in a tiny cove south of Mouri or Karavos Cape, near Plakias.
It is a very narrow cove, formed between enormous vertical cliffs. The tiny beach shaped here has sand at its starting point and doesn’t exceed 2m in width. It deepens abruptly and changes to a deep rocky harbor. The fjord is named after the pirates who took refuge inside this sheltered bay during the Byzantine era.Today you will not find any pirates, but a hotel, within the limits of which the “beach” is formed.
The hotel has put beds and umbrellas on the smooth rocks surrounding the fjord. In the fjord you can take one of the best scuba diving lessons by the club based at the hotel. The beach can be accessed only by crossing the hotel (accessed via Damnoni) or by boat from Plakias.
Mountain Hiking Paths
Around Lefkogia there are several mountain hiking paths . These have panoramic view of Shinaria bay, walking through discover ancient places in the middle of the forest and enjoy the scent of wild thyme and sage.
The hiking season on Crete starts at the beginning of may and runs until the end of October.Spring is good time for hiking holidays, the days are getting warmer, wildflowers are beginning to bloom and the first greenery can be seen everywhere. Autumn is also a delightful time in south Rethymnon.
The temperature are still pleasantly warm, most tourists have already left again and the few tourists have the hiking trails as well as the small, hidden beaches at the still warm Libyan sea almost for them only.
Gorge of Kotsyfos
The gorge of Kotsyfos starts at Kannevos village and ends at Plakias.
The starting point is very narrow with a width of about 10m, which gradually increases and reaches 600m. The total length is 1800m, and the almost vertical sides that reach a height of 600m.
Inside the gorge there is a small temple built inside a rocky cavity dedicated to Saint Nicholas
