Hiking along the Smiliano gorge

The route at a glance

Route suitable for: Hiking. The route listed here is an alternative proposal for exploring the gorge. The main path develops along the canyon, bypassing some steep and dangerous discontinuities in its bed, suitable for canyoning in winter.

Hiking on: Dirt roads, footpaths and goat trails.

Degree of difficulty: Moderate (for the level of experienced hikers). Requires attention to some exposed points and lack of fear of heights.

Starting point: Vrysses village

End: Petrochori Bridge   

Special features: The steep slope, the dry slippery leaves of the oak trees, the narrow path – in many places eroded by rain and washed away by landslides – make hiking in the Smiliano Gorge a difficult task, only for experienced hikers.

Advice. If you decide to cross it do not overestimate your strength and go alone. Take at least one person with you, equally experienced and in good physical condition. Please note that there is no mobile phone signal throughout the route.

Pay particular attention to points 20, 24, 25 and 26. The path at those points is often eroded or exposed to the void.

Marking: Almost non-existent, especially where one needs it.

Drinking water point on the route: Nowhere on the route. Get cool water at the fountain in the village of Vrysses, at the starting point.

Realization: Any time of the year.

Equipment

Spring – Summer – Autumn: hiking shoes, long pants (due to the thorny bushes on most of the route), 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: 4,6 km

Duration: 1h40′ – 1h50′

Minimum altitude: 274m

Highest altitude: 552m

Total altitude gain / loss: +125m / – 379m,

Slope: Maximum +28,1% / -30,7 %. Average: +6,8 % / -9,8%