Kouroukoulos Gorge
The unknown gorge of Kouroukoulos starts from the deserted village Agalianos at the province of Merambelo, Lasithi prefecture. By following the old trail starting from the village and we reach the stream Lagos, which is accessible for hiking throughout its length. The vegetation consists mainly of oaks at the beginning and as we approach the sea, it turns to brushwood and oregano.
West of Kouroukoulos, there is the Gorge Patsopoulos. They are separates by a narrow strip of wild rocky land, called Spathi. From the top of Spathi, you will have view to both canyons. A few meters before the sea, the two canyons merge to one. A very beautiful spot in the gorge is the famous Kokkinos Detis (Red cliff) which is full of rare plants living in rock holes, most of which are endemic.
Just before the exit to the sea there is a small chapel dedicated to the St. Luke, a local hermit who died in the canyon and was shot with an arrow. Below the church there is the cave of St. Luke, from where “holy” water drips. Shortly after the chapel, you will find the exit of the gorge at the beach of Kouroukoulos with very large pebbles and a magical seabed. On the eastern side of the beach, there is a marine cave below the cliff that leads to the very nice pebbly beach of Kakia Naspa (Evil Landslide), which is very good for swimming.
