- A foreign tourist was rescued from Myli Gorge near Chromonastiri, Rethymno, after falling while hiking.
- Fire Service personnel accessed the gorge, stabilized the injured hiker, and carried him to a road-accessible point.
- Paramedics from EKAB received the victim and transported him to the hospital for medical care.
- Local authorities are reviewing the incident as seasonal outdoor rescue calls continue across Crete.
A swift and successful rescue operation was carried out in the Myloi Gorge near Chromonastiri, Rethymno, after a tourist sustained injuries during a hike.
According to local reports, the hiker lost his balance and fell under circumstances currently under investigation. Unable to continue on foot, he alerted authorities, prompting an immediate response from the Hellenic Fire Service. Firefighters navigated the terrain to reach the injured man and carefully transported him to a safe, accessible extraction point. From there, an EKAV (National Center for Emergency Care) ambulance transferred him to a nearby hospital for medical evaluation. His current condition has not been disclosed.
Discovering Myloi Gorge
While the incident is a sobering reminder of the need for caution, the Myloi Gorge remains one of Crete’s most enchanting and accessible natural treasures. Located just a short distance from the city of Rethymno, this lush green ravine feels more like a hidden botanical garden than a rugged gorge.
Springing from the northern slopes of Mount Vrysinas, the valley begins west of the traditional village of Chromonastiri and south of Xero Chorio. At its heart lies the abandoned village of Myloi, historically divided into Ano Myloi (Upper Mills) and Kato Myloi (Lower Mills). As the name suggests, the area was once home to roughly 30 watermills, where local millers ground grain for the entire region.
Today, nature has reclaimed the village. Ivy drapes over the old stone houses, and only one beautifully restored watermill remains, offering visitors a glimpse into the area’s rich agricultural past. The last residents left in 1972, relocating to the newly built village of Neoi Myloi higher up the slope due to fears of rockfalls from the cliffs above.
Despite its abandonment, the gorge is far from lifeless. Rich, year-round springs—most notably at Agios Antonios and Pente Parthenes—feed a network of small waterfalls and natural, refreshing pools perfect for a cool dip under the shade of giant, ancient plane trees. One of the old village houses has even been charmingly converted into a traditional cafe-taverna for weary hikers.
The trail is also dotted with striking, cave-like chapels that blend seamlessly into the landscape, including the churches of Agios Antonios, Agios Ioannis, the cemetery chapel of Agii Pente Parthenes, and further down, Agia Paraskevi and Agios Nikolaos.
The Myloi Gorge trail is generally considered accessible and is a favorite for casual walkers and nature lovers. However, the terrain can be uneven, slippery near the water, and the area’s history of rockfalls is a natural reminder to stay alert. Visitors are strongly advised to wear proper, grippy hiking footwear, carry sufficient water, stay on marked paths, and ensure their mobile phones are fully charged before heading out.