Katsounaki gorge, east Crete

Overview

One of the four canyons in the Xerokambos village

Getting There

There are three possibilities of how to get to the climbing sectors. The easiest however the longest way is going from Krinakia beach in the village of Xerokambos. You let the car at the parking plot close to the beach and then go 400-500 meters to the crag. This route is the most comfortable from all three. However, it was not always like this. In 2016 the path through the canyon was very difficult due to dense shrubs, so it depends on weather and flowing water during spring. The best route leads from side canyon, in this case, you park next to the asphalt road leading to Zakros. Follow the red dots that are sprayed along the dirt road leading to the canyon. Do not forget to close the small goat gate at the entrance to the canyon.

The third road leads from the road above the canyon. You park your car above the crag and descend a very steep slope and down the scree field. This path to the rocks is the shortest one and the most difficult one. Do not choose this access when going with kids or with people without climbing experience. You need here some climbing skills. Choose access No.1 when going with kids.

Route

There are three sectors up to now, the north-west sector and two sectors on the south-west side of the valley. Thanks to this fact you can climb here all day. There is always some piece of rock in shade. Routes mostly lead in overhangs, this crag can be recommended to experts. Most of the routes are in seventh grade, climbing is very athletic. The yellow rock is something between limestone and sandstone, very pleasant for climbing, smooth, not sharp. There is still a few opened project on this crag and many others are waiting to be still bolted. However, you need to climb at least 7b to be able to open some new routes here.

Katsounaki belongs to a local group of crags surrounding the villages of Xerokambos and Zakros. There are at least ten canyons, that are close to each other and where climbing can be developed. Xerokambos has six of them, Zakros has three. Currently climbing is at the beginning here, only a tiny part of all possibilities is exploited.
This local cluster of crags has the potential to become one of the best climbing areas in Greece and this potential is still waiting to be discovered. Our Zakros team is working here hard, however, we are only a small group of climbers. We will be very happy to invite every climber to our team to help us with our effort.

Red Tape

Up to now, there are the most difficult pitches out of all crags in the area of Xerokambos and Zakros.

When to Climb

You can climb all year round. However, the best season for climbing is in autumn and spring.

Camping

There is no campsite. There is a lot of accommodation in the villages in private houses, apartments and villas. 

External Links

http://www.climbcrete.com/index.php?lokalita=5