Askidia Gorge
The canyon of Prasses or Askidia is located in a wooded area of the White Mountains. Its exit is located near the village Askidia (altitude 480m), which is a part of the village Prasses, hence the two names. To locate the starting point of the canyon you have to drive on the road that heads from Chania to Sougia and turn at the intersection of Petras Seli leading to Omalos Plateau. 1.5km after the junction to Omalos, you will find a dirt road and footpath leading to Platanos area. Platanos is an enchanting area with ferns and plane trees with water springs. Right here starts the verdant canyon of Prasses, the course in which lasts about 2 hours.
The gorge has impressive upright walls and a dense pine forest around it (the northernmost in Chania prefecture), which together with the deciduous trees of the river bed (maples and sycamores), form a wonderful scenery, especially in autumn. The canyon is ideal for easy hiking along its riverbed, while shooting photos and observing birds or prey. Finally, along the walls, there are 2-3 small caves. At the exit of the gorge you will find the small hamlet Askidia, well hidden in a dense chestnut. If no car available, after half an hour of extra walking you can reach the graphic Prasses village.
