Description of the attraction
The Red Butterfly Gorge, also known as the Orino Gorge, is located in the southeast of Crete and is about 5 km long. It is considered one of the most picturesque gorges on the island. This place received such an original name because of the red butterflies, which flocked here in huge numbers in the hot summer time.
In 1993, during a large-scale fire, the gorge became the main zone of the natural disaster and was badly damaged. The fire destroyed almost 70% of the pine forest. Today, the green vegetation of the gorge has been relatively restored, but the population of red butterflies in this region has declined significantly.
The Red Butterfly Gorge is characterized by a large number of small streams and picturesque waterfalls along the entire route. In general, the gorge can be conditionally divided into three parts. The first part of the route is the greenest with lush vegetation, dominated by pine trees. After an hour of walking, the green area will be complemented by mountainous terrain. In another half hour, the gorge will be transformed and a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains will open. This part of the route takes about 2 km, and at the end of the gorge there is a waterfall of stunning beauty, gushing right from a crevice in the rock. Nearby there is an asphalt road connecting the villages of Kutsuras and Orino.
The Red Butterfly Gorge is today a protected nature reserve. Traveling along the gorge in summer will take no more than four hours. Wonderful panoramic views will bring a lot of pleasure and a feeling of complete unity with nature. However, you should be very careful and follow the signs so as not to go astray or get lost.
