The route starts from the small village of Imvros , high on the plateau of Askifou at an altitude of 700 meters. The initial part of the gorge, which is quite open, is downhill and the side walls are relatively low. However, when the route descends, the canyon narrows continuously, the walls rise higher and the landscape becomes more impressive. Soon on the side of the gorge we see several caves, while the vegetation consists of old cypress trees , forests and maples that spill out through the rocks. In many parts of the gorge we find traces of the old cobbled path that once was the main trail connecting Sfakia with Chania. It was the only substantial passage of the province of Sfakia to the north, many battles took place in the gorge with the Ottomans during the Ottoman domination.
Continuing down we arrive at the most impressive point of the Gorge, the Strait . Here the walls are only 1.6m apart, while their height reaches 300m! The rocks are sculpted with beautiful shapes.
But let’s not spoil the experience by telling all….
At the bottom of the gorge you will be met by the coach and taken to Frangokastello on the Libyan Sea. Frangokastello, meaning the Castle of the Franks (i.e. Catholic foreigners), stuck and was adopted by the Venetians. The castle has a simple rectangular shape, with a tower at each corner and the remains of a Venetian coat of arms above the main gate. The buildings within the walls, as well as the battlements, were constructed during the Ottoman Turkish occupation. The main beach of Frangokastelo is truly magnificent, with sand and shallow turquoise waters, ideal for children.