Lassithi Havgas Gorge

Location: Kalamafka

Located in the Lassithi Plateau, between two peaks of the Dikti mountain range, the Havgas Gorge is one of the most beautiful canyons in Lassithi. Through its impressive rocks flows the Havgas (or Xenikos) River, while there is also a lush forest with maples, kermes oaks, and other types of trees.

Havgas Gorge is 4 kilometers long and the hiking path is relatively easy, so it is recommended even for beginners. At first, the gorge is quite wide, but then it abruptly narrows down, and the uphill path goes all the way up to the stunning Neraidokolympos Lake. There, at the base of a small waterfall, there is a large round boulder, which, according to a legend, was placed there by the fairies. The landscape is of such beauty that moon fairies were said to bathe there, giving the lake its name.

As it is impossible to proceed any further after the lake and the boulder (unless equipped with special canyoning gear, that is), after Neraidokolympos, hikers will need to retrace their steps for a few meters and look for the small Plystra side gorge, which leads to the Katharos Plateau. This side gorge is part of the E4 European long-distance trail and its pristine landscape is truly rewarding, as it also boasts a series of small waterfalls.

Note: The word "Havgas" is used in eastern Crete to denote a gorge, so there are a couple of other gorges with a similar name in southern Lassithi too.