Sirikari is located 55km west of Chania and 17km south of Kissamos, in a lush green area with canyons and water streams. From here begins the beautiful canyon of Sirikari leading to the settlement of Polyrrhenia, where the ancient town of Polyrrhenia was built.

While crossing the gorge you meet an amazing forest with tall chestnut trees, waterfalls and gurgling streams. 

Be aware that the canyon in several places is steep, narrow and has difficult passages, while there are some places needing attention. The vegetation inside the canyon and the surrounding area thrives with many herbs and trees of Crete, like the indigineous "dittany of Crete".

On the way to the exit, you can see an old watermill. Also, it is worth visiting the Church of the Assumption, especially on the 15th of August, when a traditional fest takes place. The church is built in the chestnut grove, and you will see also other trees such as holm oak trees, cypresses and plane trees. Moreover, in Sirikari village it is worth visiting the 15th-century Byzantine church of the Holy Apostles.The gorge ends at the ancient Roman city of Polyrrhenia. The ruins of the town walls are still visible in the acropolis hill that overlooks the Gulf of Kissamos.

​

Polyrrhenia:

It is a village and an archaeological site in the Chania regional unit of Crete. It is some 7 km inland from Kissamos. It was an important Archaic Period settlement.

Polyrrhenia was an important hilltop town, whose territory occupied the whole western extremity of Crete. The city was an important center in Hellenistic times.

Polyrrhenia continued to flourish in the Roman period, when the center shifted to its  port, Kissamos, and in this urbanistic configuration lasted into Byzantine times. A small village now occupies the site, where rock-cut tombs, ruins and an acropolis remain. A Roman aqueduct built in the age of Hadrian improved water supplies. Systematic archaeological excavations have been conducted at the site since 1986.