Sykia Gorge at Rodakino
The very beautiful gorge of Sykia is actually the easternmost gorge of the province of Sfakia and is formed north of the village Rodakino. It is a technical canyon, thus crossing it requires technical equipment, as there are more than 10 steep descents (waterfalls) secured by a relay from the speleological associations of Crete. The highest rapel has a height of about 12 meters.
The stream of Sykia merges with the wild canyons of Rodakino (or Maglinara) and the longest gorge of the region, Karavos. Then the stream passes below the new and old bridge of Rodakino and ends on the beautiful beach of Korakas. Canyoners usually exit the gorge immediately after the old bridge, while those who want to walk the entire length will still meet a rapel. The narrow part of Sykia, after merging with the Rodakino Gorge, is the most impressive.
The gorge is called Sykia (i.e. sycamore - fig tree) by the speleological clubs, because of the many fig trees that one encounters on its way. Its real name is Xepitira. It is always dry, except after heavy rains.
