The imposing bare slopes at the southern entrance make this gorge one of the most interesting geological formations of Psiloritis. Passing through its course is fairly easy. It is a marvellous place, thick in vegetation, where deciduous oaks dominate the scenery.
The famous Nida plateau is located north of the gorge. On its western slope, below Mavri Korifί (= black peak), Kamares cave is to be found; there, the remarkable Minoan Kamares ware pottery was unearthed.
The route from Vorίzia to the point where the gorge divides is 2,5 kilometres long, while the elevation difference between the entrance to the gorge and this spot is 520 metres.
Geosite
The entrance to the gorge is situated along the major Gergeri-Kamaras fault, which has fractured the rocks of the Tripolis unit to great depths. The gorge is approximately 3 kilometers long and starts off quite narrow, with sparse vegetation and several side waterfalls.
In its higher sections, the gorge widens considerably, and the vegetation becomes denser with oaks and cypress trees. The area is home to significant endemic species of Cretan flora and fauna, such as dittany, rock lettuce, and the wildcat.
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).
