Kourtaliotiko Waterfall

The large waterfall in the Kourtaliotis Gorge is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Crete. It forms just below the Church of Saint Nicholas (Agios Nikolaos) Kourtaliotis, at the point where the five major springs gush. Tradition says the springs were created by a miracle when the local Saint Nicholas Kourtaliotis touched the rock with his five fingers.

This waterfall has the largest and nearly constant flow of all falls in Crete. While the gorge above is dry in summer, the springs suddenly unleash a rushing river that ends at the famous Preveli Beach.

The waterfall lies in the darkest and narrowest part of the Kourtaliotiko Gorge, with water running along the side walls like curtains. To reach the impressively dark spot of Kourtaliotis, one must swim in the very cold water for a few meters. The waterfall can also be viewed from above a bridge near the Church of Saint Nicholas, but the view from below is incomparable.