Updated August 2026: Kourtaliotiko Gorge now operates with controlled access, and an official entry ticket is mandatory. Check the official ticket system before travelling because opening arrangements and safety restrictions can change.
The large waterfall in the Kourtaliotiko Gorge is one of the most beautiful places that one can visit in Crete. It is formed just below the church of Agios Nikolaos Kourtaliotis, at the point where the five large springs gush. According to local myths, the springs were created by a miracle when the local saint Nicholas Kourtaliotis touched the rock with his five fingers.
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Travelling to Crete
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Kourtaliotiko Gorge waterfall
This waterfall has the most significant and almost constant flow of all falls in Crete. While a few meters above the gorge is dry in summer, suddenly, the springs create a rushing river, which ends at the famous beach Preveli.
The waterfall is located in the darkest and narrowest part of the Kourtaliotiko Gorge, with water running on the side walls reminding curtains. However, in order to reach the impressively dark spot of Kourtaliotis, one must swim upside in the icy water for a few meters. You can also see the waterfall above a bridge, next to the church of Agios Nikolaos, but the view from there is not comparable to the awe one feels from below.
Fauna and Flora of the Kourtaliotiko Gorge
You can literally smell the thyme and sage around the gorge. Full of traditional Cretan spices, you can definitely take some home with you. As for the animals living around – some water snakes live in the river, while dozens of pigeons nest on the side walls.
How to get to Kourtaliotiko Gorge by bus
Public transport directly to the gorge is limited. Check the latest regional KTEL timetable before travelling and do not rely on being able to arrange a return taxi from the gorge, as mobile reception can be unreliable.
Driving or joining an organised excursion is usually the most practical option. Walking from a nearby village involves exposed roads and heat, so it should not be treated as an easy alternative without checking the route and conditions first.
How to get to Kourtaliotiko Gorge by car
The easiest way is to rent a car, and I’d recommend Discover Cars to save time and money. It searches through 500 rental services and finds the cheapest. Highly recommend it for good savings!
Depending on where you are staying in Crete, it might be up to a 3-hour trip to Kourtaliotiko Gorge by car. I’d combine the visit with a shopping spree in one of the big cities of Crete – like Rethymno, which is 20 minutes away from the gorge or Heraklion, which is an hour and a half away.
I was staying in Ierapetra, which is almost 3 hours away, so I had two stops – one in Agios Nikolaos for breakfast and one in Rethymno to check out the city as it’s famous for looking like a small Miami.
How to get down to Kourtaliotiko Gorge’s waterfall
Important 2026 access update: the route now operates under a controlled-access system. Use designated official parking, obtain the mandatory entry ticket and follow staff instructions and the marked path. Kourtaliotiko Gorge is a protected Natura 2000 environment, so follow all environmental and swimming rules in place on the day.
From the cantina, you can see a little church, from where you go down the steps that lead to a crossroad. If you turn left, it leads to the church of Agios Nikolaos. There, you can see the Kourtaliotiko Gorge waterfalls from above, enjoy the spring, take some nice pictures of the surrounding areas, and do some hiking if you enjoy that.
To get to the waterfall, you take the right path and reach a pumping station on the river. From there, you carry on down until you reach the metal grid floor, followed by a wooden plank with rope support. You should be careful getting down from there. At this point, small waterfalls run from the sides and a pond is created. Once you get to the waterfalls, you can already see on the left the narrow dark spot, where you have to swim just 10 meters to reach the waterfall.
beautiful church with views of the waterfalls.
Be mindful to bring something to carry your phone or camera in that is waterproof, as you will be swimming upstream, and you need both your hands. The water is also freezing, and unless it’s hot weather, I wouldn’t recommend going in.
I did not complete the swim personally because I had no signal and did not want to risk damaging my phone. Even if your device is advertised as water-resistant, use a proper waterproof pouch and never rely on a phone’s water-resistance rating in moving water.
If you have a GoPro, make sure you take it with you! I made the mistake of not to. I would have shot some amazing content with it…
Kourtaliotiko Gorge visitor tips for 2026
- Book the mandatory official entry ticket before visiting.
- Use designated parking and keep emergency access clear.
- Wear shoes with grip and bring water shoes if entering the river.
- Carry drinking water and a waterproof phone pouch.
- Expect steep steps, slippery surfaces and extremely cold water.
- Check current weather and official safety guidance before travelling.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a ticket for Kourtaliotiko Gorge?
Yes. Under the current controlled-access system, an official entry ticket is mandatory. Check the official Kourtaliotiko Gorge ticket website before travelling.
Can you visit without a car?
Direct public transport is limited. A hire car or organised excursion is generally the simplest option, but always check current local transport before your visit.
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