Paleochora Canyon- Kythera

A designated Landscape of Special Natural Beauty and a protected area of 43.83 hectares, a total perimeter of 3.9 km with a maximum altitude of 216 m. Geologically, it is limestone semi-metamorphosed light-colored and blue-green dolomites. Widening of a tectonic fault by the action of water. It forms the central bed of a large watershed of 19,000 acres. The central bed 1000 m upstream from the sea divides into two branches between which stands the hill of Paleochora (215 m.) where the Byzantine settlement of the same name is located. The average height of the vertical slopes is 140 m. The average longitudinal slope of the bed is 3-10%. In two or three sections near the entrance (Paleochora) and at one point towards the exit the slope is very steep and makes the gorge almost inaccessible. Rainy seasonal flow. Small lake at the exit to the sea. Panoramic view from the hill of Paleochora where the archaeological site (Medieval Castle City of Paleochora). Good views from various points on the edges of the canyon. Access to the site from three dirt roads. There is a small path up to the hill of Paleochora. Accessing the canyon, which takes about 2 hours, is relatively difficult and one needs to have appropriate equipment. A rope is needed in two places.