KOURTALIOTIKO THROAT
The Kourtaliotiko gorge has many small caves, nesting and feeding places for rare species of raptors.
The Kourtaliotiko Gorge, also known as theAssomatos Gorge, located 22 km from the town of Rethymnon, is the most impressive natural site in the region. It consists of magnificent cliffs that plunge down on both sides of the road, reaching up to 300 meters above the road in several places. The canyon is 2.5 km long and is crossed by the river Kourtaliotιs, which flows between the Kouroupa and Xirón mountains and empties into the beach of Preveli, after crossing the Frati Gorge. The gorge is almost bare; formed by limestone, it has many small caves, nesting and feeding places for many rare species of birds of prey, a habitat of international importance where the vulture(Gypaetus barbatus), a threatened and endangered species, rests in particular. After a bend in the road, you can see the picturesque little church dedicated to St. Nicholas which is embedded in the cliff, the springs of the Kourtaliotis River and, a little higher up, a 40-metre waterfall. The name Kourtaliotiko comes from the word Kourtala, which means "clap" sounds (like clapping hands), a consequence of the wind channelled through the highest caves of the gorge and broken by the cliff wall opposite echoing back. The main point where these sounds can be heard is near the north entrance. This canyon, on the Preveli side, is one of the most beautiful gorges of Crete.
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