Visiting the Kourtaliotiko Gorge waterfalls in Crete

Getting to Kourtaliotiko Gorge

The Kourtaliotiko Gorge is conveniently located between the towns of Rethymno and Agia Galini. Here’s how you can get there:

1. By Car (or other rental vehicle): The most convenient way to reach the gorge is by car. From Rethymno, it’s a scenic drive of approximately 30 minutes. From Chania and Heraklion to the Kourtaliotiko gorge, the driving time is 1 hour and 30 minutes. The roads are in good condition and fine to drive on.
2. By Bus: There are daily buses from Rethymno to Plakias that pass by the entrance of the path to the Kourtaliotiko gorge waterfalls. Ask the bus driver when entering if he can quickly stop to let you out. Ensure you check the bus schedule on the website of the bus company, KTEL Chania – Rethymnon, in advance. The way back is a bit trickier, as you have to hope that by waving you can make the public bus stop while it is passing by. You should also make sure to buy a return ticket in advance and have it with you. Another option is to book a taxi for the way back at a previously set time.
3. By guided tour: For the people without wheels that do not want to travel by public bus, there is the option of taking a guided tour. More details about available tours can be found below.

Journey to the Waterfalls

When reaching the Kourtaliotiko Gorge, you need to park on the little parking lot near the ‘Church of St. Nicholas the Kourtaliotiko‘. It is best to put this location in your Google Maps on approach. There, the magic truly begins.

1. Starting Point: Begin your journey at the parking area near the Google Maps pin Church of St. Nicholas the Kourtaliotiko. Here, you will find a little stone arch where a staircase into the gorge begins. Take the staircase and start walking down.
2. The hike: At a certain point, the road goes both left and right. Follow the left path to go to the top of the waterfalls (the viewpoint from above) and the actual Church of St. Nicholas the Kourtaliotiko. From the junction, it is only 2 minutes further to the viewpoint.
   Follow the right path to go down all the way to the Kourtaliotiko river, and the famous ‘swim spot’ where you will be surrounded by the gorges stone walls and water pouring down from every side.
3. Reaching the Waterfalls: After about 20 minutes of trekking down, you’ll arrive down at the riverbed. You have to descend a little ladder and climb some boulders to reach the entrance of the swim spot. Beware! The water is extremely cold.  You have to walk into the river and swim into the gorge for about 20 to 50 meters. Outside and further inside the gorges ‘encaved waterfall spot’ you can easily stand as the water is not too deep. But you can definitely not walk all the way. In any case it is a 100% worth it! The sight of water plunging from great heights  is truly a sight to behold. Don’t forget to capture this moment with your camera!

Opt for a Guided Tour to the Kourtaliotiko gorge waterfalls

The problem with most guided tours that say ‘they go to the Kourtaliotiko gorge’ is that they stop for so little time that you can only make it to the waterfalls viewpoint (from above) and back, and not to the swim spot.

This is the only semi-private tour with transfer from the Plakias area that is currently available. Which includes trekking through a larger part of the gorge.

Must know and must bring when visiting the Kourtaliotiko gorge

• Bring enough sunscreen, water, appropriate footwear and of course, a swimsuit
• Bring a waterproof case for your phone or camera since you have to swim a couple of meters through the gorge
• The river water is very cold, but swimming in it is doable. I did it off season, both in early May and at the end of October.
• The sun shines into the gorge in the middle of the day, this means that you can dry into the sun on the riverbed after during that time.
• You will have to leave your stuff on the rocks on the riverbed (unattended) while swimming. Everybody does this, so for me this has not been a problem.
• Always respect the natural environment during your visit.

Thank you for reading this short blog on visiting the Kourtaliotiko Gorge waterfalls in Crete. I hope it helped you and I wish you enjoy your time in Crete!

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