The Richtis Gorge, located on the eastern side of Crete, is an accessible natural gem known for its picturesque trails, abundant greenery, and a beautiful waterfall.

Here’s everything you need to know:

Location: Richtis Gorge is located near the village of Exo Mouliana, about 20 km from Sitia and 45 km from Agios Nikolaos.

Parking Options:

You can park at the Lachanas Bridge: https://maps.app.goo.gl/S53r1K9JqhvochQF7, it is the starting point of the hike, which is easily accessible by car.

Starting the Hike

• The trail begins at the stone bridge of Lachanas, a historic Venetian structure surrounded by lush vegetation.

• The trail runs about 6 kilometers and typically takes 2-3 hours to complete one way, depending on your pace and the number of stops.

Hiking Details

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate, suitable for most hikers, including families with older children. Some sections can be slippery or involve light scrambling, so caution is advised.

• Footwear: Comfortable hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers are recommended.

• Best Time to Visit: Spring to early summer (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are ideal. The gorge is at its greenest during spring, with water flowing abundantly.

• Equipment: Bring water, snacks, a hat, watershoes and swimwear if you plan to swim at the waterfall or the beach. Don't apply sunscreen when you're planning to go into the waterfal, it will destroy the fauna and flora.

Key Highlights

1. Richtis Waterfall: The gorge’s highlight is a stunning 20-meter waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation. It’s an ideal spot for photos or a refreshing dip in the natural pool below.

2. Flora and Fauna: Enjoy diverse plant life, including plane trees, wildflowers, and herbs. You may also encounter small birds and butterflies.

3. Richtis Beach: If you want to continue your hike you can end at this secluded pebble beach with clear waters, perfect for relaxation or a picnic.

Good to know

• There is a shorter and easier hike to the waterfall but you will need to park on the closest parking area to the beach: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Fj21oLbP2inugBWY9, which is a very challenging drive. The road is unpaved.

• Start at Lachanas Bridge, where you can park your car here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/9jYnRF3Jv92snpK1A.

  From there, hike through the gorge to Richtis Beach and then retrace your steps if your car is at the bridge.

• Access to the gorge is 3 euros, payable in cash as from the age of 16.

• Facilities: There are no facilities along the trail, so prepare accordingly.

Book a tour with our partner Upiria to this gorge:

https://app.upiria.com/experience/991e362a-95dd-4349-959f-8729ded683d0