Gorges of Theriso

The Gorges of Theriso is located near the city of Chania. Theriso is a tiny Cretan village and has a remarkable history with the freedom and independence of the people of Crete. Visitors can go there by car. There are also bus services on the island and car rentals. The main gorge is 6 kilometres long. The beautiful Gorges of Theriso has dramatic mountain scenery and gorges. It is a wonderful place to go for a walk and is popular with hikers, and rock climbers. The Gorges of Theriso is known for its many traditional tavernas in the small village, where they serve famous Cretan lamb and abundant local fresh produce. The tourists’ reviews of Gorges of Theriso are relatively nice due to its relaxed and quiet ambience. There are good reviews about the peaceful and historical village of Theriso. The food also receives good reviews, mainly because of the fresh ingredients used. The majestic landscape of Gorges of Theriso makes it a popular tourist destination. The best time to visit the trail is March through November. Like any tourist spot in Crete, wearing a mask is still required in indoor areas in Gorges of Theriso. Most visitors enjoy driving through the lovely gorge for about 20 minutes. Then it will lead to the small village where visitors can do a 3 hr hike into the high mountains. The Gorges of Theriso is a must-visit place with an easy level of difficulty.

The Gorges of Theriso are said to play a crucial role in the modern history of Crete, according to local legend. The residents have not stopped fighting the Turks who continuously repeatedly tried to destroy the resistance of its strong position. In the 1905 event, the historic village gained greater importance when Eleftherios Venizelos and his followers declared the revolution against the dictatorial regime of Prince Geoge. The Gorge of Theriso together with the rest of the historic and equally majestic views in Crete shape the history of the island. These views and destinations speak of the island’s history. The best way to experience the Gorges of Theriso and stroll all over Crete is by renting a car. Car rental, most of the time, is a must when going around and travelling in Crete. Tourists need a car for them to be able to reach tourist destinations they wish to visit. There are different car rental companies that tourists can opt to rent their car in Crete during their stay, thus, it is advised to know How to Choose the Right Car to Rent in Crete. Crete Car Rental costs depend on how many days that car will be rented, the number of passengers, and the type of car that will be rented. One can opt to use a public bus or taxi. Car rental Crete is one of the prominent car rentals on the island. Going around the Gorges of Theriso is just a breeze using a rented car. It is a lot more convenient and provides more flexibility. Most car rental companies offer online booking for faster transactions.

Road to Theriso Gorge

What is the Archaeology of Gorges of Theriso?

Gorges of Theriso is located close to the city of Chania specifically at Vasiliou Poulaka. The wonderful day trip to the Gorges of Theriso takes roughly a few hours to explore, hike and have an adventure. Gorges of Theriso is a must-visit for tourists who love nature because of the magnificent surrounding greenery and tree-lined river. The gorge is also popular with rock climbers. The dramatic scenery of Gorges of Theriso ends in the town of Theriso. It has a stunning landscape of 6 kilometres in length while having an altitude difference of 400 metres. It is a wonderful place to go for a walk and is popular with hikers, and rock climbers. Gorges of Theriso is known for its many traditional tavernas in the small village, where they serve famous Cretan lamb and abundant local fresh produce.

How are the Gorges of Theriso preserved?

The Gorges of Theriso are preserved well. The initiative to preserve the Gorges of Theriso is pushed by the Greek state to preserve and maintain the historic value and the scenic view of the Gorges of Theriso through reconstruction, reassembly, and removal, as well as gorge interpretation. In general, the Council of Europe, the legislation provides that from the beginning of the modern Greek state’s foundation, the preservation of cultural assets such as the Topolia Gorge was a state duty. Law 3028/2002, “On the Protection of Antiquities and Cultural Heritage in General”, is the primary piece of legislation governing the protection of cultural heritage. It establishes a thorough and detailed system of protection regarding both moveable and immovable monuments and artefacts, as well as intangible heritage.

How does the Gorges of Theriso map look?

Many tourists of southern Crete remember the Gorges of Theriso because of the dramatic scenery and nature. Accompanying the three-lined and surrounded by the greenery of chestnuts and oaks. The magnificent gorge is situated just south of Chania and is abundant in greenery. Locals prefer the gorge as spectacular and are popular with Chania residents because of the cooler temperatures and grill restaurants in the village. The map of the Gorges of Theriso will give you a glimpse of the route and understand why it should be part of your bucket list when visiting the island of Crete.

Below is an image of the map of the Gorges of Theriso.

Map of Theriso Gorge

What are the hiking routes for Gorges of Theriso?

Gorges Theriso routes are easy to access; it is only 16 kilometres away from the city of Chania. A majestic day trip needs a few hours of exploring, hiking, and having an adventure. Most visitors enjoy driving through the lovely gorge for about 20 minutes. Then it will lead to the small village where visitors can do a 3 hr hike into the high mountains. Gorges of Theriso is a must-visit place with an easy level of difficulty.

How long does it take to hike the Gorges of Theriso?

Discover and enjoy the beautiful 6-kilometre long hiking route of Gorges of Theriso in just a few hours. It requires an average of three hours and a half to accomplish the route of Gorges of Theriso. Typically, the Gorges of Theriso are considered easy-level difficulty.

Do you need a guide to hike the Gorges of Theriso?

No, travel guides are not necessary when hiking in the Gorges of Theriso. Hiking Gorges of Theriso is possible to do in the absence of a guide. However, it is recommended to be physically and mentally ready when hiking and exploring the trail of the Gorges of Theriso. Furthermore, another thing to note is to be equipped with hiking gear. That way, safety measurements will not be an issue when hiking alone. Even though this is a popular track for rock climbing and hiking, tourists can still find some peace in connecting with nature.

When is the best time to visit the Gorges of Theriso?

