Astrakiano Gorge
Where is located the Astrakiano gorge?
The Astrakiano Gorge, also known as the Gorge of Karteros, forms part of a larger geological complex that includes the gorges of Kounavon, Astrakon, and Karteros, spanning approximately 21.5 kilometers.
Located to the east of Heraklion, this formation crosses through the municipalities of N. Kazantzaki, Episkopi, and Nea Alikarnassos. It is also part of the Yuhtas Ecological Park, which covers around 4,000 acres in the Archanes area and includes Mount Yuhtas as well as three major gorges: Knossano, Kounaviano, and the longest of them, Astrakiano (or Karteros) Gorge. This park is part of the Natura 2000 network, a designation aimed at protecting vital natural areas.
The gorges connect at various points to nearby settlements along their route and feature five main entry points: one from Karteros, another from Aitania (at the Aitania bridge), a third from Ag. Paraskies (in the Kolomodi area), a fourth from Lower Astrakos, and a fifth at Peza Plain (the Kounavianos Gorge entrance). Each entrance is equipped with an information booth.
The gorges house several sites of historical and cultural significance, such as the ancient city of Eltina, the Minoan settlement of Myrtia, and the Minoan cemetery of Astrakon. The area offers a variety of activities aimed at preserving and showcasing the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region. Rich water sources here supported a network of watermills, which, while no longer functional, have left behind well-preserved ruins.
The gorges are home to diverse flora, including water-loving plants like plane trees, willows, and wicker, as well as numerous endemic species unique to Greece and Crete. The fauna includes over 44 bird species and seven mammal species.At ‘Astrakiano Gorge’, north of the Astrakoi Bridge, there is the cave called Neraidospilios. According to archaeologist Paul Faure, this was the sanctuary of Tritogeneia Athena.
Neraidospilios legend
This adjective is due to the ancient Greek name of the River Karteros, i.e. ‘Triton’, who was born in the sanctuary of the goddess. In the cave, there is one of the springs of the Astrakoi aqueduct, which supplied part of the water necessary for the city of Heraklion at the beginning of the 20th century.Legend has it that this cave, deeply set in the gorge with its numerous springs, clear running waters and lush vegetation, had been chosen by the Fairies (neraides, ancient Greek mythology Nereids) as their home! One night, a young lyre-player, heard their song and his curiosity led him to the cave. He saw the fairies there, dancing and singing bathed in light and dressed in transparent veils! Enchanted by the sweet melody in the air and their dance, he picked his lyre and accompanied their dance.
Astrakiano canyon
The canyon Astrakiano (Astraki - Kali Rachi) is approximately 7km long and hiking takes 3-4 hours.Astrakiano canyon starts at Kato Astraki. You can park the car and after Agios Georgios church there are stone steps leading to ‘Neraidospilio’ [Fairy-cave]. This is where the trail starts, running alongside the creek, with some basic crossing infrastructure at the difficult points along the way. The old Ottoman aqueduct is visible along the trail. Pay close attention during the first kilometre after Neraidospilio, as the river and wild vegetation have destroyed some crossings.
You also need to observe markings on the rocks so as not to miss a detour in the trail due to the crossing ahead having been completely destroyed. The trail runs parallel to the riverbed until halfway along the route. After that point, it runs high along the eastern slope of the gorge. The trail ends where the path meets the country road to Aitania, but you can continue to Karteros if you so wish.
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