• Mili Gorge near Rethymno is steeped in Cretan history and raw nature.
• Once home to dozens of Venetian-era watermills, now a quiet hiking paradise.
• Perfect for a peaceful drive and a hands-on experience of Crete’s past.

Start your Cretan road trip with a car from AUTOWAY and discover hidden treasures like Mili Gorge.

A short drive leads to real Cretan history. 

Just 10 minutes from Rethymno by car, Mili Gorge (or Milos Gorge) feels like stepping into another time. This lush ravine was once alive with over 30 watermills grinding grain with river power. For centuries, the people of Crete lived right here, in stone homes among fig trees and flowing water. The last villagers left in the 1970s, but their world still whispers from the walls.

The trail winds through memory and stone. 

A gentle footpath follows the stream through a shady, green corridor. You’ll pass half-ruined mills, carved chapels, citrus trees, and a humble church dug into rock. The hike is easy—about 90 minutes—and full of sights and scents. Spring water still trickles, birds dart above, and the smell of wild herbs fills the air.

It’s a living museum, no ticket needed. 

Unlike busy tourist stops, Mili Gorge stays quiet. No glossy signs. No crowds. Just you, nature, and timeworn ruins. It’s perfect for curious travelers who want a taste of true Crete—untouched, honest, and rooted in the land.

Bring water, good shoes, and a slow heart. 

You won’t find cafes or kiosks here. This is hands-on Crete. Start from Xiro Chorio, hike to the old village, and circle back. Best in spring or autumn, when the weather is kind and the stream runs soft.

Ready to explore real Crete? Book your car with AUTOWAY and go where the tour buses can’t.