Visiting Kourtaliotiko Gorge in Crete: A Responsible Guide

Kourtaliotiko Gorge is a breathtakingly beautiful gorge in Crete that serves as one of the gateways to Plakias Bay and the south coast. 

The drive through the winding gorge is stunning, so much so that you’ll be picking your jaw up off the floor. On the east side of the road, there are a few pullouts, offering sweeping views of the gorge cliffs. Luckily, the adventure needn’t end there.

A smooth stone pathway connects the road with the gorge bed in about 15 minutes, leading to the picture-perfect hidden Church of Saint Nicholas and the Kourtaliotiko waterfalls viewpoint.

Part way down the gorge, the pathway divides, with the left trail leading to the church and waterfall viewpoint and the right trail leading down to a platform above the river bed. In previous years,  visitors accessed the waterfall cave by scrambling and swimming upstream along the riverbed from this platform.

Is swimming permitted in Kourtaliotiko Gorge? While swimming in the Kourtaliotiko Waterfall Cave has been popularized on social media, it is strongly discouraged. The gorge is located within a protected natural area. Locals are passionate about preserving this pristine environment, and some even advocate for restricting access to tourists entirely.

Therefore, while you’re welcome to explore the church and the viewpoint, please refrain from swimming in the river and the waterfall cave.

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Kourtaliotiko Gorge Map

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Where to Start the Kourtaliotiko Gorge Walk

If you’re visiting during low season, you can start the walk at the small roadside car park (Google Maps), just south of the stone arch entryway. 

If you’re visiting during high season, you will likely need to park at the official car park (Google Maps), just off the main road beneath the hilltop church ruin.

Please do not park along the road, as it creates congestion and disrupts traffic flow. In past years, irresponsible parking has blocked access for local residents and, more critically, hindered emergency vehicles such as fire trucks from reaching their destinations.

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Roadside Car Park to Kourtaliotiko Waterfall Viewpoint

From the small parking area, walk 115 meters north along the sidewalk until you reach the stone archway, signaling the path to the Church of Saint Nicholas the Kourtaliotiko . 

Descend the stone pathway. After several minutes, the path divides. Bear left and hike down to the stone church. 

Beyond the church, the path descends further to a lookout point of the Kourtaliotiko waterfalls. 

Shortly thereafter, the trail dead-ends in a picturesque spot at the riverbed, where there’s an impressive outlook of the flowing river flanked by the towering craggy walls of Kourtaliotiko.

This 0.8 km out-and-back walk takes 30 minutes. 

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Official Municipal Car Park to Kourtaliotiko Waterfall Viewpoint

From this official municipal car park, walk down to the main road and cautiously cross the street. Walk south in the direction of Plakias for 140 meters and then make a sharp left on the gravel road to the waterfall. 

When the path divides, continue straight in the direction of Church Of Saint Nicholas and Kourtaliotiko Waterfall, following the sign to Entrance B. 

The right descending path leads to a cement landing, bordered by water pipes, just above the river (Entrance A). 

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Where to Stay in Plakias

Plakias is a coastal town and tranquil holiday resort located on the southwest coast of Crete. Nestled within a sweeping crescent-shaped bay, it offers a picturesque setting between the mountains and the sea.

Plakias is an excellent base for visiting the beaches of Damnoni Bay, Preveli Monastery and Preveli Palm Beach, and even Sfakia. Stay here a week or three, and you’ll leave Crete utterly enchanted, already dreaming of buying a villa with sweeping views of the Libyan Sea.

AELIA offers beachfront apartments in an excellent location and at an affordable price.

Top-rated Belvedere Luxury Apartments & Spa enjoys a town-center location near Plakias Beach. If you’re in the mood for a little extra pampering, you’ll love having breakfast delivered to your room each morning, relaxing by the outdoor pool (open seasonally), and unwinding at the spa (treatments available).

KYMĀNI Boutique Hotel & Suites is a small boutique hotel with stylish, impeccably-designed rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, and a tasty breakfast delivered to your personal terrace. The hotel is walking distance to the Plakias Promenade and Beach.

More accommodations | Paligremnos Infinity (midrange), NERĒA Boutique Hotel (midrange), Nemesis Villas (3-bedroom villas), and AMÉNTE Mindful Stay (luxury)

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More Crete Travel & Hiking Guides

Chania:

• Chania Itinerary
• Where to Stay in Chania

Hiking:

• Best Hikes in Crete
• Aradena Gorge Hike
• Loutro – Sweet Water Beach Hike
• Lissos Gorge Hike in Sougia
• Katholiko Bay Hike
• Red Beach in Matala

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