Waterfalls in Crete
You would not be mistaken for considering Crete a dry and arid landscape and indeed during the summer months this is what most visitors find. However, after the winter months and particlarly in early.
Spring the earth comes alive to the sound of running water. Here are a few of the many "hidden" waterfalls in Crete.
Waterfall at Milonas Gorge (south Crete near Ierapetra)
The Mylonas Gorge (also known as the Gorge of Saint John as it starts near the village of St. John) is located at an altitude of 500m and descends to the beach at Kakia Skala. It is not possible to walk the entire gorge due to the waterfalls. In the surrounding area you will also find more gorges, beaches and many more attractions to explore. The largest waterfall which is 40m high lies at an altitude of 300 m.
Travelling 18 km from Ierapetra towards Makrigialos (eastwards) you will come across a sharp hairpin bend in the middle of which the Milonas Waterfall is signposted.
At the signpost, follow the rustic path upwards until you come to the car park. Here continue on foot for about 20 minutes and you will reach a 40 m waterfall. Of course, after the dry period of the summer the waterfall is not that impressive so it is advisable to visit the area in Springtime or at the latest early summer. Then the full beauty of the cascading water can be appreciated.
The waterfall is also accessible from the beach below but it will take about one and a half hours following the path of the riverbed.
Waterfall at the gorge of Ha in Lasithi
Take the national road towards Agios Nikolaos and then the turn inland towards Ierapetra. The gorge is located in Ha just north of Ierapetra. The entrance of the gorge is located at an altitude of 370 meters and the output goes down and ends at an altitude of 140 meters. Towards the end of the gorge there is the large and impressive waterfall at a height of 215 meters. The gorge can also boast as having rich flora and fauna. It is one of the famous and magnificent waterfalls located in an equally stunning Gorge.
Due to its wild terrain visitors should be well-prepared and have the necessary hiking equipment.
Mastoras waterfall at Thripti
This could be considered as the most impressive waterfall located in Crete as it is acknowledged as the waterfall with the most water. It is situated just above the small village of Monastiraki in the municipality of Ierapetra. We aslo have the ideal car for you to reach Thripti waterfall comfortably and easily.
Mastoras reaches a height of 215 meters (the highest known in Greece) and its water is gathered from springs just before the village of Thripti. The collected water forms a small stream which then creates a small canyon culminating in 3-4 rappels. As the ground suddenly opens up below the water is then free to cascade down the mountainside into the canyon of Ha. In the middle of its fall most of the water forms a vaporous cloud. Certainly a spectacular display of nature in its finest.
Richtis Falls
This gorge and waterfall is situated in a protected park near the village of Exo Moulian, Sitia east Crete.
The hiking trail is about 4 km and after some rainfall could be said to be difficult with sticky mud and a sharp descent. Certainly waterproof footwear is recommended. The landscape is ornated with rich greenery comprising plantanus trees, wild flowers and herbs. Also along the walk you will notice old stone bridges and water mills before arriving at the Richtis waterfall and beach. It is possible to bathe in the small lake which is formed from the cascading waters.
You can observe the waterfall from the beach below and it is a refreshing sight in a terrain of rocks and mountainsides.
There are numerous ways to enjoy this gorge and waterfall. The two most appropriate ways are:
- Driving to the beach and walking far enough until you find the waterfall for the less adventurerous.
- Walking down and back again through the gorge which will take you about 5 hours.