Avakas Gorge

Avakas Gorge is a trekker paradise in the island and can be explored from either the costal area west of Ayios Georgios Peyias or from the south of Arodhes village in the Laona area. There are large rock formations, with most impressive being the southern part.

The Gorge is about 3 km in length and it offers spectacular views and a generous introduction to local flora and fauna. The visitor can see in the gorge pine trees, cypresses, junipers, wild fig trees, ferns and oaks among other trees as well as a profusion of wild flowers like the extremely rare endemic centauria akamandis with its purple flowers that blossoms in the spring. Fauna life includes foxes, hares, falcons, crows, night owls, butterflies and a large number of reptiles.

Visitors are advised to wear special walking shoes, hat and to take ample drinking water. Secondly, visitors are advised not to enter the gorge alone without first informing someone of their plans.