Kourtaliotiki Faragi Canyon in Crete

Kourtaliotiko Faragi is the name of a spectacular and deep canyon 23km directly south of Rethimnon on the Rethimnon - Armeni - Kourtaliotiko Faragi road. The mountains of Kouroupa (984m) and Xiro Oros (904m) form the Kourtaliotiko Gorge. The road eventually will bring you to either Preveli or Plakias. The gorge begins in the village of Koxare and follows the Kourtaliotiko River for about 1 kilometer, as does the road. About half-way through the gorge there are parking places and steps leading down to the river-bed and the church of Agios Nikolaos. At the end of the gorge is an area that resembles a tropical lagoon, Palm Beach. To enjoy the view you have to park your car and look down. The gorge is narrow and beautiful, and the river that flows through it forms five big pools and then a waterfall. Throughout the gorge a wide variety of wildlife is visible.