samaria gorge crete excursions

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Samaria Gorge from Chania

DESCRIPTION :  

The National Park of the Samaria gorge is one of the longest gorges in Europe. A walk of 16 km and an altidute of 1230 metres  will amaze you and create one of your most exciting tours in Crete .  The spectacular view of the White Mountains ( Lefka Ori ) the rare flora and fauna of the gorge as well as the famous ‘’Iron Gates” ( Sideroportes) will amaze you as you are descending  to the end towards sea level  where you can find  the small coastal village of “Agia Roumeli’’. A journey to Crete could never be considered complete unless you haven’t paid a visit to the Samaria gorge.

TRIP ITINERARY :    

• We pick you up from your hotel early in the morning and we drive you with our bus and Escort-Mountain Guide to the Omalos Plateau where the entrance of the Samaria gorge is.
• During the drive you will be explained all the necessary information for your hike and also our guide will collect the entrance and ferry fee so you can skip the line of the ticket offices.
• Before the hike you will have the opportunity for a quick stop of breakfast or coffee at a local tavern.
• Upon arriving at the entrance feel free to rent some hiking poles from our guide and start your descent at about 07:45 a.m . You walk at your own pace and not with the whole group. Our guide will be always at the end of the group in case someone needs help.
• After a 5-6 hours walk you will arrive at the village of Agia Roumeli where a meeting point will be arranged with our guide in order to give you the ferry tickets.Free time for lunch ( optional) or a swim at the Libyan Sea.
• At 17:30 p.m, you will get on the ferry to Sougia village where our buses will be waiting for you to return you back to your morning pick up point. An amazing 1 hour ferry ride near the south coastline of Crete.
• A long but beautiful trip has come to its end accompanying you with the most amazing memories !!!Approximate return 20:00 p.m

PRICE INCLUDES:

• Hotel pick up and drop off
• Air-conditioned bus transportation
• Escort – Mountain Guide ( English, German & Greek speaking)

NOT INCLUDED:

• Entrance fee to the Samaria gorge: 5 €  ( children until 15 yrs  old don’t pay entrance fee)
• Ferry ticket to Sougia: 13€ ( children until 11 yrs old pay half ticket)
• Personal expenses ( breakfast , lunch)

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

• Upon booking this tour please mention your hotel name and location.You will be notified by email about the nearest pick up point and time.
• The hike is neither suggested for people suffering from heart problems or from health conditions of the lower extremities nor for pregnant women.
• Things you must have with you:
• Proper shoes such as trainers and socks as well as a jacket for the morning breeze.
• A hat and sunscreen
• A bottle of water to refill inside the gorge
• Swimsuit and towel
• Cash for entrance fee & ferry fee
• We kindly ask you to comply with the rules of the Park and respect the flora and fauna of this magnificent place.

CANCELLATION POLICY:

• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

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Children's age is from 3-12 yrs old .

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This tour is repeated every week on multiple days.

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The region of Chania has everything! It is enchanting, blessed by nature, constantly inhabited during 5.500 years and a timeless crossroad of East Mediterranean civilisations.

Tour review scores and score breakdown

Based on 6 reviews

Guest reviews are written by our customers after their tour of Samaria Gorge from Chania.

Guest reviews

Well organized, guide was nice and enthusiastic, gave us a good intro of the gorge. Timetable for the walk is helpful. It was also nice that because we were late (not GoTour's or the group's fault) there were two buses organized to drive us to hotels more quickly. The gorge itself is, well, gorgeous!

It is good that we can walk in our own pace. On the other hand, it would have been nice to know more about the the plants we saw, animals and history. I don't know how to combine this, however.

Well organized transport. Tour information responds quickly and is very helpful.Beautiful nature accompanied by very driendly and helpful guide.

All good:-)

Friendly service, knowledgeable guide, very attentive. All timings were kept.

Everything was professional.

Very good services! Impressive guide!

nothing that i can think of.

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Samaria Gorge National Park

• Crete - Spinalonga

Samaria gorge the longest one in Europe, is an area of stunning natural beauty

• Samaria Gorge, Crete

Samaria Gorge

Description.

Hiking the 16km-long Samaria Gorge, one of Europe's longest canyons, is high on the list of must-dos for many Crete visitors. There’s an undeniable raw beauty to the canyon with its soaring cliffs and needle-nose passageways.

The village of Samaria lies just inside the gorge, in the middle of nowhere. It was finally abandoned by the last remaining inhabitants in 1962 to make way for the park. The village and the gorge take their names from the village's ancient church, Osia Maria ("Saint Mary").

