The gorge of Kourtaliotis is located 22km south of Rethymno and has a length of 3km. It is one of the most spectacular natural attractions of the 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. At its latest part the river is called the Megalos River (Big River).

The canyon is crossed by a paved road. By following the steps at the side of street Koxare – Asomatos, you reach the bottom of the gorge, where the church of local saint Nicholas Kourtaliotis is located. The springs of Kourtaliotis, near the chapel, are one of the nicest attractions of the gorge. Just below the springs is the amazing waterfall of Kourtaliotis with a large flow of water in a very narrow and dark part of the gorge, which can be reached by swimming from a lower level of the river. From there one can trek in the river to the bridge of the Megalos River and then to the sea to the palm beach Preveli.