Crete is famous for its beautiful golden beaches, sunny summers, and tasty food. And for those of you who love adventure, there are tons of impressive gorges to hike that take you through the wild nature of Crete. In the prefecture of Lasithi alone, there are around 40 awesome hikes to do. One of them is the Richiti Gorge. A trail that leads you through a lush, green canyon, ending at a beautiful waterfall. It’s a great mix of adventure and natural beauty.
But is it really worth it?
The Trail
The gorge of Richtis is located next to the village of Exo Mouliana ( between the cities of Sitia and Agios Nikolaos). The hike will take you from the outskirt of the village down to the Richti beach with lovely stop to a waterfall.
The trail is around 3km (about 1.8 miles) and the path is well marked and take you along a river bed. The path is considered moderate in difficulty as it does require you to climb up and down boulders so it is . Sturdy shoes are a must please leave your flip flops in your back pack for when you reach the waterfall or the beach.
The trail has plenty of shade as there are plenty of trees along the trail. Bring water and snacks especially during summer as temperature can rise high during summer and there is no drinkable source of water along the walk.
Tips:
If you want to save 30 minutes walk instead of parking your car up in the village you can drive down to the Lachanas bridge and start your hike from there.
The Richtis Waterfall
The waterfall is the main attraction of this hike. After about an hour or so of hiking (depending on your pace), you’ll reach the waterfall, which tumbles down into a pool surrounded by trees and ferns. It’s not the tallest waterfall, but the setting is absolutely stunning. Crete is quite a dry climate of seen water run like this is quite unique.
Please keep in mind that if you visiting in the middle on July or August after month of no rain and probably a couple of heatwaves the water won’t be flowing as much.
Reaching The Beach
If you want to extend your hike, you can keep following the trail past the waterfall all the way to Richtis Beach. It’s a quiet, pebbly beach where you can relax and enjoy the sea after your hike. The beach isn’t crowded, and the surrounding area is peaceful, making it a great spot for a picnic.
Once you’ve soaked in the views and had a break, you’ll have to retrace your steps to head back up to the parking area at Exo Mouliana.
Practical Information
- Location: The trailhead is near the village of Exo Mouliana, about 30 minutes from Sitia.
- Fees: Parking is free but the local authorities have added and entrance fee of 3€ per person over 15 years old.
- Trail Length: The hike is about 3 km one way (6 km round trip) and can take 2 to 4 hours, depending on your pace and how long you stop along the way.
- Difficulty: It’s a moderate hike, with some rocky sections and uneven terrain, so sturdy shoes are a must.
- Best Time to Hike: Spring and autumn are ideal for hiking the gorge, as the weather is cooler, and the gorge is especially lush. In summer, aim for an early morning start to avoid the heat.
- What to Bring: Plenty of water, snacks, good hiking shoes, and a swimsuit if you want to take a dip in the waterfall pool.
Guided Tours
If you like to have a guided tour there are a couple of options:
Pick up from the area of Elounda and Agios Nikolaos: https://gyg.me/jfNkGOU5
Pick up from Sitia: https://gyg.me/jfNkGOU5
Final Thoughts
Hiking through Richtis Gorge is a fantastic way to experience a different side of Crete’s landscape. The mix of lush greenery, the gorge, and, of course, the beautiful Richtis Waterfall makes it a rewarding hike for nature lovers and adventurers alike. And with the option to continue to the beach, you can turn it into a full day of exploring. If you’re looking for a peaceful hike with some stunning scenery, Richtis Gorge is definitely worth the effort.
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