From one end to the other in Greece, you will find beautiful corners, natural attractions, and people that you don’t often meet. A special category for those who love the landscapes and natural beauties of Greece is the Gorges. There are the well-known ones but also the lesser-known ones, which have well-hidden secrets and impress you as soon as you get there. One such case is a gorge in Crete and it is not that of Samaria. We are talking about the gorge of Chochlakia or Karoumon, as it is usually called, which we would say… smells like oregano. And this is because its characteristic is that throughout its route you will find oregano and surely the smell remains indelible in your mind.
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Gorge of Chochlakia: The gorge of Greece that… smells like oregano!
The Gorge of Chochlakia, as we said, is located in Crete and specifically in the prefecture of Lasithi, near Sitia. It is a place of amazing beauty and a special route for hiking enthusiasts. To get there, you will first pass through the village of Chochlakies and you will have to park your car at the chapel of Agios Georgios, which is about 200 meters from the main road. You start your hike to meet various beauties and surprises.
The Gorges of Greece
If you are a nature lover, you have definitely visited some of the most famous gorges in Greece. The Vikos Gorge in Epirous, which has entered the Guinness Book of Records, is one of our favorites. The captivating beauty and breathtaking views. We leave Epirus and of course, we cannot miss the famous Samaria Gorge in Crete. Did you also know about the Gorge of the Dead and its history? It is known as the Zakros Gorge in Crete. From our list, we could not miss what is called the “Always Raining” Gorge in Evritania with its unique beauty and rare landscapes.
The Gorge of Chochlakia is just one of the impressive gorges in Greece that will captivate you…
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Frequently Asked Questions
The Gorge of Chochlakia is located in Crete, specifically in the prefecture of Lasithi near Sitia. To visit, you need to pass through the village of Chochlakies and park your car at the chapel of Agios Georgios, which is about 200 meters from the main road.
The Gorge of Chochlakia is known as the gorge that smells like oregano because throughout the entire hiking route, you will find abundant oregano plants. The distinctive and indelible oregano scent is a characteristic feature that makes this gorge memorable and unique.
At the end of your hike through the Gorge of Chochlakia, you will discover the amazing beach of Karoumes. It features crystal clear waters, a desert-like landscape, and shady trees that provide rest in absolute tranquility, making it a magical and unexpected reward after the gorge trek.
The Gorge of Chochlakia features a zigzag shape that rolls through the rocks, impressive geological formations, vertical cliffs with caves on both sides, and diverse birdlife including birds of prey nesting on steep points. The abundant oregano plants and wonderful natural scenery make it an ideal destination for hiking enthusiasts.
While the Gorge of Chochlakia is lesser-known compared to famous gorges like Samaria Gorge and Vikos Gorge in Epirus, it offers unique characteristics and well-hidden secrets. It is one of Greece's impressive gorges that captivates visitors with its distinctive oregano-scented landscape and stunning beach finale at Karoumes.
