Canyoning in Kourtaliotiko Gorge: Rappel and jump in water

You rappel twice and jump into the water as many times as you want.

Canyoning in Kourtaliotiko Gorge is a three-hour activity where you rappel down steep canyon walls next to a waterfall, make adrenaline jumps into the water, and hike to a small cave called the fairy cave. Specialized instructors stay with you throughout, providing all canyoning gear, a safety briefing, and photos of the day. The experience includes an English-speaking guide. Entrance to the gorge is five euros per person. Minimum age is 13, and moderate physical fitness is required.

The experience

Kourtaliotiko Gorge opens with stone steps leading down to the river source, where the canyon walls rise hundreds of meters on either side. Before you start, the instructors run through a safety briefing and walk you through the gear so you understand how to trust it. Then the gorge becomes your playground: you rappel down the steep wall next to the waterfall twice, and you can jump into the pools below as many times as you want. The instructors stay with you the whole time, managing the ropes and watching the group.

The three-hour day wraps with a twenty-minute hike south through the canyon. If you're lucky, you'll spot a bat or two in the small cave tucked into the rock face: locals call it the fairy cave. The whole time, the instructors are photographing the group, and you get those photos at the end.

Spring and fall weather can make the gorge unsafe for canyoning, so the operator may reschedule or cancel if conditions shift. If that happens, you get a full refund or a free reschedule with no penalty.

What’s included

• Neoprene suit and full canyoning gear.
• specialized instructors who stay with you throughout.
• safety briefing and instruction on all equipment.
• English-speaking guide.
• photos of the day.
• entrance fee to the gorge (five euros per person).

Before you book

Days and timesTuesdayDeparts at 09:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Under 13: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by ECO EVENTS

Is this one for you?The activity starts at Kourtaliotiko Gorge itself. If you're staying in Rethymno or elsewhere without a car, arrange pickup when you book so the instructors can meet you at the gorge entrance ready to start.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What do I actually do during the three hours in Kourtaliotiko Gorge?

You rappel down the canyon wall next to the waterfall twice and jump into the water pools as many times as you want, with instructors managing the ropes and your safety the whole time. The day ends with a twenty-minute hike to a small cave.

What gear do I need to bring, and what does the activity provide?

The activity includes a neoprene suit and full canyoning gear. You bring a pair of shoes you're willing to wet and a dry pair to change into afterward. Wear clothes you don't mind getting soaked.

How do I get to Kourtaliotiko Gorge if I don't have a car?

The operator offers pickup from Rethymno for twenty euros per person on request. Arrange this when you book. If you're staying elsewhere in Crete, contact the operator to discuss options.

What's the minimum age, and how fit do I need to be?

The minimum age is 13. You need at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The activity is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or if you're pregnant.

Will I get photos from the day?

Yes, the instructors photograph the group throughout the activity and provide the photos at the end.