Platanias : Imbros Gorge Superb Hiking Tour

The Platanias: Imbros Gorge Superb Hiking Tour offers an exciting opportunity to explore one of Crete’s most stunning natural wonders. At just $67.46 per person, the tour provides a convenient bus ride to the trailhead before leading participants on a 3-hour hike through the breathtaking 9-kilometer gorge. With knowledgeable guides and a focus on comfort, this adventure is perfect for those seeking to enjoy Crete’s captivating landscapes and rich cultural heritage. What awaits at the end of the trail might just surprise you.

Contents show

Key Points

This Imbros Gorge hiking tour from Platanias offers a 3-hour trek through a 9-km scenic gorge, showcasing the historical and natural wonders of Crete.
The tour includes a comfortable 2-hour bus ride to the trailhead, and a 20-minute post-hike bus ride to the traditional village of Sfakia.
With a full refund policy up to 24 hours in advance and a 4-day validity, the tour provides flexibility for booking and planning.
Pickup from 11 locations in Platanias and knowledgeable guides ensure a hassle-free experience, allowing participants to focus on enjoying the hiking adventure.
The tour has an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5, with reviewers praising the scenic beauty, culture, and well-organized transportation.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Imbros Gorge Hiking Tour offers an adventure through one of Crete’s most scenic natural wonders. Priced from $67.46 per person, the tour includes a 2-hour bus ride to the gorge, a 3-hour hike, and a 20-minute bus ride to the traditional village of Sfakia.

Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund and book now with no upfront payment. The tour’s validity stretches across 4 days, providing ample flexibility.

With complimentary pickup from 11 locations, air-conditioned coaches, and a knowledgeable guide, this hike through the olive-tree-lined gorge is an immersive Cretan experience.

Love being outdoors? Check out these other hiking spots we've covered in Chania

Itinerary and Highlights

Commencing with pickup from 11 locations across Platanias, including popular resorts like Thalassa Beach Resort and Minoa Palace Resort, the 2-hour bus ride transports participants to the trailhead of Imbros Gorge.

Hikers then embark on a 3-hour trek through the stunning 9-km gorge, taking in scenic views of olive trees, rivers, and historical landmarks.

After the hike, the group enjoys a 20-minute bus ride to the traditional village of Sfakia for lunch and free time, with an optional 2-hour swim.

Following the invigorating trek through Imbros Gorge, participants enjoy a short bus ride to Sfakia, where they can relax over lunch and an optional swim.

The tour highlights the gorge’s historical significance as an escape route for allied troops in 1941.

Exploring Imbros Gorge

Though stretching 9 kilometers in length, Imbros Gorge‘s breathtaking landscapes and historical significance make it a must-visit destination for hikers exploring Crete.

The gorge features notable landmarks like the "Airplane," "Stenada," "Mesofarango," and the "Xepitira Arch." Hikers traverse olive groves, rivers, and historical sites during the 2.5-hour trek.

Imbros Gorge is accessible year-round and suitable for families, offering stunning vistas along the way.

With an entrance fee of just 3 EUR, this gorge hike is an affordable and rewarding activity for visitors to the island.

Transportation and Services

To reach the Imbros Gorge, the tour provides air-conditioned coaches that are clean and comfortable.

Pickup and drop-off services are available directly from the hotel or a nearby location, ensuring a seamless start and end to the excursion.

The knowledgeable guide will accompany the group, providing insights about Crete and the Imbros Gorge throughout the journey.

Ensuring the safety of all participants, the guide will keep track of the group and make sure everyone is accounted for.

With these transportation and service features, travelers can focus on the enjoyment of the hiking experience without worrying about logistics.

More Great Tours Nearby

Customer Feedback and Ratings

Based on the 5 reviews available, the Imbros Gorge Hiking Tour has an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5.

Participants praised the knowledgeable guide and the comfortable transportation. Some noted challenges with the hike’s difficulty and the bus sound system, but these were minor issues.

The tour attracts a variety of travelers, including couples, friends, solo adventurers, and families. Reviewers highlighted the scenic beauty of the gorge and the opportunity to enjoy Crete’s history and culture.

There's plenty more to explore in Chania

Historical Significance of the Hike

The Imbros Gorge holds historical significance as an escape route for Allied troops during World War II.

The Imbros Gorge holds historical significance as an escape route for Allied troops during World War II.

In 1941, when German forces invaded Crete, British, Australian, and New Zealand troops retreated through the gorge to reach the southern coast and board ships to safety.

This treacherous route provided:

A challenging escape from the advancing German army
A means for Allied forces to evacuate the island
A symbol of resilience and determination in the face of adversity

This historical event adds depth to the Imbros Gorge hiking experience, allowing visitors to appreciate the gorge’s role in a pivotal moment of World War II.

Scenic Wonders Along the Way

As hikers traverse the Imbros Gorge, they’re treated to a breathtaking display of Crete’s natural wonders.

Imposing olive trees dot the landscape, their gnarled trunks a testament to the island’s resilience. Rushing rivers carve their way through the rugged terrain, their soothing sounds a welcome respite from the hike.

Towering historical landmarks, like the "Airplane" and "Stenada", stand as silent sentinels, reminding visitors of the gorge’s strategic importance.

The "Mesofarango" and "Xepitira Arch" are natural marvels, showcasing the power of erosion to shape the earth.

Each step reveals new scenic delights in this enchanting corner of Crete.

Accessibility and Suitability

The Imbros Gorge Hiking Tour is designed to be accessible and suitable for a wide range of participants. The gorge is open year-round, making it a viable option for visitors to Crete. The tour is family-friendly, accommodating both adults and children.

The Imbros Gorge Hiking Tour is accessible, suitable for a range of participants, and open year-round for visitors to Crete. The tour is family-friendly.

Key highlights include:

Moderate Difficulty: The 9 km hike is generally considered moderate, taking approximately 2.5 hours to complete, making it accessible for most fitness levels.
Scenic Attractions: The tour showcases stunning natural landmarks, including the "Airplane," "Stenada," "Mesofarango," and "Xepitira Arch," providing a visually captivating experience.
Historical Significance: The gorge holds historical importance as an escape route for allied troops during World War II.

Since You Asked

Can I Book This Tour for a Private Group?

Yes, this Imbros Gorge hiking tour can be booked for a private group. The tour operator offers flexible arrangements to accommodate private groups, allowing you to customize the experience to your needs.

What Should I Bring for the Hike?

For the hike, you’ll need proper hiking shoes, a water bottle, snacks, sun protection, and a light jacket or layers. It’s also a good idea to bring a camera to capture the scenic views along the way.

Are There Any Restrictions or Requirements for the Hike?

The hike has no major restrictions, but participants should wear comfortable, closed-toed shoes and bring water, snacks, and sun protection. Certain physical abilities are required as the trail includes uneven terrain and steep sections.

Can I Extend the Duration of the Tour?

The tour can be extended for an additional fee, though the standard duration is 2 hours. Hikers can add extra time for swimming or exploring the scenic gorge. Extensions should be requested in advance to ensure availability.

Are There Any Discounts or Packages Available?

There are no specific discounts or packages mentioned for the Imbros Gorge Hiking Tour. However, the tour does offer free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later.

Final Words

The Platanias: Imbros Gorge Superb Hiking Tour offers an exceptional opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes of Crete. Priced at $67.46 per person, the tour provides a well-organized and comfortable experience, featuring a scenic bus ride, a captivating 3-hour hike, and the chance to relax in the traditional village of Sfakia. With knowledgeable guides and a focus on safety, this tour is an excellent choice for both families and solo adventurers seeking an unforgettable outdoor experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: