Just less than 20 km west of Sfakia lies the Aradena gorge which begins on the softer southern hills of the White Mountains and ends at the cobalt coloured waters of the Libyan Sea. Pictures of the gorge’s dramatic sloping edges falling into the sea are unforgettable and it is easily one of the most picturesque in the Hania region. The gorge is approximately 7km long and takes approximately 3 to 4 hours to hike. There is an area where hikers must descend a metal ladder attached to the cliff, although there is an alternate route with a handrail. The descent itself is difficult but manageable but hikers should be forewarned about falling stones. At the end of the hike there are paths to Marmara, Loutro and Sfakia.
