The gorge of Agios Antonios is a small yet magnificent gorge, which begins at Ano Assites. It is 2 kilometres long and the elevation difference between the entrance and the outlet is no more than 200 metres.
The whole area round the gorge is of particular natural beauty. The E4 European long distance path runs along the route.
In the gorge one can see rare species of flora and fauna, which are protected by European legislation. In particular, there are 80 species of flora, of which 4 are protected, 24 species of fauna, of which 11 are protected, and 16 species of birds, of which 8 are protected.
A cave 100 metres deep is also to be found in the area; two bat species nest in it, and they also protected by a European Union Directive. Α chapel of Agios Antonios can be seen at the cave entrance.
Geosite
West of the village of Ano Asites flows a river that initially passes through the Agios Charalambos Gorge and soon transforms into a deep and impressive gorge, the Agios Antonios Gorge. The entrance to the gorge is accessed via a downhill path that begins next to the picturesque Byzantine church of Agios Antonios, where there is a spring with drinking water, and ends near Panagia Faneromeni in Kerasia. From there, the stream continues, creating the Xeropotamos River that empties next to the Pancretan Stadium in Heraklion.
The gorge is densely vegetated with large plane trees, and in many places, it forms small waterfalls. It is part of the European E4 trail, but there is no formed path throughout its length. In some narrow sections where winter hiking in the water is impossible, it is necessary to pass along the sides. In certain areas, livestock fences block access, and you may need to clear a path (carrying a pair of pliers and some wire is advisable).
The geosite description is a result of the deliverable of the research project Joint Innovative Activities for Outdoor Tourism-JoinOut. The project entitled "Partnership of Innovative Rural Tourism Actions" and distinctive title: "JoInOuT", is implemented within the framework of the Action "Cooperative Innovation Formations/SCC" - 2nd Call: Businesses" and is financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and by National Resources in the context of the Operational Program "Competitiveness, Entrepreneurship and Innovation (EPANEK)" of the NSRF 2014-2020" (Project code: ΓΓ2CL-0359457).
