Descent of the Imbros Gorge

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Less well known but also less crowded and more shaded than the Samaria Gorge, the Imbros Gorge offers a beautiful descent almost to the Libyan Sea.
We did this descent in the middle of August on a fairly hot day and didn't suffer from the heat at all, as we left at 8:30 a.m. and spent 80% of the time in the shade.
The descent took us two hours, taking our time (photos).
The descent costs €10 per person (there is a small hut at the start of the descent with someone there)
and the taxi back up costs €25.

Details

n°25664664
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 3.77 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 1h 55 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: No
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 207 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 2,149 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 2,526 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 545 ft
  • ⚐ Country: Greece
  • ⚑
    Start: N 35.248066° / E 24.167377°
  • ⚑
    End: N 35.208055° / E 24.167437°
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Photos

Narrow passage
Tree
Almost flat
Contrast

Description of the walk

(S) In Imbros, coming from the north, the trailhead is located at the exit of the village, so don't be misled by the signs at the entrance of the village indicating the "official" entrance to the gorge.

(1) Continue straight ahead, do not take the path that goes up to the left. Head towards the exit of the gorge.

(2) Continue right to reach the village of Komitades (E).

Waypoints

  1. S : mi 0 - alt. 2,526 ft - Imbros
  2. 1 : mi 3.21 - alt. 663 ft - Junction, straight ahead
  3. 2 : mi 3.47 - alt. 545 ft - Exit from the gorge
  4. E : mi 3.77 - alt. 607 ft - Komitades

Notes

(2) As soon as you leave the gorge, pickup drivers will try to convince you that you won't find a taxi in the village. In reality, the walk only really ends at the road that crosses Komitades, where all the taverns compete to offer taxi rides.

Once in Komitades, have a refreshing drink in a tavern, which will organise a taxi (€28 for 4 people) to take you back to your car parked in Imbros.

We did this descent in the middle of August on a fairly hot day and didn't suffer from the heat at all, as we left at 8:30 a.m. and spent 80% of the time in the shade.
The descent took us 2 hours, taking our time (photos).
Access: £2 per person (2022)

Reviews and comments

4.8 / 5
Based on 7 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.9 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.7 / 5
Route interest
4.9 / 5
Patrick.fournier
Patrick.fournier

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 27, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Stunning gorges to explore on a leisurely walk at your own pace. We took three hours to walk the 6 km.
You’ll need to stop walking to look up and admire the impressive mountains surrounding you.
No particular difficulty
Do make sure you wear good walking shoes or sturdy trainers, though.
And a culinary tip:
As you come out, head to the right without jumping straight into the taxis waiting for you. Walk a little way up the road and stop for a bite to eat at the Ostria tavern.
It’s an exceptional place, and the couple who run the tavern are exceptional too.
Make sure you only bring cash
And by the way, entry to the gorges costs €5 per person, not €10!

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AZUR NATURISME
AZUR NATURISME

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 17, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

We’ve done it several times, as well as two other gorges (Kilikrati and the more challenging Aradena). They’re all stunning.

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Samboss
Samboss

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 18, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very pleasant two hours... between superb views... and shady spots with a slight breeze... Very enjoyable.
Just a quick update.
The descent costs €10 per person (there is a small hut at the entrance to the descent with someone there)
and the taxi back up is €25...

That's it... and yes, it was €2 ten years ago, then €5 and now €10...

Just so you know!

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Merillon
Merillon

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 12, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

An easy hike (downhill towards the sea) and very pleasant with beautiful narrow passages and high cliffs. Quite busy (in October!) probably because it is easier to access than the Samaria Gorge.

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Sylviehl
Sylviehl
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 29, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

We did the hike downhill towards the sea (600 metres of elevation gain over 8 km), which was easier and more enjoyable for my husband, who isn't a keen hiker. The site is very beautiful. We walked mostly between steep walls, and therefore in the shade, which was very welcome given the heat.
An excellent memory!

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BEAUNORMAN
BEAUNORMAN

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 22, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

We were four hikers aged between 70 and 77, and we really enjoyed the descent. Bernard

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Sylviehl
Sylviehl
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 29, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

An easy hike, less tiring for beginners in terms of the descent (600 metres of elevation gain over 8 km).
We were worried about the intense Crete heat, but thanks to the height of the gorges and the vegetation, we were mostly in the shade.
With good shoes, ideal for beginners.

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