TREKKING & BIRD WATCHING AT THE PLATANIA GORGE
Follow the birds of prey in the majestic landscape of Psiloritis Georpark, with a specialised guide
PETASSOS goes into the steep gorge of Platania in the lush valley of Amari, to seek the birds that have touched Cretans more than any other. Fellow-travellers will participate in the close observation of the vultures’ daily life and behaviour. The tour in their last viable micro-communities is accompanied by the exploration of the bird fauna of the island.
The trip takes place in the majestic Georpark of Psiloritis - Geological Heritage of UNESCO, protected by Natura 2000 for its biodiversity.
Description
Gorge of Platania, Psiloritis Geopark
In the southwestern foothills of the massif of Psiloritis lies the Gorge of Platania zigzagging uphill through predator’s colonies, impressive landforms and cultural elements of mainland Crete. Platania Gorge has been acknowledged as an outstanding natural site for hikers, wildlife explorers and photographers and curious and enthusiastic travellers.
Highlights
- The marked, well-preserved path climbs up the hillside in a weaving manner, crossing a scenery of unique landforms and great naturalistic, landscape value at the western boundaries of Psiloritis Geopark.
- Psiloritis Range is the mountainous backbone of Crete with the highest peak of the island at 2.456 m. and has the second largest alpine zone after Lefka Ori on the west.
- All four kinds of native oak trees are represented in the region. Beautiful Valonia and Downy Oak forest (Quercus macrolepis & Quercus pubescens respectively), sprawl themselves from the northern Rethymnon till the steep western slopes of Psiloritis. Kermes Oak (Quercus coccifera) and Holly Oak (Quercus ilex) trees form clusters and sparse forests in the steep slopes surrounding the gorge.
- The path ascending the gorge is an entrance to the unknown world of the birds of prey in the ecosystems of inland Rethymnon. Because of a viable livestock economy and the survival of traditional forms of agriculture, the sub mountainous zone is characterized by mosaic habitat, endangered in other areas of the Mediterranean, which offers abundant food for small mammals of Crete, thus “generating” prey for predators and scavengers.
- Crete has some of the biggest worldwide insular populations of big raptors, such as the Lammergeier (Gypaetus barbatus), the Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) and the Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus). The vertical eroded walls bordering the marked path are used by a thriving vulture colony and one active territory of Gypaetus barbatus.
Hike Details
Total Distance: 7 Km
Hours: 4-5
Elevation gain: approximately 600 m.
Max. Altitude: 950 m.
Min. Altitude: 420 m.
Type: Gorge trails, Mountains paths
Difficulty level: Moderate
Suitable for: Ages over 12 years old (experience required)
Equipment: mountaineering shoes, sunhat, backpack, water, + sticks
The price includes:
- Experienced mountain guide with a specialisation in birdwatching and environmental studies
- Personal accident insurance, powed by Lloyd's Insurance company
- Excursion booklet
- Binoculars, to be shared among the participants
- Walking poles (on request, depending on availability)
- Light lunch in nature
- First Aid kit
- Water (1 lt)
- Third Party Liability
- Taxes
The price does not include:
- Transport from/to your accommodation (upon request)
- Beverages and drinks
- Personal expenses & tips
- Anything not mentioned above
Notes:
* This trip is a private excursion.
* Not ideal for people having vertigo.
* Children can participate from the age of 12, given they have a relative trekking experience.
* Necessary personal equipment: Sunscreen oil, Hat, Sunglasses │Walking or trekking shoes │Small rucksack with your personal items
* (!) Please inform us of any dietary needs/particularities you might have (allergies, intolerances) or other health issues we have to take into consideration.
