les gorges d'aradena

We were based in Loutro and had done Samaria gorges and Irini gorges in the previous days from Sougia. We were a bit sore but heard this was a nice one as well, so we did not want to miss out. We ended up taking the ferry to Sfakia and a taxi up to Aradena. A bit more expensive but we felt we could not do the walk up and down in one day.The Aradena gorges are impressive and definitely worth the trip. We found them to be shorter but more demanding than Samaria, having to go over several narrow sections with lots of rocks to go over. Although there is no way to get lost in the gorge, we had to look for the right path down in a few places. the color markings are not always obvious to find. At one point you have a choice of steps or ladders to cross a section. We chose the steps to go up and across. this gave us nice views of prey birds living up on the rock walls as well as adventurous goats perched high on the walls.Pack a swimsuit so that you can enjoy Marmara at the end of the trip. The beach itself is pebbles, small and crowded with chairs but you can swim to nice "caverns" just a few meters away.

We took in car the road from Chora Sfakia uphill the naked mountain with a fantastic view, and then through Anopoli to Aradena, where a fairly new bridge is made across the gorge to a little church, few houses and many ruins in the old village Aradena.You can take a difficult path to the bottom of of the gorge.We didn't, but we had an outstanding experience.

Lack of research, bad maps and bad tips from the locals lead me up the E4 path from Loutro (when we finally found out it was kind of too late to turn around), not the gorge - fine walk, but after going to the gorge afterwards to see it from the bridge I felt really bad that I didn't have the time and energy for a trip down. Took the boat from Hora Sfakion to Loutro (5€ per person) and the owner of a local taverna gave a lift from Anapolis to Hora Sfakion for 25€'s - a bit steep but no taxis were in sight. There's free parking in the upper part of Hora Sfakion but the lower is 3€.

The Aradena gorge is a must! I had first thought that we would do the Samaria Gorge but when travelling to Crete I had the thought - let's ask the locals, they might say Yes the Samaria is the longest but the XXXXXX Gorge is better!!! ....Well the XXXXX Garge is the Aradena!!! Beautiful as you go down and not as much travelling to or from the Gorge so it's less tiring. But the Gorge has a red and green route - both the same except for a short distance after the Aradena bridge on the descent. I've done both and much prefer the red route. It's not really that difficult - it's more of a mental challenge if heights bother you!!!

Aradena Gorge is a spectacular gorge that combines the beauty and the calmness. The only problem is to find a way to get there all other are just perfect ! Its about 3 hour walk with some stops and leads directly to Marmara beach. There you can enjoy a nice swim at the crystal blue waters of Marmara beach and get something to drink and eat.

Brilliant alternative to busy Samaria (we did this the following day). Parked in Hora Sfakion 0700 Hours and tried to find a taxi to take us to Aradena - no luck. Too early for Greek taxi drivers! Undeterred we caught a water taxi to Marmara beach for €30 and started at the bottom of the gorge instead. A great gentle 3 1/2 hour walk with lots of photo stops on the way. Saw about 5 other people the whole time. Great ladder climb with a path for those who don't like ladders. There is a bit of a steep trek out of the gorge by Aradena bridge but if you are reasonably fit is is ok. There is nothing once you get to the top. We started walking along the road hoping to hitch a lift when a mercedes taxi drove past and for €10 gave us a lift back to Hora Sfakion. Once you get there I would highly recommend "Despina's Cafe" by the harbour. Amazing homemade cakes. The only concern we had when we planned the trip was how we would get back to Hora but it worked out for us. There are a few cars about and I really don't think hitching a lift would be a problem. I would however recommend an early start to avoid the sun.

Fantastic day walking the Aradena gorge, despite the logistic challenges.Parked in Hora Sfakion and got a taxi (27 euros) to Aradena to start the walk. Very different to Imbros in that there was a lot more clambouring of rocks etc, however great fun and not too challenging. Beautiful location and setting, even more so given that there weren't hordes of tourists doing the walk too.Walked to Marmara beach in 2 1/2 hours where there is a taverna. After that walked on to Loutro which took another hour along the coastline

Aradena gorge is spectacular, far less people walking it than the Samaria gorge, it's a bit tricky at the beginning or at the end of the summer, especially after rain there are often rocks falling.. so be careful! A stunning gorge with amazing cliff and some 'sporty' parts (sliding down rocks etc). Marmara (or Dialiskari) beach at the mouth of the gorge is a wonderful place, the water is always refreshing and the cafe offers delicious light meals ('mezze') and coffees - it's a must!

We went in September 2012. After walking the Samaria gorge this one was much quieter, and exciting navigating the big boulder field. Try also the Imbros gorge to the East. You may need a car, use public transport or an excursion unless happy to walk a bit.

We rate this better than Samaria. It is far more adventurous and has lots more scrambling and climbing. The cove at the end is beautiful and the Taverna excellent. You can wait for the ferry or take an exciting trip in a water taxi. Not expensive if you are in a group.

We caught the taxi from Sfakion to the bridge at the top and walked down. The route is well way marked which you should follow to minimise the scrambling. The ladders are fun but there is a cliff path avoiding them. The tavern and nice beach at Marmaris are at the bottom. Well recommended as a quiet and attractive walk with a bit of excitement about it.

it was nice to walk as a naturist you don't often get the chance to do this. It is very hot so take water and a hat

Probably most beautifull gorge in Sfakia. It is a walk for cca 2,5 hour from ancient Aradena village to Marmara beach. The gorge is wilder than Samaria or Imbros. Many of passes are very difficult, slippery big boulders, hillsides with falling stones. You need good shoes, full bottle of water, because last refreshments is close to bridge and next one is on the beach. Be careful; 8 km is also without spring water (if you compare with Samaria) and no health assistance, no mobile phone network. But the nature is majestic, high walls of rocks with bushes and trees enticing the goats, goats climbing on the vertical rocks, vultures expecting their mistake, fantasting smell of many flowering bushes and trees. At the end of gorge lies small beach Marmara with taverna, when you may to wait to boat-taxi.

Tons of goats in this gorge and there were 0 (no) other hikers with us..we did see some on our exit but it was just lovely and peaceful. If you like hiking this is a good hike and not too difficult

This is not for the faint hearted or couch potato, this is an adventure, not a mass tourist stroll like Samaria. Hike boots, walking sticks, plenty of water and a camera, are essential. It is a long walk through a deep boulder strewn narrow canyon, with vultures and eagles circling overhead and suicidal goats half way up the rocky walls. The air is heavy with scent of aromatic plants (and goats).The walk involves scrambling over boulders, so is quite energetic but well worth the effort. You feel like you are the first to travel down, until you find the bar at the end.