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Prefectures of Crete
Chania Prefecture
Municipality of ChaniaMunicipality of ApokoronasMunicipality of PlataniasMunicipality of KissamosMunicipality of Kandanos - SelinosMunicipality of GavdosMunicipality of Sfakia
Rethymnon Prefecture
Municipality of RethymnonMunicipality of MylopotamosMunicipality of AmariMunicipality of Agios VasiliosMunicipality of Anogia
Heraklion Prefecture
Municipality of HeraklionMunicipality of MaleviziMunicipality of Archanon - AsterousionMunicipality of FestosMunicipality of GortynaMunicipality of ChersonissosMunicipality of Minoa PediadosMunicipality of Viannos
Lassithi Prefecture
Municipality of MirampeloMunicipality of SitiaMunicipality of IerapetraMunicipality of Oropedio
Topolia gorge
The gorge of Topolia is located at West Crete and it runs along the road leading to Elafonissi. The canyon actually starts near the village Strovles at an altitude of 450m, and exits near the village Topolia, at an altitude of 150m.
The narrowest and most impressive part of the gorge is located between Katsomatados and Topolia where the side rocks are very high and vertical. The canyon is crossed by the River Tyflos, which originates from Mount Dikeos. Along the riverbed, there is an easy hiking trail. At the beginning of the narrow part, it is worth visiting the Cave of Agia Sofia, located just above the main road.
The canyon and the wider area hosts rare and endemic plants of Crete, while the Cave of St. Sophia houses a species of cave spider that lives only there (Pholcus creticus).
According to local traditions, Topolia Gorge hosted fairies and the Minoan godgess Vritomartis.
Prefectures of Crete
