The Butterfly Gorge

Length of walk:  7 Kilometres 

Time:   2-3 hours round trip

Difficulty:  Fairly easy 

Just ten minutes drive from Lagada Resort along the scenic coastal road, you will come to the Dasaki Park of Koutsouras (Dasaki means little forest in Greek) which is the entrance to the beautiful Butterfly Gorge.  There isn’t a sign post for the gorge but it is accessed from the inland car park where you walk past a playground to the entrance.

The Butterfly Gorge is three and a half kilometres long and links the village of Koutsouras to the mountain village of Oreino.  It takes around three to four hours to complete the round trip walk and you can enjoy a cooling drink at the final summit in the village square of Oreino.

Sadly, the butterflies which gave the gorge its name are now only ever seen in spring following the wildfires of 1993 but even though the butterflies are now rare, the lush vegetation is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life. If you are visiting in the winter you will see mountain springs and beautiful waterfalls on your way.

If you prefer to book a guided walk of the Butterfly Gorge this can be arranged through South East Crete Adventures on site at reception at Lagada Resort.  An experienced and knowledgeable guide will take you through the gorge at your own pace, pointing out things of interest as you go and giving you an insight into the nature and history of this amazing landscape.  Please click the link below and we will send you information and a booking form.

Please note that the guided walk is subject to weather conditions.