The amazing Richtis Gorge is between Agios Nikolaos and Sitia, on the north of Eastern Crete, and there is water flowing through the gorge year-round. Our hike, which takes between three and four hours, begins just outside the village of Exo Mouliana, at the Lachanas Bridge, a stone arch built in the 19th century. We will travel approximately three kilometres along the gorge, to Richtis Beach, and we will climb about 350 metres total.

The mountain rises above us as we hike, and throughout our journey the air is redolent with the scent of local herbs and flowers, including oleander and sage. The highlight of our trek is the Richtis Gorge waterfall, from which water cascades year-round from a height of more than 20 metres. We will also pass abandoned water mills, which lie in the gorge like footprints from the past. We finish our hike at beautiful Richtis Beach, a pebble beach near the village of Kalabro, where we’ll rest and regroup at stone picnic tables under tamarisk trees before returning to the ship.

Tour may not be available at certain times of the year.