The hike begins at an elevation of 1230m just south of Omalos and ends in the coastal village of Agia Roumeli.

About The Tour

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Trip information.

• Days : TUE-THUR-SAT
• Departure : 04:40
• Return : 18:00

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Paleochora Discover

• Paleochora, 73001, Chania, Crete.

Mobile: +30 6932 717909

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Excursion to the Samaria Gorge

Half day tour.

The Samaria Gorge, located in the southern part of the prefecture of Chania is the most famous hiking gorge in Crete that joins the European E4 path. Thousands of visitors from all over the world arrive in Samaria to cross this National Natural Park of enchanting beauty.

The length of the gorge is a total of 15 km, with its entrance starting from the Omalos Plateau and ending at the village of Agia Roumeli. It takes about 5-7 hours to cross the gorge, so make sure you are properly equipped!

Entrance and path to the Gorge of Samaria

The entrance to the gorge and the beginning of the hike have as a starting point the Omalos Plateau and specifically the location Xyloskalo, at a height of 1,250 meters! From there begins the descent that follows a steep but lush vegetation path.

Throughout the course there are springs with cool water to refresh yourselves and take a pause. In about 3 hours you will find the old settlement of Samaria, but also many old buildings, churches and the house where the Greek Government was hosted in 1941, during its escape to Cairo.

In about 4 hours you will meet the Iron Gates, a breathtaking spectacle: the narrowest point of the gorge, where rocks of 500 meters high, leave a narrow passage of just 2 meters wide! A little more walking and you will meet a small river that will accompany you on your way out and which you will need to cross over with short wooden bridges. In a short time you will see the village of Palea Roumeli and following, the village of Roumeli.

Additional Information

• No pets allowed
• Access to wheelchairs is not available
• Not recommended for pregnant travellers
• Not recommended for travellers with back problems
• Not recommended for travelers suffering from heart problems or other serious medical conditions

Departure and Return

Organize your excursion with Paleochora Discover and make your trip easier and more relaxing! We can arrange to pick you up by minibus from anywhere in Paleochora and to transport you to the entrance of the gorge of Samaria, with comfort and absolute safety!

Plan your return trip with Paleochora Discover and either continue with a little sea exploration or return directly to your base, relaxed and comfortable.

Direct transportation to the destination of your choice

Paleochora Discover picks you up from Agia Roumeli by boat and delivers you quickly, comfortably and completely safe to your final destination.

Transportation to the destination of your choice with intermediate stop

Your journey does not need to end with Agia Roumeli. You can continue your adventure with one of our boats, taking intermediate stops to explore secluded beaches and enjoy a number of refreshing dives, until you reach your final destination.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, please cancel at least 15 days before the start date of the experience. For last minute reservations the free cancellation policy has no valid.

Reservation Request

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Information

• Departure Paleochora
• Arrival Samaria Gorge
• Departure Time 7.30 a.m.
• Arrival Time 9.00 a.m.
• Locations 3

Book your transportation from Paleochora to the Gorge of Samaria or call us on the phone below.

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• Adult: age 12+
• Child: age 4-11, 50% discount
• Infant: age 0-3, free of charge

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What’s App: +30 697 774 3213 [email protected]

• Pickup from: Malia, Stalida, Hersonissos, Anissaras, Analipsi, Gouves, Kokkini Chani, Heraklion, Amoudara
• Languages: EN, FR, DE, DU, IT; POL (Tue Only)

Starting our bus tour early in the morning, we drive to the west, towards Chania. Outside Rethymno, at the village of Skaleta, we have our first stop for a quick bite or a coffee. Then, we continue on to Omalos Plateau, an impressive landscape, located on the top of Lefka Ori (White Mountain), a few meters away from the entrance of Samaria Gorge. Here we prepare ourselves, for the hike in the most popular gorge of Crete. Our descent into Samaria Gorge begins from Xyloskalo, and comes to an end, at the village of Agia Roumeli.

Samaria gorge, in southwestern Crete, at an altitude of 1250 meters, is the longest in Europe, some 18 km (11 miles), and varies from 2-40 meters wide, with a depth of 250-600 meters. The favorite hike of many walkers, through the magnificent gorge, usually takes 6-7 hours. Samaria is an area of stunning natural beauty, with ever-changing views and wonderful rare species of flora and fauna, such as the famous wild Cretan goats Kri Kri, that have survived through the centuries.

