The gorge of Kourtaliotis is located 22km south of Rethymno and has a length of 3km.
It is one of the most spectacularnatural attractions of prefecture Rethymnon. It starts from the village Koxare and flows between the mountains Kouroupa (984 m) and Koules of the range Xiro Oros (676m).
The huge cliffs of the canyon reach a height of 600 meters and are full of openings and caves, where significant fauna species live. The canyon is crossed by the Kourtaliotis River which flows up to Lake Preveli, after merging with Frati Gorge. In the latest part of the river it is called Megalos River (Big River).
