Imbros Gorge, Crete, Greece
- Nimrod
- Jul 26
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 2
May 2025 [All the posts about Greece]
Region: Southwest crete, Sfakia, Greece
Difficulty: Easy || Type: linear
Duration: 2.5 hours || Distance: 6 km
Total decent: 600 m || Season: All Year
Content
Hiking in Crete – Imbros Gorge Introduction
When it comes to popularity—and maybe beauty too, though that’s a matter of taste—Imbros Gorge, Crete often comes in second place on Crete. The number one spot usually goes to the mighty Samaria Gorge. Sure, it might be a bit of a bummer always being second, but Imbros seems to take it in stride—and honestly, it deserves the attention it gets.
Along the trail, there are several striking sections where the gorge narrows to just a few meters wide. Towering rock walls rise up on both sides, creating a dramatic and unforgettable atmosphere.
Just to put your mind at ease—we’ve also hiked the famous Samaria Gorge, often considered the king of all gorges on the island.
That said, in my view, a trip to Crete isn’t quite complete without at least one good walk in nature. We wanted more than just one hike, and that’s where Imbros Gorge came in—an excellent choice for adding a bit more adventure to our journey through Crete.
The vegetation along the gorge is rich and varied, and most of the walk is pleasantly shaded by large oaks, cypresses, and other conifers. In spring, the gorge is in full bloom—no doubt the most recommended season to hike here.
The Imbros Gorge also played a role in the island’s history. This very trail was used by British and Australian soldiers during their retreat in 1941, following the fall of Crete to German forces.
Most were evacuated by the Royal Navy from the port of Hora Sfakion to Egypt, while others were captured or joined the local Greek resistance fighters.
Below is a map of the hiking route through Imbros Gorge.
More trips in Greece
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When to Hike the Imbros Gorge
The Imbros Gorge is open year-round, but the most pleasant times to visit are in spring and autumn—particularly from April to June and October to November. Since Samaria Gorge opens only in May, Imbros makes a perfect alternative for nature lovers arriving in early spring.
Just a heads-up: April can get quite busy, so it’s a good idea to start early—or even later in the day—to avoid the crowds.
Who Is It For?
Pretty much everyone—including families with kids! The Imbros Gorge hike is gentle and not too long (about six kilometers), stretching from the village of Imbros to the village of Komitades. The trail descends gradually, but if you prefer, you can also do it in reverse with a mild uphill walk.
Tips for Hiking the Imbros Gorge
Getting There and Back
If you’re not driving, the easiest way to visit Imbros Gorge is by joining an organized tour. These are offered by most travel agencies in western Crete and include all necessary transfers—so all you need to do is enjoy the hike.
If you do have a car, it’s about an hour’s drive from Chania or Rethimno to the village of Imbros.
You can start the trail from either end, but it’s more convenient to begin in Imbros and hike downhill—the descent is gentle and easy.
There’s parking available in both villages, so leaving your car is no problem.
We started our hike from the village of Imbros, heading toward the trail entrance—it’s clearly marked with signs, so no worries about getting lost.
The path is well signposted from start to finish. You’ll find trash bins along the way, but no water sources, so be sure to bring enough water with you.
At both ends of the trail, there are ticket stations where an entrance fee of €5 is usually required. However, if you start early like we did, the booths may still be unattended—so you’ll likely be able to just walk in. The trail is open, and you might only be asked to pay at the end.
The hike ends just before the village of Komitades, where you can catch a minibus or taxi back to Imbros. These usually wait near the southern entrance to the gorge. There's also a small café at the trail’s end where you can grab a coffee or fresh orange juice.
The minibus back to Imbros costs €5 per person. If you're in a rush or don’t want to wait for it to fill up, you can take a taxi for around €25—split between four people, the price difference is minimal.
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoes (trail runners are fine too), and water—how much depends on the season. In spring and fall, one liter is usually enough; in summer, bring at least two. The hike is fairly short, so no need to overpack—just a light snack will do.
Bring some cash for the shuttle back or for small tavernas in the villages, as some don’t accept cards.
If you're hiking in summer, don’t forget a hat and sunscreen.
When to Go
As mentioned earlier, spring and fall are the best seasons. To avoid the crowds, try to start early or later in the day—it's a short hike with plenty of daylight hours.
Food and Water
There are no water points along the trail, so bring enough with you.
At both ends of the gorge, you’ll find charming little tavernas that serve breakfast and lunch. Just note: in Greece, breakfast service often starts only around 09:00 or 10:00
The Hike Itself
We arrived fairly early after a little over an hour's drive to the village of Imbros. In true Greek fashion, the village was just beginning to stir—most tavernas don't open until 09:00 or 10:00.
Parking was a breeze (there’s plenty of free space), and from there we set off on foot toward the trailhead.
At first, the trail leads you for about a kilometer through a shallow, green ravine with lush vegetation, until you reach the official entrance booth to the gorge.
After a while, the gorge deepens and the walk becomes even more pleasant, winding through a beautiful wooded area. In two spots along the trail, the canyon narrows to just about two meters wide, with the rock walls closing in dramatically around you.
Towards the end of the trail, you’ll come across a small, makeshift café or pub — charming but a bit rustic (it was closed when we passed by).
No worries though — there’s another one waiting at the very end of the trail 🙂
At the end of the trail, as mentioned earlier, you’ll find minibuses and taxis ready to take you back to the village of Imbros. It’s also a great spot to relax with an iced coffee or a fresh orange juice — enjoy!
What else is nearby
Dourakis Winery
About a 20-minute drive north of Imbros, the Dourakis winery offers good wine and meals. It’s best to book in advance. [Here is their website.]
There are also several other wineries in western Crete — you can read about another one we visited in my post about Chania.
Coastal villages
A string of beautiful villages line the southern coast of the island, such as Hora Sfakion, Loutro, Sougia, and Agia Roumeli. All of them — and the lovely beaches between them — are connected by ferry or small boats. You’ll find accommodations in each one too.
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