The Aradena Gorge and the village of Aradena on Crete

The Aradena Gorge is situated in the south west of Crete in the Sfakia area close to the coastal village of Loutro and the mountain village of Anopolis. From Anopolis the road leads to the Aradena Gorge with its iron bridge hanging over it. Close to the bridge there are several paths leading you downstairs, giving you the opportunity to make a walk in the gorge, which leads from the village of Aradena and the White mountains all the way to the sea (about 7 kilometer) where it ends at the sea of Marmara, a small beach near Loutro. Immediately after the bridge on the right side there is the small and allmost abanboned settlement of Aradena with a small Byzantine chapel. This chapel dates from the 14th century and is dedicated to the Archangel Michael. It contains wallpaintings and icons, but as you might have expected: we found it closed, so if you are coming here becuase you want to admire these beautiful wallpaintings and icons than there is a big chance that you are going to be disappointed. The steel bridge dates back to 1986 and was a gift to the nearby village of Agios Ioannis of four brothers from a rich (oil) family who come from the region. Sometimes you can bungee jump from the bridge.