How to drive the paved road through the Therisos Gorge
Therisiano Gorge is a very scenic canyon located at the foothills of the massive Lefka Ori (or White Mountain range) in the Chania regional unit of Greece.
Where is Therisos Gorge?
The gorges, also known as Venizelos Gorge, are located near the city of Chania, in the west of Crete. It is the only gorge in Crete that can be reached by car or other transportation means. If you don’t feel like driving, a small tourist train leaves from the seaside village of Platanias and reaches Theriso along its way.
Is Therisos Gorge worth the drive?
The gorge is partially formed by the river Kladissos, which, especially in spring when the snow melts, changes into a torrent stream. This six-kilometre-long canyon is adorned with impressive vertical cliffs and lush greenery. The place deserves a visit, even with a vehicle, combined with a visit to the historically beautiful village of Therisso, which is built at the foot of the White Mountains at an altitude of 580 meters, just 15 kilometers from the city of Chania.
Is the road through Therisos Gorge paved?
The road through the gorge is fully paved yet pretty narrow. It’s especially dangerous after rains. Although it can be quite narrow sometimes, the visibility is good, and the place is safe. At the narrowest points, the gorge is enclosed by cliffs covered in plane trees and oleanders. To drive this narrow, winding road requires considerable attention and tolerance, since cars traveling in opposite directions can’t pass each other. Be careful of goats along the road and drivers that might be taking the curves a little fast.
How long is the road through Therisos Gorge?
The road through the gorges is 10 km (6.21 miles) long, running north-south from Garipa to Theriso.