Aradena is an abandoned village above the south coast of Sfakia, connected to the inhabited village of Anopoli by one of the most famous bridges in Crete — a narrow iron road bridge over a 138-metre deep gorge from which people have been jumping for thirty years. Below the village, the Aradena gorge descends 5 kilometres to the sea at Marmara beach. The combination of ghost village, bungee bridge, and gorge walk is unlike anything else in the Chania region.
Why Visit Aradena Gorge
- ✓The bungee jump from the Aradena bridge is legal, organised, and unforgettable — 138 metres free fall into the gorge.
- ✓The abandoned village of Aradena, deserted after a vendetta dispute in the early 20th century, is eerie and historically fascinating.
- ✓The gorge walk to Marmara beach (3-4 hours) is one of the finest gorge walks in Crete.
- ✓The combination of activities makes it a complete day: village in the morning, gorge walk, sea at the end.
Scores
How to Get There
From Hora Sfakion, drive west on the coast road and turn north at Loutro towards Anopoli. The road climbs to the plateau and then continues to Aradena. The gorge walk starts at the bridge and ends at Marmara beach (where a water taxi can take you back to Sfakia).
Best Time to Visit
April through June and September through November for the gorge walk. Bungee jumping operates May through October.
Do the gorge walk top to bottom and finish at Marmara beach — arrange the water taxi from Sfakia before you start. The gorge walk takes 3-4 hours and is demanding.
Location
Nearby Places
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