The stony path follows the route of the ancient river Taras, with its sparkling waters, and gets you through forests of ancient cypresses and pines. Midway you come to the ancient village of Osia (Santa) Maria, or Samaria, with the stone huts, and passing the churches of Afendis Christos and Agion Nikolaos, you move on through fantastic wild, high, steep vertical cliffs, you taste the fresh cold water from the numerous springs, and finally you get to the narrowest passage of Samaria Gorge, called Sideroportes (Iron doors), 300 m high but only a few meters wide.

Once through the Gates, you are out of the Samaria National Park, and after a 4 km walk you end up in the small fishing village of Agia Roumeli. Here you can enjoy a meal in one of the local taverns, or relish a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters of the Libyan Sea. In the afternoon you board the boat to Chora Sfakion, where you get your coach for the trip back, through the scenic route of Imbros Gorge and the Plateau of Askifou.

Departure & Return Location

Malia, Stalida, Hersonissos, Anissaras, Analipsi, Gouves, Kokkini Chani, Heraklion, Amoudara

Departure Time

05:00 – 06:30

• Hotel Pick up / Drop off from areas supported
• Transportation with modern A/C busses
• Professional (live) guided tour in languages supported
• Allianz Insurance coverage
• Digital vouchers accepted
• Full Refund 72 hours prior to departure or for any serious medical condition
• Entrance to the gorge 5€ (EU citizens up to 18 years old free | 65+ years old FREE of charge)
• Boat ticket Agia Roumeli 13€
• Lunch & Personal Expenses

Don’t forget

• Sport or Hiking shoes and light clothes
• A second pair of socks
• A bottle of water/person
• Swimming suit and beach towel
• Sun Protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
• Light jacket (for the return boat)
• ID or Passport as proof of age (for people which gets a discount for entrance)

Related Tours

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Samaria Gorge (ex Rethymnon)

from: € 37.00

Samaria Gorge Excursion from Rethymnon . The excursion operates every Monday, Wednesday, & Friday, with pick-ups: East of Rethymnon (starting Panormo) & West (starting Georgioupolis). Our excursion includes: Pick-up service at or near your hotel & return, Tour Escort. Available Tour Languages are: English, French, German.

Accompanied service

Arrival to Omalos high plain - coffee stop ~ 8:30-9:00

Entering the gorge ~ 9:15

Meeting in Agia Roumeli ~ 16:30 (sometimes 17:00) Boat departure from Agia Roumeli ~ 17:30

Boat arrival to Sfakia ~ 18:30

Back: Georgioupolis ~20:00, Rethymnon ~20:30, Panormos ~21:00

( The timings are approximate - just to give you an idea of the day's schedule )

Special offer

Description, additional information, samaria gorge excursion from rethymnon area.

( Disclaimer : Not all the parts shown on this video are scheduled to be visited on this excursion )

Samaria Gorge Excursion from Rethymnon: Walk the longest Gorge in Europe and admire mother nature at its best! Experience a contradictory landscape between green shading trails and dry rock soil with a rewarding deep blue waters beach in its end...

Pick-up's from : Panormo, Skaleta, Stavromenos, Sfakaki, Pigianos Kampos, Adelianos Kampos, Platanias (Rethymnon), Missiria, Perivolia (Rethymnon), Rethymnon, Gerani, Georgioupolis. [ Check the pick-up table list below to find out which is the most convenient pick-up point & time, near your hotel ]

Operating Days : Every Monday, Wednesday, & Friday

Languages : English, German: All days  // French: Mondays

Tour includes : Pick-up service at or near your hotel, Escort.

Extra Fees (not included in the price) Extras payable on the spot: Boat ticket to Sfakia 13€ (adult), 7.50€ (Children), Gorge entrance: 5€ Extras payable on our website: -

Tour highlights: Omalos, Xyloskalo, Samaria Gorge, Agia Roumeli, Boat trip, Chora Sfakion.

Direction: Southwest Crete

Duration: 14 hours approximately - 180 km.

Overview: On your Samaria gorge adventure, the bus will take you first along the north coast and then up into the White Mountains to the Omalos Plateau and the entrance to the gorge. There, at a height of 1.100m, you will begin the 16km walk through the longest and most beautiful gorge in Europe. After the strenuous but spectacular walk, you will be conveyed by boat on an equally glorious trip from Agia Roumeli, the village at the end of the gorge, to Chora Sfakion, where the bus will be waiting to take you back home. Good walking shoes are essential.

