IMBROS GORGE
Imbros Gorge is one of Crete’s most stunning and dramatic gorges. It’s an 8-kilometer trail with easy terrain that is suitable for children and families to enjoy the wild nature and beautiful rock formations Imbros has to offer.
Imbros Gorge is part of the E4 European hiking trail, so it sees many visitors each year, but this stunning ravine never feels crowded due to the awe-inspiring landscapes you see along the way. To walk this gorge from start to finish, it will take you around 2–3 hours. Many people are attracted to Imbros because of its historic heritage, and it has become something of a pilgrimage for many Australians, New Zealanders, and British who want to pay homage to their parents and grandparents who served in the Second World War. This was the path that 13,000 Allied troops took under the German Occupation of Crete as they fled to ships sailing for Egypt in 1941.
Within the gorge there are many milestones marked with different names: “Airplane” is where a German plane crashed within the ravine (this plane can now be seen in the war museum at Askyfou); “Stenada” is where the gorge is only 1.6m wide with an impressive height of over 300m tall; and finally, the most famous of this gorge is “The Arch of Xepitira,” where buried into the rock is this remarkable arch where the gorge ends.
After completing your adventure through Imbros Gorge, we will continue our journey to the small port of Sfakia to take a boat to the beautiful, secluded bay of Loutro. It’s here that you will have time to enjoy the tranquility and/or local food from the many tavernas and experience the incredible hospitality of the Cretan people.
LOUTRO
Loutro is a small, picturesque fishing village on the south coast of Crete. Loutro took its name from the Greek word for “bath” due to the many ancient baths found in the area. It was once known as the ancient city of Phoenix and was the ancient port of Anopolis. Its enclosed bay creates a small natural harbor, and the small island at the entrance creates protection from bad weather. This idyllic coastal town is a must-see on the south coast of Crete and is only accessible by hiking or by sea.
Today, the village of Loutro is a great attraction for tourists and locals alike. Loutro has become a peaceful escape for Cretans who want to escape the noise of some of the busy cities and take in the peace and tranquility of this beautiful coastal village. Loutro is very much still undiscovered by mass tourism, and this makes it an even more special place to visit and discover for yourself.
The village has two beaches, both of which are pebbly and well organized. The warm, crystal-clear waters are the perfect place to kick off your shoes and relax for a few hours in the unspoiled nature and picture-perfect scenery. Loutro is somewhere that is guaranteed to capture your heart and make you want to return time and time again.
https://www.deluxetransfers.gr/balos-beach/
