TheKourtaliotiko Gorge (Greek:Κουρταλιώτικο Φαράγγι), also known as theAsomatos Gorge(Greek:Φαράγγι Ασώματου), is agorge on the southern side of the western part of the island ofCrete.It is situated where the Kourtaliotiko River flows southwards between the mountains ofKouroupa andXiron.
The village ofKoxare is at the northern end of the gorge. A road runs north to south through the gorge connecting Koxare toAsomatos; it then leads west, to the town ofPlakias on the southern coast of Crete.
There is a small church (Agios Nikolaos) in the gorge and a 40-metre-high waterfall.
The cliffs on the side of the gorge provide a roosting site for theLammergeier vulture.[1]
There is a specific point on the gorge, about 20 metres from the northern entrance, some "claps" can be heard, like hands coming together. These "claps" are the "kourtala", that give the nameο Κουρταλιώτης ( o Kourtaliotis , "the rattle" and "the noisy") to the gorge. These are a consequence of the wind being funnelled through the high caves of the gorge and breaking the sound barrier. The point near the northern entrance is the main point where this sound can be heard.
The gorge leads to a sandy beachPreveli, and is inhabited bynative palm trees.[2] An experienced hiker could follow the path across the river in order to reach the beach. It takes about 2 and a half hours at an average pace. However, there is an alternative path, one parallel to the river, which easier and faster to walk through.
35°12′11″N24°28′08″E / 35.203°N 24.469°E /35.203; 24.469
