Richtis Gorge tour from Agios Nikolaos: Hike to waterfall

Walk the gorge trail to Richtis waterfall and pebbled beach

A guided tour from Agios Nikolaos that combines a Land Rover drive through Crete's eastern coast and upland plateaus with a hike down into Richtis Gorge to its waterfall and beach. The route includes the Katharo Plateau, the Minoan settlement of Azoria, and the traditional village of Tourloti. Private transport, lunch, bottled water and a multilingual guide are included. The hike itself is easy enough for young children.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Richtis Gorge and nearby villages

• Depart from Agios Nikolaos heading east
• Drive past Istron and beaches to Kavousi village
• Visit Minoan settlement of Azoria and oldest olive tree
• Hike Richtis Gorge trail to the falls and beach
• Stroll alleys of traditional village Tourloti

The experience

The tour departs Agios Nikolaos heading east along the Gulf of Mirabello, passing the beaches of Karavostasi, Agios Panteleimonas and Voulisma before reaching the village of Kavousi. From there the route climbs to the Katharo Plateau and the Minoan settlement of Azoria, where the oldest olive tree in the world stands. The Land Rover handles the steep terrain. You ride in a seven-seat Discovery, not a cramped van.

At the mouth of Richtis Gorge, you leave the vehicle and follow a trail into the gorge itself. The path is easy, even young children manage it, and leads to the Richtis waterfall and a pebbled beach where the gorge meets the sea. The walk rewards the effort with views most visitors to Crete never see. On the return, the route passes through Tourloti, a small traditional village that has changed little in decades and sits largely untouched by tourism.

The full experience runs five to six hours. Lunch, bottled water and an air-conditioned vehicle are included. Your guide speaks English, Italian, French, German or another language depending on the departure. Parking and fuel are covered. Gorge entrance fees are not included in the price.

What’s included

• Private Land Rover transport for the full day.
• a multilingual guide in English, Italian, French, German or another language.
• lunch.
• bottled water.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• parking and fuel surcharge.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday and Friday

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 18

Live guideEnglish, French, German, Italian and Russian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Safari Crete Experience

Is this one for you?The hike into the gorge is easy and takes young children, but the full day runs five to six hours with driving, climbing and walking combined, so it suits travelers with a morning or afternoon free and legs ready for a few hours on foot.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, French, German, Italian and Russian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3): free.

How difficult is the hike down into Richtis Gorge?

The trail is easy and suitable for all fitness levels, including young children. It descends to the waterfall and pebbled beach where the gorge meets the sea, and the path is well-established enough that families with small kids manage it regularly.

What is the Katharo Plateau and why does the tour go there?

The Katharo Plateau is an upland area in eastern Crete that the route climbs to after leaving the coast. It sits at elevation and offers landscape contrast to the beaches and gorge. The Minoan settlement of Azoria is located there, and the oldest olive tree in the world grows at that site.

Is pickup from my hotel in Agios Nikolaos included?

Pickup is included. The tour departs from Agios Nikolaos, and private transportation in a seven-seat Land Rover Discovery is part of the package.