The gorge of Richtis is located in Lasithi Prefecture, on the north side of Crete, between the cities Agios Nikolaos and Sitia. The trail starts just outside the village Exo Mouliana and ends on the Richtis beach, east of the village Kalavros. The total length of the route is approximately 3 kilometers and the elevation difference between the starting point and the beach is about 350 meters. The gorge, even in summer, has enough water, which is used for local crops. The gorge collects the water from the peak Drymias (918m) of Orno range through the streams of Lachanas and Mesa Mouliana which merge near the starting point.

Hiking to the beach takes approximately three to four hours, depending on the hiking pace. The route starts from the stone-arched bridge of Lachanas (19th century) where, during the exchange of populations between Greece and Turkey, it is said that the Christians killed the Turks of the region, who were trying to reach Sitia and get the ship to Turkey.

The route continues in a lush landscape along the river, within an amazing scenery of East Crete. Platans, oleander and sage are everywhere and the smells of fresh herbs change constantly. Impressive also - footprint of the past - is the old water mills that the visitors meet in the path. 

Πηγή: Travel Guide for Island Crete, Greece - Richtis Gorge cretanbeaches.com

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