Location
Aradena Gorge
Aradena, Chania
Aradena Gorge – Aradena, Chania
Aradena Gorge is one of the most spectacular and deepest gorges in southwestern Crete, located in the Sfakia region. It begins near the abandoned village of Aradena and runs all the way to Marmara Beach on the Libyan Sea. The area is known both for its dramatic rock scenery and for the distinctive bridge suspended high above the gorge — one of the highest bungee jumping points in Europe.
Description
Aradena stands out for its raw, almost monumental geology. The gorge cuts deeply into the limestone slopes of the White Mountains, reaching depths of several dozen meters. Its narrow throats, especially in the central section, create the impression of entering a natural stone cathedral. The walls are vertical, in places even overhanging, with characteristic red and orange discolorations formed by the oxidation of minerals within the limestone.
The entrance to the trail lies near the abandoned village of Aradena, whose stone houses — mostly in ruins — form a striking setting. The settlement was abandoned in the 20th century following a family feud that entered local lore, but the gorge itself has a much older history: the existence of a village here is recorded in Venetian sources, and local traditions reach back even to antiquity.
The route through the gorge passes a sequence of natural steps, massive rock blocks, and sections of varying width. In the central part, the walls draw so close together that light enters only in narrow shafts. Large boulders fill the gorge floor, and during rainy periods water may appear, although for most of the year the channel remains dry.
The final section of Aradena opens onto the coast, where the trail leads to Marmara Beach — a distinctive place where white rock formations contrast sharply with the turquoise waters of the Libyan Sea. It is one of the most recognizable gorge endings on Crete.
The bridge spanning the gorge, built in the 1980s, has itself become a landmark. Its height above the floor of Aradena makes it one of the most dramatic bungee jumping locations on the island. Although a modern addition, it accentuates the intensity of the natural scenery.
Aradena Gorge is part of a broader network of passages within the White Mountains and one of the most important gorges of Sfakia, both in landscape and cultural terms. It connects the mountainous interior of the region with the stark southern coastline, while retaining the character of a place largely untouched by human intervention.
Location
Aradena, Chania
Coordinates: 35.22234, 24.06297