Chavgas Gorge in Kalamafka

The route “Kalamafka – Meteora Crete – Holy Cross – Kalamafka” is an easy hiking route in an area called Castellana Kalamafka or otherwise in Meteora of Crete. Ending via a circular route at the chapel of Holy Cross (Timios Stavros), at the top of the rock.

The starting point is located at the cemetery of Kalamafka south of the village on the main asphalt road that continues towards Anatoli, which is 23km from Agios Nikolaos and 13 km from Ierapetra. The route is marked sparsely with some colored marks on the rocks, mainly in the first part of the route, while there are some signs for the climb to Holy Cross.

The Kalamafka village area is a hiker’s paradise from December to May. Running water everywhere, endemic wildflowers and herbs adorn the slopes, the olive trees and the impressive rock formations.

Hiking in Chavgas Gorge, Kalamafka village Full Photo Gallery ==>>

The slopes are generally gentle, except for some short climbs on the hills. From the starting point we move west on an uphill dirt road. Soon we enter a clearly visible path parallel to a ravine with rich vegetation. We will also encounter 1-2 small waterfalls where in winter and early spring the amount of water is impressive.

At the end of the path we will enter a dirt road and we will reach the chapel of Agios Georgios and from here we will approach the first Meteora of Crete. From the chapel of Agios Georgios we move south to reach the chapel of Panagia Kalafatiani. We continue east and approach the rock, looking for the path to climb the hill and reach the viewpoint at the chapel of the Holy Cross.

Timios Stavros Chapel

The chapel dates back to around the 14th century and is located on an impressive rock formation that is truly reminiscent of Meteora. At first glance and as you approach the area from the path that runs parallel to the river, you think that the peak is inaccessible, but there is a path that goes up from the southern side of the rock. There is a relevant signpost with red marks.

Parking spot – Start of the path : 10min (500m)

Start of the path – Agios Georgios chapel : 50min (1,5km)

Agios Georgios chapel – Panagia Kalafatiani chapel : 5 min (300m)

Panagia Kalafatiani chapel – Timios Stavros Peak : 20min (800m)

Timios Stavros Peak – End of the hike 30m (1,5km)

Initial elevation (m): 532
Maximum elevation (m): 770
Minimum elevation (m): 532

Additional Info

Altitude: Lowest point : 532m (Dirt road) – Highest point: 770m Timios Stavros chapel and peak

Starting Point: Dirt road, 1,3 km south of Kalamafka

Path Type: At the beginning (500m) dirt road – After on mountain path with marks. The last 2 km on dirt road again

Difficulty: Easy

Walk distance: 4,5 km : 3 – 1,5 – 2 hours