Brilliant alternative to busy Samaria (we did this the following day). Parked in Hora Sfakion 0700 Hours and tried to find a taxi to take us to Aradena - no luck. Too early for Greek taxi drivers! Undeterred we caught a water taxi to Marmara beach for €30 and started at the bottom of the gorge instead. A great gentle 3 1/2 hour walk with lots of photo stops on the way. Saw about 5 other people the whole time. Great ladder climb with a path for those who don't like ladders. There is a bit of a steep trek out of the gorge by Aradena bridge but if you are reasonably fit is is ok. There is nothing once you get to the top. We started walking along the road hoping to hitch a lift when a mercedes taxi drove past and for €10 gave us a lift back to Hora Sfakion. Once you get there I would highly recommend "Despina's Cafe" by the harbour. Amazing homemade cakes. The only concern we had when we planned the trip was how we would get back to Hora but it worked out for us. There are a few cars about and I really don't think hitching a lift would be a problem. I would however recommend an early start to avoid the sun.
Probably most beautifull gorge in Sfakia. It is a walk for cca 2,5 hour from ancient Aradena village to Marmara beach. The gorge is wilder than Samaria or Imbros. Many of passes are very difficult, slippery big boulders, hillsides with falling stones. You need good shoes, full bottle of water, because last refreshments is close to bridge and next one is on the beach. Be careful; 8 km is also without spring water (if you compare with Samaria) and no health assistance, no mobile phone network. But the nature is majestic, high walls of rocks with bushes and trees enticing the goats, goats climbing on the vertical rocks, vultures expecting their mistake, fantasting smell of many flowering bushes and trees. At the end of gorge lies small beach Marmara with taverna, when you may to wait to boat-taxi.
Fantastic day walking the Aradena gorge, despite the logistic challenges.Parked in Hora Sfakion and got a taxi (27 euros) to Aradena to start the walk. Very different to Imbros in that there was a lot more clambouring of rocks etc, however great fun and not too challenging. Beautiful location and setting, even more so given that there weren't hordes of tourists doing the walk too.Walked to Marmara beach in 2 1/2 hours where there is a taverna. After that walked on to Loutro which took another hour along the coastline
We rate this better than Samaria. It is far more adventurous and has lots more scrambling and climbing. The cove at the end is beautiful and the Taverna excellent. You can wait for the ferry or take an exciting trip in a water taxi. Not expensive if you are in a group.
it was nice to walk as a naturist you don't often get the chance to do this. It is very hot so take water and a hat
Aradena Gorge is a spectacular gorge that combines the beauty and the calmness. The only problem is to find a way to get there all other are just perfect ! Its about 3 hour walk with some stops and leads directly to Marmara beach. There you can enjoy a nice swim at the crystal blue waters of Marmara beach and get something to drink and eat.
Lack of research, bad maps and bad tips from the locals lead me up the E4 path from Loutro (when we finally found out it was kind of too late to turn around), not the gorge - fine walk, but after going to the gorge afterwards to see it from the bridge I felt really bad that I didn't have the time and energy for a trip down. Took the boat from Hora Sfakion to Loutro (5€ per person) and the owner of a local taverna gave a lift from Anapolis to Hora Sfakion for 25€'s - a bit steep but no taxis were in sight. There's free parking in the upper part of Hora Sfakion but the lower is 3€.
This is not for the faint hearted or couch potato, this is an adventure, not a mass tourist stroll like Samaria. Hike boots, walking sticks, plenty of water and a camera, are essential. It is a long walk through a deep boulder strewn narrow canyon, with vultures and eagles circling overhead and suicidal goats half way up the rocky walls. The air is heavy with scent of aromatic plants (and goats).The walk involves scrambling over boulders, so is quite energetic but well worth the effort. You feel like you are the first to travel down, until you find the bar at the end.
We went in September 2012. After walking the Samaria gorge this one was much quieter, and exciting navigating the big boulder field. Try also the Imbros gorge to the East. You may need a car, use public transport or an excursion unless happy to walk a bit.
We took in car the road from Chora Sfakia uphill the naked mountain with a fantastic view, and then through Anopoli to Aradena, where a fairly new bridge is made across the gorge to a little church, few houses and many ruins in the old village Aradena.You can take a difficult path to the bottom of of the gorge.We didn't, but we had an outstanding experience.