How to Drive Through Kotsifou Canyon in Crete?
Kotsifou Canyon is a gorge located in the prefecture of Rethymno, on the Greek island of Crete. It’s one of the most beautiful gorges on the island.
Where is Kotsifou Canyon?
The canyon is located on the south coast of Crete. With a total length of 1,800 meters and some slopes, almost vertical, reaching heights of 600 meters, Kotsifou Gorge is very narrow at the beginning, approximately 10 meters, but it widens afterward. Inside the gorge, surrounded by tall, vertical, imposing rocks, there is a small chapel of Agios Nikolaos, built inside a stone cavity.
How Long is the Road Through Kotsifou Canyon?
The road through the canyon is 4.2 km (2.60 miles) long, running north-south from Agios Ioannis to Sellia. It’s a beautiful drive with breathtaking scenery. It's truly awe-inspiring when you enter the canyon. It's windy but well worth stopping at the parking area to take photos.
Is the Road Through Kotsifou Canyon Paved?
The road runs through a narrow slit in the mountains, between steep cliffs. It’s fully paved but features a high risk of rock falls.
When is the Best Time to Visit Kotsifou Canyon?
In the heat of the Cretan summer, when temperatures easily reach 40°C, you’ll be grateful there is a canyon you can visit by car. In winter, an impressive 20-meter-tall waterfall forms here, while in summer the riverbed is completely dry. Be prepared for strong winds; you’ll need to hold on to everything because if you don’t, it may fly out of your hands.