On the rugged terrain of Crete, rivers meet large faults and steep descents during their course through the canyons, forming hundreds of small and high waterfalls. Even locals are unaware of the existence of several waterfalls, as most of them are invisible and hidden in the impassable gorges. The vast majority has water from the first months of the year by the end of spring.
The most famous waterfalls with water flowing all year round are the falls of Kourtaliotis near Plakias, Richtis near Sitia and Mylonas near Ierapetra. Impressive waterfalls are formed in winter along the large fault of the Asterousia Range, with the most famous being the fall Lichnistis at Maridaki and the impressive waterfall of Ambas by Paranymfi. A large number of winter waterfalls are also found at Mount Kedros, with the most famous being Selinara, Gre Dafni and Rechtara.
Crossing gorges of Crete with high waterfalls is possible only by using technical equipment. Appropriate training in canyoneering techniques can be offered by specialist companies on the island. The most popular technical canyons of Crete include the imposing gorge Ha, Tsoutsouras, Kalami, the gorge of Arvi (which turns into a dark underground river after an 80m high fall) and many more.
The Mastoras waterfall at the side of gorge Ha is 215m high and it is one of the highest falls in Greece.
Riktra Fall at Rotasi 
To the north side of Asterousia Range, south of Heraklion, on the road heading from Rotasi to Ethia meet waterfall Riktra. Riktra is actually a series of four consecutive waterfalls with very easy access from the road. During winter a little higher from the point where the waterfalls are created, springs shape a small stream that shortly, after the waterfalls, meets the long river Anapodaris.
Below and east of the archaeological site of Ancient Rizinia and the church of Saint Panteleimon atop the hill Patela of Prinias, after rain a beautiful waterfall, about 10 meters high is formed. The place can be accessed through a fairly bad dirt road leading to the adjacent sheepfold. From where the parking area it is very easy to access the watefall base on foot.
Rizopetro Gorge 
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 highest of all the waterfalls around is that of Grias Pidima in the area of Rechtra which transfers the waters from the west side of Mount Vassiliko. The waterfall consists essentially of three smaller falls and has a total height exceeding 20 meters. It has water only after a period of intense rainfall.
In the area of Podares between Fodele and Marathos and within walking distance of the monastery of Agios Panteleimonas, a stream merges with the main river of Santorinios. Along the way, this stream, like many others in the area, forms some waterfalls in winter. The most easily accessible fall is located on the dirt road leading to Santorinios and forms a small 4m natural slide with a small pond at its base.
The green valley of Symi in province Viannos is known for the pine forest and its springs, that have cool water throughout the year. There are many waterfalls in the wider region. The most famous stream that forms waterfalls is Krya Vrissi, which starts northwards from the sanctuary of Hermes and Aphrodite, passes through Ano Symi and continues to the gorge of Symi.
Next to the road that connects the Apesokari with Lendas, we meet the imposing waterfall of Rectras, that has water only in the winter and after heavy rains. Its height reaches 50 meters and is the pride of the village.
The area of Agia Irini in Spilia is crossed by Keratos River, which has water till summer. The area hosts some waterfalls, most notable being the waterfall of about 4 meters in the river, just after the great aqueduct of Agia Irini. The rest of the waterfalls are formed at the side streams falling in Keratos, which however have water after intense rainfalls.
