The gorge begins at Xiloskalo (Wooden Stairs) which, as the name suggests, is a wooden staircase descending steeply to the river bed through an impressive forest of trees and exceptional views. At the bottom, near the small church of Agios Nikolaos, one can relax for a few minutes and enjoy the view. The path then follows the river bed. Here the mountains tower more than 2,000 metres above sea level.

The highlight of the walk is the Sidheres Portes or Iron Gates. Here the walls of the gorge are only 3 metres apart and tower to 600 metres on either side. You can glimpse the blue sea in the distance.

Agia Roumeli lies at the end of the gorge. From here boats take you to Hora Sfakion where buses transport visitors back to Chania.