The spectacular, verdant gorge of Patsos is located in the inland area of the Prefecture of Rethymnon, at the north-west part of the Municipality of Amari. It is a beautiful gorge with a small river running through it. It has been developed for the visitors’ ease of walking, by the Forest Authority.
It is 2 kilometres long and the walk requires 2 hours in total,including the return to the entrance. The elevation difference between the highest point and the entrance reaches 240 metres.
Inside the gorge there are designated rest areas and a bird watching hide. The charms of the gorge are numerous: the huge plane trees and the luxuriant vegetation that grows in the watercourse; the imposing high walls; the chapel of Agios Antonios, which is built in a niche of a large cave.
The altar of an ancient open air sanctuary used to stand next to the chapel; the god Hermes (Kraneos Ermis), protector of shepherds, forests and the fertility of nature, as well as the god Pan, were worshipped there in Antiquity.
