In a beautiful and unexplored area of Lassithi in southeastern Crete, there is a real gem – the Red Butterfly Gorge. It is as beautiful as it’s name implies, and even more so!
It is located 21km from Ierapetra , heading east, and even this is simply indescribable! The road, which is in very good condition, winds up into the mountains, passes through secret passages and mountain closets, giving the traveler the impression that he has found the gates of paradise -and in a way, that’s what it is!
In a beautiful and unexplored area of Lassithi in southeastern Crete, there is a real gem – the Red Butterfly Gorge. It is as beautiful as it’s name implies, and even more so!
It is located 21km from Ierapetra , heading east, and even this is simply indescribable! The road, which is in very good condition, winds up into the mountains, passes through secret passages and mountain closets, giving the traveler the impression that he has found the gates of paradise -and in a way, that’s what it is!
Scarlet butterflies and melancholy poems
Red Butterfly Gorge is so called because it is host to scarlet butterflies. The gorge is divided into three parts, starting from a village in the mountain , extending a distance of 5 kilometers and ending in the picturesque Koutsouras, a seaside village with endless views of the Libyan Sea. This secret gorge, with its immense beauty, and the hospitable inhabitants of the village of Horino, has been the refuge of Karyotakis for many years. In this beautiful landscape the melancholy poet wrote some of his most touching works, the villagers talking about him as if he were a local and expressing their genuine affection of him.
Oreino or Orno?
The area from which the gorge begins, is called’Oreino’ on the maps, but the locals call it Orno , because of the many figs, which in the local dialect are called ‘ornes’. The gorge routes start from this mysterious village, the inhabitants as one would expect from the mountainous villages of Crete: hospitable, open-hearted, ready to open their homes and to welcome every traveler!
Cool routes
The landscape of the gorge is overgrown with countless streams crossing it. Access is not easy and there is a need for attention, as in any gorge. The total route takes 4 hours and it is very well marked, but in some places you will be sure to get your feet. The entrance of the gorge is green, with lush vegetation. After about an hour’s walk, one encounters a tranquil paradise with ricochet in the verdant slopes, while at its exit large rocks and panoramic views give it a wild beauty. The red butterfly canyon is considered to be one of the most beautiful in eastern Crete, and since it is easy to access and cross it, it is worth seeing it this spring!
Useful information
The coastal connection to eastern Crete is via Agios Nikolaos and Sitia, which is closest to Ierapetra and the Red Butterfly Gorge of Agios Nikolaos. The connection to the bus is frequent, while in Koutsouras one can take the local bus. KTEL Ierapetra, telephone 28420 28237