Ha Gorge is located on the west slope of the Thrypti mountain range. It exits east of Vasiliki village in Ierapetra, Lassithi Crete. The Ha Gorge is considered the most beautiful technical gorge in Crete. The gorge is technical and it forms waterfalls. The first reference to the Ha Gorge was made by the Italian humanist and antiquarian Ciriaco de Pizzicoli. The Italian was impressed by Ha Gorge and described it as a “spring of the Dikteon Artemis”. Despite its natural beauty, Ha Gorge was only traversed successfully for the first time in 1987, by Yiannis Bromoirakis. Hiking is one popular activity to do, especially when exploring gorgeous gorges like the Ha Gorge. Compared to some gorges in Crete, Ha Gorge is considered the most technical gorge. The Ha Gorge is about 33 rappels. The largest has a height of 35 metres. Considered one of the most difficult to traverse, the Ha Gorge is quite dangerous. The Ha Gorge is an ideal place to explore, especially for adventure seekers.
Car rental is the ideal way of touring the beautiful island of Crete. It offers many holiday destinations and tours of its beautiful scenery. When deciding to try Car Rental Crete, it is important to note that there are certain factors to consider. When renting a vehicle in Crete, one must be 21 years old with a valid licence.The driver must also present a credit or debit card with their name on it. There are different car rental packages available for everyone, depending on their needs. Others may prefer smaller cars when driving in Crete because of its challenging roads. However, visiting some mountainous areas like gorges will require a bigger car with enough power for off-road. The best vehicle when visiting Ha Gorge is a large vehicle like a 4×4 car. Customers who wish to avail of a car rental service can easily book online and follow the procedure. When travelling, it is highly recommended to rent a vehicle for more convenience.
What is the archaeology of Ha Gorge?
The Ha Gorge is located on the west slope of the Thrypti mountain range. It exits east of Vasiliki village in Ierapetra, Lassithi Crete. There have been some archaeological findings at the exit of Ha Gorge that prove that there has been human activity in the area since the Neolithic period. The most important finding is the ruins of Chalasmenos. It is the largest and most significant ancient community of the 12th century BC. The excavations of the site started in 1992 and discovered large rectangular-shaped buildings, cobbled streets, roads, open areas, a shrine with rare vessels, and findings that date back to the Late Bronze Age.
How is the Ha Gorge preserved?
Ha Gorge is a well-preserved gorge. The Ha Gorge maintains its rich and diverse flora and fauna, mainly because it is inaccessible to people. The south side of Mt. Thripty is a designated Wildlife Refuge and Special Protection Area because of its avifauna. The whole mountain down to the Tholos coast is protected as a Special Area of Conservation of habitats and species. The Ha Gorge is within the Wildlife Refuge, and it is protected both as part of “Mount Thripty and Surrounding Area’, and as a Special Protection Area of the Ierapetra Municipality General Urban Plan. The gorge is home to many endemic and migratory birds. Ponds are important wetlands for many migratory birds and mammals.
How does the Ha Gorge map look?
Below is an image of the Ha Gorge Map.
What are the hiking routes for Ha Gorge?
The Ha Gorge is considered the most stunning technical gorge on the island of Crete. The gorge is technical and it forms waterfalls. Crossing it entails special skill and training, plus canyoneering tools. One of the hiking routes in Ha Gorge will start in Thripty and will exit in Monastiraki. The hiking time is 4 hours, and it will require climbing and canyoning. The Ha Gorge is about 33 rappels. The largest has a height of 35 metres. Considered one of the most difficult to traverse, the Ha Gorge is quite dangerous. The entrance to Ha Gorge is narrow and opens on the top. The most accessible part of the gorge starts near the Church of Agia Santa Ana. From there, hikers will start to walk. It would take around 4 hours without any interruption to cross the gorge. Hikers must be well-skilled and have the proper tools to cross the gorge. On some occasions, one will need to swim because there are a few ponds, especially between January and May. Only skilled climbers and canyoners are allowed to cross the gorge because of its technicality.
What are the nearby attractions in Ha Gorge?
Listed below are the nearby attractions in Ha Gorge.
- Richtis Gorge: The Richtis Gorge is situated in Lasithi Prefecture, northside of Crete. It is a protected park near Exo Mouliana, Sitia in eastern Crete. The word “Richtis” means waterfall in the Cretan dialect.
