Spiliotissa Gorge (Houdetsi)

Spiliotissa gorge is located about 24km south of Heraklion . It is a lush ravine that runs from the village Houdetsi , crosses Agios Vasilios , and ends in the valley of Peza, where it's waters are delivered to the gorge Kounaviano .

The nicest part of it is that between Houdetsi and Agios Vasilios (only 1.5km long). Starting from Houdetsi , where you can park in the village, you can descend along the well-maintained trail to Agios Vasilios.

The trail passes through dense vegetation and orange / olive groves, watered by the creek. In the first few meters of the route we meet the two Byzantine churches of Saint John the Baptist and Saint Nicholas , and two watermills formerly used for grinding grain.

After 500m, there is the historic Sinai Monastery of Panagia Spiliotissa , after which the canyon gets its name. After a brief tour in the small monastery with the cavernous church, we continue our journey into the heart of the lush canyon, till Agios Vasilios .

Just outside the monastery there is a beautiful fountain with water and the Byzantine church of Saint John .