Accents: 1. We start early in the morning, so that our guests can have plenty of time in the gorge and after - in Agia Roumeli. 2. Guides give customers a map of the gorge and explain recommended timings for a gorge walk. So tourists can easily find their location and understand how much time they need to exit. 3. Our guides have passed the gorge hundreds of times and they are always close to the group checking if everything is ok.

Essential Tips for Conquering Samaria Gorge: A Hiker's Guide: To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, please keep the following points in mind: 1. Hydration is Key: Carry at least 2 liters of water per person to stay hydrated during the 18km hike. 2. Sun Protection: Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and lightweight clothing to shield yourself from the sun. 3. Comfortable Footwear: Use sturdy and comfortable hiking shoes or boots with good grip to navigate the rocky terrain. 4. Snacks and Energy: Bring energy-rich snacks like nuts, fruits, and energy bars to keep you fueled along the trail. 5. Swimwear and Towel: Pack swimwear if you'd like to take a refreshing dip in the sea at the end of the hike. 6. Respect Nature: The gorge is a protected area, so please do not litter and stay on marked paths. 7. Listen to Guides: Pay attention to your tour guides and follow their instructions for a safe journey.

Age Definition: Adults: Over 10 years old  (Full fare) Children: 3-10 years old  (50% discount) Infants: 0-2 years old  (Free of charge)

Booking Guiding Lines: ► Your Tour Language : Please check in the description which tour languages are available per day, and make sure your desired language is available on your chosen date ► Your Pick-up Point : Please check the list with all available pick-up points (and hours) from your area, on the table below

PRICING This excursion includes in its price: Your transfer r/t from your hotel, and guide. The Adult Fare is applied to passengers of any age above 10 years old. The Child Fare applies to children between 3 and 10 years old (50% discount + extra's if chosen) and the Infant Fare to any child under 3 years old (Free of Charge // No seat reserved).

PICK-UP TABLE Just to help you see which pick-up suits you best, here's a table of hotel accommodations and their nearest pick-ups:

LET US HELP! Please don't hesitate to  contact us , in order to help you out choose the best pick-up that suits you best!

CANCELLATION 1. Customers who for any reason fail to participate in our excursions are obliged to inform us at least 24 hours in advance. Otherwise, no refund will be given. Cancelling at least 24 hours prior to departure, 100% full refund! 2. VisitCrete.com reserves the right to alter or cancel any tour, due to adverse weather conditions or, insufficient passenger number or, force majeure.

IMPORTANT INFO ► We do return money in case of bad weather (when the excursion is cancelled by the organizer tour operator). ► IMPORTANT: You need to be at least 10 minutes prior to your pick-up time at your pick-up point.

All you need to know about Samaria gorge in this article: - Samaria's Gorge Geology - Samaria's Gorge History - Tips (What you will see, What to have with you, Download the App) - Useful Information about Samaria Gorge ARTICLE: Journey Through the Natural Wonders of Crete! A Dive Into the Mystical Samaria Gorge!

For further information or bookings please call at telephone No.  (+30) 2810341560

Need HELP?   Check if we are online & chat with us!

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The Unique Tour of Samaria Gorge

Hiking & outdoor adventures , top tours, from: € 35.

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Special Requirements (allergies etc.)

Tour overview, tour highlights.

• Hike the largest gorge in Europe
• Learn about Crete’s flora & fauna
• Once in a life-time experience
• Explore the amazing nature inside the gorge
• Guaranteed safety inside the gorge by our mountain guide
• Discover the South shores of the Chania region & swim at the Lybian sea
• Ideal shoes:Hiking shoes/boots.

Description

• Hotel pick up and drop off
• English speaking mountain guide
• Air-conditioned bus transportation
• Gratuities (optional)
• Entrance of the gorge (5€)
• Boat ticket (13€)

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Samaria Gorge (Crete) | Guide + Hike + My Best Tips

How to visit samaria gorge the definitive guide.

You’re planning to visit Samaria Gorge , one of the most beautiful natural sites in Crete ?

Great idea!

You will for sure love hiking in the longest gorge in Europe.

In this guide, I will tell you everything you need to know to plan your visit: how to get to Samaria Gorge , the best hiking route , where to park your car or how to get there by bus , hike stats such as distance, elevation, walking time and how to plan your trip (return by boat etc..).

You will see, with all my best tips and practical information , you will be able to organise your day at Samaria Gorge very easily!

So, let’s plan your visit to the Samaria Gorge!

