Aposelemis Gorge
The canyon Aposelemis exits at the settlement Agrianá (or Adrianna as its inhabitants call it) near Hersonissos. It is the longest and most important geological canyon in the northern part of the prefecture of Heraklion. It is crossed by the river Aposelemis, but the part of the canyon has water only after heavy rain, although the river at higher altitude has water during all wet months, due to the phyllite rocks. Despite the long size, easy walk and its proximity to Heraklion it still remains quite unknown to most locals. The canyon Aposelemis forms across its route incredibly beautiful and impressive vertical walls of up to 200 meters and several rock shelters. Despite the rough walls, the bed is quite smooth all the way without technical difficulties. In recent years the Municipality of Hersonissos has created a very beautiful path along the bed which makes walking enjoyable and easy. There are some recreation areas with wooden benches at the beginning and at the end of the trail.
This important ecosystem hosts waterfowl birds and birds of prey, but the real surprise is a hidden riparian wood especially in its upper part. The mixed forest is composed of old trees with huge trunks, real monuments of nature. There are plane, holm oak, oak, holly, carob, osier and other trees... The path at several points is really hidden by the dense forest. Just before the south entrance, inside the river there are Xerokamares, a old stone bridge. The easiest way to access the canyon is through its north exit. There is a dirt road that heads from the bridge of the old national road to Aposelemis gorge. Following this dirt road we pass the picturesque and ruined settlement of Plevris, come below the bridge of the new highway until we reach the point where the trail starts. Crossing of the gorge requires at least two hours.
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