- Gournia Minoan Town: The Gournia Minoan Town lies on a tiny hill, a few hundred metres from the sea in the gulf of Mirabello. Gournia was the site of a Minoan palace complex in the early 20th century.
- Panagia Kera: The Byzantine church of Panagia Kera is situated 8 km to the south of Agios Nikolaos. It is one of the most culturally and historically important churches on the island of Crete.
How long does it take to hike the Ha Gorge?
It would take around 4 to 5 hours to hike the Ha Gorge. However, only skilled climbers with proper tools like canyoneering equipment are allowed to climb it. Ha Gorge is one of the challenging gorges on Crete, and it is not recommended for amateur climbers.
Do you need a guide to hike the Ha Gorge?
Yes, a guide is needed when hiking the Ha Gorge. The Ha Gorge is considered the most stunning technical gorge in Crete. The gorge is technical and it forms waterfalls. Crossing the gorge entails proper skill and training, plus canyoneering tools. The Ha Gorge is about 33 rappels. The largest has a height of 35 metres. Considered one of the most difficult to traverse, the Ha Gorge is quite dangerous. Climbing the Ha Gorge is not advised for amateur climbers. On some occasions, one will need to swim because there are a few ponds, especially between January and May.
When is the best time to visit Ha Gorge?
The best time to visit Ha Gorge is during winter, between the months of January and May. Hikers will see a lot of small ponds and waterfalls during the wintertime. Climbers must be very careful during the winter because the gorge will become a big waterfall.
What is the importance of Ha Gorge to the history of Crete?
Almost inaccessible to people, the gorge maintains a rich, diverse flora and fauna. The Ha Gorge remains in its natural beauty, untouched by humans. Ponds are important wetlands for many migratory birds and mammals. Ha Gorge is home to endemic plants in Crete. These include the endemic Jerusalem sage, the Mediterranean thyme, the spiny broom, and several tuberous plants like the squill. Ha Gorge is considered to be the most imposing gorge in Eastern Crete, because of its stunning geomorphology and biodiversity. The Ha Gorge is a natural and geological monument in Crete, and in the whole of Greece.
Can I visit the Ha Gorge with a car rental?
Yes, visitors can visit the Ha Gorge with a car rental. There are different car rental packages available for everyone, depending on their needs. Others may prefer smaller cars when driving in Crete because of its challenging roads. However, visiting some mountainous areas like gorges will require a bigger car with enough power for off-road. Customers who wish to avail of a Crete Car Rental service can easily book online and follow the procedure. Renting a car has a lot of advantages when travelling. It allows travellers to have more flexible time, the way they want it. Car rental allows one to go to different places without following a certain schedule. It provides privacy for travellers who prefer to travel alone and away from the crowd. When travelling, it is highly recommended to rent a vehicle for more convenience.
What are the factors to consider before renting a car in Crete?
Listed below are the factors to consider before renting a car in Crete.
- Insurance: Car rental insurance protects a passenger against the cost of damage when renting a car. Crete car rental includes insurance for collision damage waiver and a driver’s credit or debit card is required as a guarantee.
- Driver’s age: The legal age requirement to drive in Crete is 18. But, one can rent a car only if he is at least 21 years old. Also, one must have a valid driving licence for at least 12 months.
- Driver’s gender: Both women and men can drive in Crete. As long as the driver is of the legal age of 21, driving a rental car is allowed in Crete, regardless of gender.
- Car type: One must learn how to choose the right car to rent in Crete. Travelling with groups or family members requires a much bigger car. Car rental companies in Crete offer a variety of cars to choose from. Choosing a smaller car is best when driving in Crete. The reason for that is that some Greek roads are narrow. The car type is one big factor in how to choose the right car to rent in Crete.
- Documents needed for renting a car: One important document needed for renting a car is a valid driving licence. However, a credit or debit card may also be presented, including a passport or an ID card.
How much does a car rental in Crete cost?
Crete is a charming island with several tourist spots that can be travelled using a rented vehicle. Crete car rental costs vary depending on the number of persons, itinerary, car type, destination, and duration. The average cost of renting a car in Crete is around €30 to €40 per day. A car rented for a whole week will cost an average of €250. Renting a vehicle for the weekend will cost around €78. Crete car rental rates differ depending on the car type. Car rental companies offer a variety of cars depending on customers’ liking. Most car rental companies in Crete offer an online booking system, whenever customers want to book a car. Simply follow the process and instantly book a vehicle on their website. Before renting a car in Crete, make sure to check all the requirements needed.
