A paved road through the Gorge of Therisos

Therisiano Gorge, also known as Venizelos Gorge, is located at the foothills of the massive Lefka Ori (or White Mountain range) in the Chania regional unit, in the west of Crete, in Greece.

Gorge of Therisos

The road through the gorge is asphalted but pretty narrow. It’s especially dangerous after rains. It is the only gorge of Crete that can be reached by car or other transportation means. The gorge is partially formed by the river Kladissos which especially in spring when the snow melts, changes into a torrent stream. The road leads through quite impressive, 15 kilometers, beautiful green and partly precipitous cliffs.

This road has humbled many egos. It’s not for the sissies and shouldn’t be attempted by novice drivers. The vertical cliffs are impressive.  The road is in dreadful condition and requires strong nerves to negotiate it. The place deserves a visit, even with a vehicle, combined with a visit in the historical beautiful village of Therisso, that is built at the foot of the White Mountains at an altitude of 580 meters, just 15 kilometers from the city of Chania. To drive this narrow, winding road requires considerable attention and tolerance, since cars traveling in opposite directions can’t pass each other.