Anidri Gorge walk

15km 200m ascent. Mostly easy. Some big steps down.

This is the classic walk from Paleochora. Start from the Eastern side of Paleochora, by the water, follow the road to the southern end of the pebble beach, then follow the road round one block inland and turn North, to follow the signs to Anidri (Ανύδρoι). The road continues North East following the coast, passing the campsite and disco (“Paleochora Club”). The road turns inland at a valley, and forks. Take the left fork past a “dog gate” and follow the paved road into the gorge. This winds inland, ascending to the village of Anidri. Here the schoolhouse is now a cafenion, with great views south.

Figure 1: The schoolhouse cafenion, Anidri

From the South-West corner of the schoolhouse, signs point to the Agios Georgios [Αγιος Γεοργιος] church and beach. You pass by the church (open) with frescoes painted in 1323 by John the Frozen [Ιοαννις Παγομενος].

Figure 2: Fresco in the Anidri church.

Figure 3: Notice describing frescoes

Figure 4: Fresco with writing

Figure 5: Iconostasis of the Anidri church

The footpath descends south and joins a track which passes a turn that can take you to the chapel on the hill SW of Anidri. Then a clear path descends into the gorge, where it is often marked with cairns, and mostly follows a black water pipe. A few big steps require the use of hands and possibly sitting down.

Eventually the gorge opens out and you reach a fork. Dirt tracks lead straight ahead and left to beaches (kiosks for drinks?) and another leads right (West) just above the shore, back to Paleochora, joining the paved road at the fork.

Figure 6: Access to the scramble

Another route that starts out the same involves some serious scrambling.

9km 250m ascent.

Follow the same route, past the fork, and into the gorge leading up to Anidri. Shortly before the road crosses the river bed, take a short dirt track back up to the left to a large concrete water cistern. Go across the top of this and follow steeply up to the left, with some scrambling/climbing, then follow goat trails to the ridge. A stone shelter caps the summit. On the West side of the ridge, a track follows the ridge. Taking it south leads to beehives and the rock-capped shoulder overlooking Paleochora. Instead follow the track to the right, which then leads 2km further north to join up with the Azogires road. Turn left onto this road and after 1km it joins the main Paleochora-Hania road at a sign (“Paleochora 3km”). Follow this back into town.

Back to index