The majestic landscape of Gorges of Theriso makes it a popular tourist destination. The best time to visit the trail is March through November. Like any tourist spot in Crete, wearing a mask is still required in indoor areas in Gorges of Theriso. Chania has a Mediterranean climate, with mostly hot, dry summers and mild winters. Tourists will be able to enjoy the beach during those months. There is available local bus transportation in Crete, but renting a private car is the best vehicle for visiting the Gorges of Theriso. Tourists can go to many beautiful spots on their own using a rented car. Just make sure to always check the requirements for renting a car.

Shrine on the road to Theriso Gorge

What are the nearby attractions in Gorges of Theriso?

The beautiful Gorges of Theriso has dramatic mountain scenery and gorges. It is a wonderful place to go for a walk and is popular with hikers, and rock climbers. Gorges of Theriso is known for its many traditional tavernas in the small village, where they serve famous Cretan lamb and abundant local fresh produce. Along with the beauty of the Gorges of Therso, there are 3 popular nearby attractions in Gorges of Theriso to visit which are the Botanical Park and Gardens of Crete, Manousakis Winery and Elafonisi Beach.

Listed below are the nearby attractions in Gorges of Theriso.

  • Botanical Park & Gardens Of Crete: Botanical Park and Gardens of Crete is nearly 20 hectares of land, consisting of fruit trees, herbs, medicinal and ornamental plants. The trail through the Park is natural and entirely perfect for walking. It is covered by a total hillside distance of approximately 2.5 kilometres, at the beginning of the trail follows the mountain slope with ascending and descending routes to finish at the lake of the Park. Then it is followed by a twisting path leading to the exit and the restaurant of the Park. The beautiful nature view of the Botanical Park and Gardens of Crete makes the trip to Crete worth it.
  • Manousakis Winery: Manousakis Winery produces organic wines from vineyards located just 20 minutes away outside the city centre of Chania. Manousakis Winery is a must-visit to taste and enjoy the tasting terrace of a relaxing wine combined with a tasteful lunch and dinner at the restaurant. The winery boutique is open from Monday to Saturday. Operating hours will start at 10 a.m. and close at 10 p.m. The olive trees and orange groves view of the winery brings the tourists wild peaceful surroundings which makes the visit worth it.
  • Elafonisi Beach: Elafonisi Beach can be found on the southeast side of Crete, 75 kilometres away from the city of Chania. Travellers would not have a hard time entering the area of Elafonisi, as it has a paved road with good parking lots. The beach has parasols, sun beds, beach bars, and toilets around the area. Elafonisi has a crystal clear sandy beach and is soft. Elafonisi beach received excellent reviews from many tourists mainly because of its majestic experience. The best time for a tourist to visit the Elafonisi beach is around September and October, for autumn is an ideal time to swim. The water during that time is warm and calm. Wearing masks and social distancing on the beach is now lifted and no longer mandatory by the government of Greece.
    Baby and dad playing in Elafonissi Beach

What is the importance of Gorges of Theriso to the history of Crete?

Gorges of Theriso not only exhibits how beautiful and bountiful Crete is in scenic and historical sites but also gives Crete its identity. Together with the rest of the museums, archaeological sites, and palaces, plus its beaches, these embody the identity of the island. The Gorges of Theriso are said to play a crucial role in the modern history of Crete, according to local legend. The residents have not stopped fighting the Turks who continuously repeatedly tried to destroy the resistance of its strong position. In the 1905 event, the historic village gained greater importance when Eleftherios Venizelos and his followers declared the revolution against the dictatorial regime of Prince George. The Gorge of Theriso and the rest of the historic and equally majestic views of Crete shape the island’s history. These views and destinations speak of the island’s history.

Theriso Gorge Sign

What are the factors to consider before renting a car in Crete?

There are buses and taxis available that tourists can use to travel around Crete. But another type of transportation is car rental, which is a more private mode of transportation. Car rental, most of the time, is a must when going around and travelling in Crete. Tourists need a car for them to be able to reach tourist destinations they wish to visit. There are different car rental companies that tourists can opt to rent their car in Crete during their stay, thus, it is advised to know How to Choose the Right Car to Rent in Crete.  It is a great option for those who want to have private transportation when going to their destination, especially during the pandemic.

Listed below are the things to consider before renting a car in Crete.

  • Insurance: Make sure that the car has insurance that will cover the damage that any possible accidents may cause.
  • Driver’s Age: According to the Greek Traffic Law, the minimum age for all drivers in Greece is 18 years old. Although, to rent a car, the minimum, age of the driver should be at least over 21 years old and should have a driver’s licence for at least 12 months.
  • Driver’s Gender: Some tourists can be picky regarding who will be their driver. The gender of the driver is one of the things that tourists consider, as many people believe that men are better drivers than women. Both men and women can drive in Crete without restrictions.
  • Car Type: Different car types are available to be rented. Each type caters to a different number of passengers and the amount of bags they can carry.
  • Documents: Other than having a driver’s licence, a credit or debit card is a must to rent a car. A credit or debit card with the tourist’s name is needed to provide the rental car company guarantee.

How much does a car rental in Crete cost?

Exploring the beautiful island of Crete using a rented car is highly recommended. The car rental cost in Crete varies depending on the location, the number of passengers, itinerary, car type, and duration. The average cost of renting a car in Crete is around €30 to €40 per day. Renting a car for a whole week will cost on average €250 while renting for the weekend will cost around  €78. Affordable Crete car rental varies depending on the car type.

Harry Anapliotis
Owner, travel writer and web developer at Rental Center Crete
Harry Anapliotis is the owner, writer and web developer at Rental Center Crete - Car hire.
Rental Center Crete - Car Hire
Car rental Company
Rental Center Crete - Car Hire is a car rental Company offering services in Crete Island, since 1975.