Top 20 Gorges at the Αποκεντρωμένη Διοίκηση Αιγαίου

Some advice if you are considering the Komoot Route „Samos Waterfall - Christos Round“ We startet at the street at the Afianes winery. The way down to the waterfalls (Sight 4 & 5) is quite ok to manage. Its definitely not an easy or beginner route, since its steep, not always easy to keep track of way signs and extremely remote. The descend down to the river (Sign 4) is quite advanced and steep. In early may the route there came to an end due to high water levels and river crossings. The route says ~3h and moderate terrain. Thats definitely not true. It took us 2h starting at Afianes winery to get down to the river (sight 3). Taking some breaks and enjoying the stunning view included! And thats about 1km of that 9km rout. But the steep descend and searching for the way markers takes time. If you are advanced and dont mind turning around if you get stucked, its definitely worth it. Beeing all by yourself at such an incredible place is stunning. Just dont go alone, let people know where you go and mind the dangers of an remote place where help if needed is a gamble. And if you dont find any way markers within 20m you might be on the wrong way;)

This hike may be moderately difficult for experienced hikers and include "easy trails," but it definitely lacks any warning that you shouldn't be afraid of heights. Scrambling over rocks high above the gorge is borderline dangerous if you, like my fellow hiker, are afraid of heights. These are definitely not easy trails; at the first waterfall, you even have to pull yourself up over a rock using a rope. No problem for experienced hikers willing to take risks! We had to turn back 🤷‍♂️

I absolutely agree with the previous writers who see the tour as "difficult" rather than "moderately difficult"! I'm not the youngest and my climbing years are long gone, so I'm glad I didn't attempt the climb from the end of the cauldron with the wire rope and then freehand. The gorge is absolutely worth seeing up to that point. I then turned the route around and went the other way to the "measuring point with a view", which was beautiful. The view from up there over the sea and the islands with Chalki is great. Despite the haze over the Aegean, Tilos was also visible in the distance. On the way I only met one person, an Austrian, who revealed himself to be an experienced climber and told me that after the wall with the wire rope there were more steep wall passages, it was quite tricky, as he called it. He asked me if I wanted to climb down there, as I did the route the other way around, and was relieved when I said no. The path to the measuring point also goes up quite steeply, without climbing. But you should be able to handle it. Hiking boots, at least sports shoes and long trousers to protect yourself from the prickly plants are recommended. A water bottle is a given anyway. Great tour!

There is now a construction site at waypoint 11, the path is basically closed. We didn't know this and didn't want to take a detour, so we climbed cross-country, but that was more risky than time-saving. Be careful and re-plan if necessary before you start!!

First of all: not recommended with a backpack carrier, as it is exposed and brittle, especially at the beginning. Grade II is definitely required here in places, but only for a very short time and not exposed. Otherwise the climbs are in the upper grade I. At the beginning, do not follow the yellow markings and steel cable, but follow a loop slightly to the left of them that is much easier (old red markings). At the end there is a short chimney (possibly also bypassable).

We went with two experienced mountain hiking children, 13 and 15, and it's not without reason that the start is unmarked. It is the key point and there is no emergency exit like a via ferrata. If you can't make it there for whatever reason or have a bad feeling when you first grab it, you should definitely turn around. The Greek ambulance is far away and cell phone reception is a matter of luck. After that it becomes much easier. Nevertheless, sure-footedness, a head for heights, mountain boots and climbing experience up to 2-3 degrees are required if you want to get past there safely. I agree with the previous speaker: this is -not- a moderately difficult tour, but a difficult hiking tour with 3rd degree climbing passages at the beginning, then up to the canyon rim high 1st and 2nd degree passages. The further path above the canyon is varied with forest, stones, rocks, goats and fantastic views. An easy hiking trail. Very nice! 💫💯💫💯💫

After the extremely hot summer of 2023, the stream has almost completely dried up. We have rarely experienced something like this in the fall. Nevertheless, the path is always impressive.

This spectacular staircase has offered a special thrill for years. It is only ever repaired in a sparse manner, so you always have to ask yourself whether it will be able to withstand our climb this time. If you cross the tavern and use the exit in front of the kitchen, you can save yourself the descent. So you can take the way back to the starting point via a beautiful road with great views.