How about experience the ultimate Crete holiday adventure? Starting from the tourist port of Sfakia village, Chania, you could not even imagine that, after a few kilometers, you will find yourself in a handsome landscape, almost alpine. Aradena features the highest bridge for bungee jumping in Crete and Greece. Aradena bungee jumping is a really breathtaking experience, as you can see the majestic Cretan mountains and the ruined village on the edge of the gorge.
Looking for accommodation in Sfakia? Check out these luxury holiday villas in Sfakia!
Start hiking from Anopolis, Sfakia
The route from Chora Sfakion to Anopolis, climbs on the mountains, offering spectacular views to the port of Sfakia and Gavdos island. While you keep hiking, then landscape changes. You will see white stones and pine forests, until you finally reach Anopolis, the historical village of Sfakia. The history of the village lies deep into the centuries, as Anopolis was one of the autonomous ancient cities of Crete. Continue up to the hill of St. Catherine to admire the views of the Libyan Sea, which reach the scenic Loutro village, one of Crete hidden places. North of the hill, you will see some of the remnants of the ancient city and a part of the Cyclopean walls that surrounded the city.
Before you continue your exploration, we would recommend you to make a stop at the bakery that you met on your left, on your way to the village. There, you will find aromatic, Sfakian nuts with anise and coriander, raki, Greek coffee and of course, wonderful Sfakian pies served with local honey. Try some of those delicacies and refresh your power to continue your hike.
Reach Aradena Bridge and get ready to experience your Crete holiday adventure!
You leave Anopolis and head towards Aradena. On your way, you still see the typical white stones, the pines and the imposing White Mountains. You realize that you have finally reached Aradena, when you hear an unearthly roar coming from the deep gorge that lies before you. It is the echo of the cars crossing the bridge. If you follow the bridge, you’ll reach the opposite side of the gorge. While being on the bridge, you will feel generous doses of adrenaline in your veins! If you stand in the center of the bridge, you will see the gorge in all its grandeur, hikers crossing the gorge like little ants, steep cliffs and wild trees that grow there.
So, are you ready for the jump of your life? Aradena bungee jumping is one of the most popular holiday activities in Crete! Aradena bridge, with a height of 138 meters in total, is the highest bridge from which are held jumps with the elastic bungee jumping rope, in Greece and Europe. In 1999, the LIQUID BUNGY TM held the first jumps from Aradena bridge, winning the Balkan record of bungee jumping. From 2000, the team organizes jumps for people from all over the world.
Technical stats & safety standards
- The bridge of Aradena is a type of military “beley”, connecting the two sides of the canyon. It is 138 meters high and can endure 30 tons of passing cargo in DIN.1072.
- The construction and installation of the metal platform, from where jumps are held, has certification of technical report of static resolution and it has been inspected and certified with TUV from TUV HELLAS – TUV NORD with number of certification of safety 1402/06.
- All the jumpers who participate are insured with contract in an insurance company.
- The organization of jumps as well as the operation system of Aradena bungee site is based on the international code of practice and safety standards AS/NZS 5848:2000 Code of practice for bungee jumping.
- The members & jump masters of Liquid Bungee are certified instructors for CPR/BLS/First Aid from international provider EFR emergency first response, and organize open certified related, and rope access technicians’ level 1.
Operation dates and hours
The bridge operates from 12:00 am until sunset, every Saturday and Sunday in June, July and August. For groups of more than ten people, LIQUID BUNGY TM organizes jumps for any date in the summer.
Terms of participation
The age limit is 18 years old and weight limits are from 45-110 kilos. For those being under 18 is necessary the accompaniment and signature of an associate adult. It is not necessary to be experienced in bungee jumping or carry special clothes or equipment.
The following health problems may prove harmful in combination with the jump:
- High blood pressure
- Heart Disease
- Epilepsy
- Pregnancy
- Skin sensitivities
- Neurological dysfunctions
- Skeletal Disorders / Dislocations
- Diabetes
- Asthma
- Prosthetic Body Parts
- Panic / Anxiety attacks
- Recent sprains / muscle injuries
After you jump from the bridge, you may relax in the small café opposite the bridge and have a refreshment. You will need it for sure, as your Crete holiday adventure does not end here! Get ready to cross the imposing Aradena gorge!
Cross Aradena gorge, swim in Marmara beach and end your Crete holiday adventure in Loutro!
The path, leading in the gorge, starts before the bridge. On your right, you will see the paved path that reaches the bottom of the gorge. It is a path of medium difficulty. The route has a length of 5.5 km. passing from the riverbed and it will take you about 3-4 hours to reach the exit for Marmara beach, in the Libyan Sea.
In addition to the swim in this deserted beach, with the blue waters and the impressive caves, your reward is the route itself: lush vegetation, wildlife and of course, the cliffs hanging 150 meters above your head. From Marmara, you continue hiking towards Loutro (about 1.30 hour hike) and from there, you take the boat to Sfakia.
Check out also our post about a Crete boat trip to Loutro and Marmara beach and experience another Crete holiday adventure in the area!