Heraklion hosts many canyons, most of which cross the ranges of Psiloritis and Asterousia. Asterousia has wonderful hiking canyons, some of the most important being Agiofarago, Martsalo and Trafoulas. However, the most famous gorge is the canyon Gafaris at Psiloritis, crossing the magnificent oak wood of Rouvas. Other canyons of Psiloritis are the gorge of Kroussonas, through which passes the Minoan path to the Idaean Cave, the gorge Vromonero, the gorge Vorizano and the two small canyons of Asites (Saint Charalambos and Saint Anthony). Near Heraklion city, there are the lush canyons of Karteros, Kounavi, Sylamos, Almyros and Venerato. Moreover, the western slopes of Lassithi Mountains host the canyons of Roza, Ambelos, Apotyposi and the river Aposelemis by Hersonissos.
Apart from reachable gorges, Heraklion is home to some very popular technical canyons such as the imposing canyon of Arvi, which after an 80m high fall turns into a dark underground river. Especially the area of Tsoutsouras and Keratokambos is home to many steep canyons that have been equipped with bolts and anchors for training new canyoners.
Petrigiari Gorge 
Petrigiari is a small and wild gorge located parallel to the wild gorge of Kakoperatos, at the south coastline of Central Crete. The canyon is only accessible with technical (canyoning) equipment) with the maximum rapel being about 15m. The gorge ends at an amazing tiny pebbly beach with caves and crystal clear deep blue water.
Gorge Koumos is located at the area of Kapetaniana and it ends near the seaside settlement of Agios Ioannis, in a area full of pine trees. It is an unknown gorge and it can only be accessed with technical equipment. It is generally dry but after some heavy rainfalls it forms spectacular waterfalls.
Adjacent and parallel to the current highway linking Heraklion to Messara plane, between the villages Prinias and Avgeniki, a beautiful canyon is formed. Its descent requires the use of canyoning equipment, as it forms some steep descents.
On the southeast side of Mount Sanida, near the village Skourvoula, a small but very wild gorge is formed called Rizopetro. The gorge ends near Faneromeni dam after a very impressive 60m high waterfall, having water only after heavy rainfalls.
The Gorge Farangouli at Voriza is located in Psiloritis massif, in the area of the village Vorizia. It is one of the three parallel canyons of the area, with the most famous of all being the great Gorge of Vorizia. The shortest and most unknown is Farangouli, which starts in the village houses and climbs up steeply.
Litheos River 
Litheos Potamos (Lethean River) collects water from the basin of Gergeri and Panassos in the south-eastern roots of Psiloritis. It continues its course as a wide river from Apomarma, during which many vertical streams meet the main stream. Throughout its course one meets many dilapidated watermills, while we also encounter traces of the ancient aqueduct that transferred water from Gergeri to Gortyn.
The Gorge of Pastrikos is a small gorge formed on the north side of Asterousia, in the wider area of the village Panagia. It is technical, i.e. it requires special equipment for canyoning. It starts from a small plateau where there is a temple dedicated to Saint Cyril.
The wild canyon of Agia Paraskevi is located in the Asterousia Mountains and on the borders of the village Paranymphi. It is called the little "brother" of the adjacent imposing and most famous Ambas Gorge, as both of them have the two highest waterfalls of Heraklion prefecture.
