The Kourtaliotiko Gorge is located in South Rethymno, 20 kilometers from the city of Rethymno and connects the coastal area of Plakias (Gyalia) with the mainland. It is approximately 2.5 kilometers long and its gorges have vertical sides that in some places reach a height of up to 300 meters. It is one of the most beautiful and rarest gorges in Crete. It got its name from the very loud sound that the wind of the area makes when it hits the steep inner sides of the canyon (mainly on its northern side) and which resembles the sound they make when the palms of the human hands clap and in the local dialect they are called “Kourtala” (little claps) as the canyon is formed of limestone and there are many small caves along its entire length and passing through these stone galleries creates these sounds.
The canyon is a natural nest for various distinct species of birds and reptiles, which makes it particularly important for its fauna. Do not neglect to visit the natural sources of the river with the magnificent waterfalls and the small chapel of the local “Agios Nikolaos Kourtaliotis”, located there, about halfway along the route, on the western side of the gorge, which is hidden inside one of these numerous caves. From this point begins a walking path that through fantastic and beautiful natural landscapes reaches the mouth of the river at the famous Lake Preveli.