Location
Agia Irini Gorge
Agia Irini, Chania
Agia Irini Gorge – Agia Irini, Chania
Agia Irini Gorge, in the Chania region, is one of the most beautiful green passages of western Crete—less famous than Samaria, yet equally atmospheric and far more tranquil. It runs through a lush valley where dense plane trees, junipers, and wild oleanders form a natural canopy over the path, while flowing water accompanies the hike for much of the year. This is a gorge that offers relief even in the height of summer: cool, quiet, and filled with places where one can stop, sit on a stone, and simply watch the world slow down.
Description
Agia Irini Gorge is located in the southern part of the Chania prefecture, in the Selino region, along the route connecting the village of Agia Irini with the well-known beach of Sougia. The entire trail is approximately 7 kilometers long and is one of the most accessible hikes in this part of Crete. The starting point lies in the village of Agia Irini, where a car can be left; the endpoint is a few kilometers north of Sougia, from where local buses run back to the starting point.
The path leads through varied terrain: narrow stone corridors between rock walls, open sections lined with tall cypress trees, and shaded stretches beneath plane trees and shrubs, among which a stream flows. In spring and early summer the gorge is full of flowers and intense greenery; in late summer it remains largely shaded, making the hike comfortable even in high temperatures.
The gorge forms part of the European long-distance path E4, yet it does not require mountain experience. The surface is varied—stones, compacted earth, with steps and small wooden bridges in several places. The route can be completed in about 2.5–3 hours at a relaxed pace. The gorge is considered safe, with hazards typical of the Cretan mountains: loose stones, slippery sections after rain, and occasional falling branches during windy conditions. There are no exposed sections or technically difficult passages.
About halfway along the route there is a small rest area with wooden tables, prepared by the local community. The lower part of the gorge gradually opens into a wider valley, and the final section descends gently toward the exit point near the road to Sougia. From there, one can either continue on foot to Sougia itself (about 5 kilometers along an asphalt road) or take a bus.
Historically, the gorge was linked to old routes used by shepherds and inhabitants of southern Crete, serving as a natural passage between the Selino highlands and the Libyan Sea coast. Its name derives from the village of Agia Irini, whose small church served for centuries as a landmark for travelers.
Today, Agia Irini Gorge is one of the most popular choices for visitors who wish to experience Cretan nature without crowds and without extreme physical effort. It is a route with atmosphere—not monumental, but full of harmony and light filtered through the leaves of trees.
Location
Agia Irini, Chania
Coordinates: 35.32928, 23.83688