Aposelemis River
Aposelemis River is one of the longest rivers in Crete, which receives the underground water of the plateau of Lassithi, naturally from the springs Fleges near Kastamonitsa village and technically from a tunnel starting from Vidiani monastery. Then, it runs near the village Avdou, where it changes route and joins the river of Ambelos Gorge, continues to Potamies, where it feeds the large dam of Aposelemis. Continuing, the exceeding water reaches the position Xerokamares, where it merges with the torrent Mikros Potamos from Karouzana. At Xerokamares, there are the ruins of the Roman aqueduct from Lyktos to Ancient Hersonissos. Then, it runs through the gorge Aposelemis and heads towards the northern shores of Heraklion, where it exits into a small wetland of Aposelemis between Kato Gouves and Analipsis.
Especially tha canyon area (4km long) is of particular naturalistic interest and is worth trekking in there. The gorge is full of plane and walnut trees, and other large trees, which combine perfectly with the gardens and the olive groves. Moreover, the gorge is a refuge for many species of animals and birds. The trekking route starts at the church of the Holy Spirit (Agio Pnevma) in Xerokamares position (at the point where the road from Hersonissos to Lassithi Plateau intersects with the road to Kastelli) and ends at the settlement Agrianá, near Analipsis. The first part is a narrow valley, which then turns into a deep gorge with vertical cliffs, 200m high.
