Hiking along Platania gorge

The route at a glance

Route suitable for: Hiking.

Hiking on: Footpaths, goat trails and dirt roads

Degree of difficulty: Moderate (for the level of experienced hikers).

Start – End: Platania Square (circular route).

Special features: Due to the difficulty of traversing the canyon through its bed (where there are stepped cuts that require rope descent techniques), the hiking route suggested here follows a narrow uphill trail along the gorge. This well-maintained trail meanders for about 650m along the steep rocky slopes. It is safe, visible, protected with handrails where needed.

Advice. If you are afraid of heights, prefer to walk with someone else. Pay particular attention to point 06A. The trail here often goes away due to erosion.

Marking: Adequate.

Drinking water point on the route: Tap in the village square (starting point).

Caution! The tap you will find in the small reservoir next to Agios Antonios chapel (point 12) is out of order. Avoid using it in case there is a little water flowing, unless there is a recent mention next to it reassuring you of the quality of the water.

Realization: Any time of the year.

Equipment

Spring – Summer – Autumn: hiking shoes, short pants, walking stick, hat, sunglasses, water (1½ liter water bottle).

Winter: Winter hiking shoes, winter clothing, raincoat, walking stick, water (1½ liter water bottle).

The route in numbers

Route length: 5,4 km

Duration: 3h20′ – 3h40′

Minimum altitude: 412m

Highest altitude: 804m

Total altitude gain / loss: +457m / – 456m,

Slope: Maximum +63,0% / -53,1%. Average: +22,3 % / -18,9%