Samaria Gorge – The most famous hike in Crete

How to get to the samaria gorge by car, 1. trip to samaria gorge from chania, 2. hiking in the samaria gorge from georgioupoulis, 3. bus from rethymnon to samaria park, 4. from heraklion – bus trip to the gorge, visit the samaria gorge by boat, map of samaria gorge, opening days and timings for the samaria gorge, the samaria gorge hiking trail – full description, 1. boat from agia roumeli in sougia or hora sfakion, 2. sougia – xyloskalo – chania bus, what are the things to take with you for your hike in the samaria gorge, the village of agia roumeli, other hiking trips in samaria, stay in omalos before the samaria gorge hike, stay in agia roumeli after the samaria gorge hike, stay in chania, my experience and my opinion on the samaria gorge, where is the samaria gorge, how do i know if the samaria gorge is open, is hiking in the samaria gorge difficult, how long does the samaria gorge hike take, where do i book my bus tour to the samaria gorge, you’re traveling to crete these articles will help you.

The path that crosses the Samaria National Park and allows you to go down to the bottom of the Gorge is the best known hike to make during your itinerary in Crete .

On a map, the Samaria Gorge is located in the south-west of Crete , in the White Mountains range, on the Omalos plateau.

Between the path in the pine and cypress forest and the impressive walls of the Gorge, you will have the opportunity to traverse beautiful landscapes.

If you keep your eyes open, you might even spot a species endemic to Crete: the Cretan goat “Agrimi” , also called “Kri-Kri” , which lives in the wild in the park.

How to get to the Samaria Gorge – The options

The main access to the Samaria Gorge hike is by car or bus.

If you are in a hurry and just want to book your bus round-trip without reading the entire guide, I have listed the 4 best bus trips to the Samaria Gorge.

Just click on the orange links to book:

• Visit to the Samaria Gorge from Chania : Pick up and drop off at your hotel in Chania included.
• Bus transport from Georgioupolis
• Bus trip to the Samaria Gorge from Rethymnon
• Visit to the Samaria Gorge from Heraklion.

I’ll now explain all the ways to reach the Samaria Gorge.

To reach Samaria Gorge by car , you will first have to go to the place called “Xyloskalo”, where you will find the entrance to the national park and the beginning of the trail.

To get from Chania to Xyloskalo , which is 40 km away, it takes about an hour by car.

You can then park your vehicle either:

• At one of the 2 paid car parks – € 5 a day, to be paid to the person who guides you to your spot
• On the roadside, before reaching the car parks – Free parking. 

At the car park, you will find a small tavern where you can use the toilet (50 cts). This will be your last chance to enjoy “real” toilets as the toilets in the park are Turkish style toilets and are not super clean (but with so many people passing through, it’s not surprising).

Finally, you should know that the trail is very long and does not loop back on itself, so the return to the Xyloskalo car park after the hike won’t be on foot (unless you are an ultra trail enthusiast and walk back!).

You will need to take 2 different means of transport to return to the car park: boat and bus. I’ll explain where to buy tickets for boats and buses in the section “Organise your return from Samaria Gorge”.

To rent a car to go to the Samaria National Park and for your whole road trip in Crete , you must compare prices and book directly on Booking.com Cars by clicking here:

Visit the Samaria Gorge by bus

If you have chosen not to rent a car during your tour of Crete , you will have to go to the Gorge by bus. The best thing is that there are bus trips to the Samaria Gorge from the major Cretan cities.

To reach Samaria Gorge by bus from Chania, you have 2 solutions:

1) Take the public bus from the Chania Bus Station.

It will take you to Xyloskalo where the Samaria hike trail begins. You can check the timetables and the fares for the buses to Samaria on the official public transport website in Crete: KTEL .

Buses generally leave from Chania between 6am and 9am. 

2) Choose an organised trip.

This is for me the most practical and least stressful solution, since the bus will pick you up from your hotel in Chania (or at a nearby meeting point).

You will then ride in the bus for a little more than 1 hour before being dropped off at the entrance of the Gorge to begin your hike.

During the bus ride and during the walk, a guide is present to make sure everything is going well. But everyone hikes at their own pace , you won’t have to wait for people slower than you.

At the end of the journey, you will take the boat back to reach your bus and return to Chania in the evening. 

To book this trip by bus from Chania to the Samaria Gorge, just click on the button below:

This option of a bus trip to the Samaria Gorge is also available with a pick-up from hotels in Georgioupoulis.

Georgioupoulis is a small town located on the road between Chania and Rethymnon .

Book by clicking here:

If you want to go to the Samaria Gorge by bus, you can also take the trip from Rethymnon. 

It operates on the same principle, with a round-trip pick-up and drop-off at your hotel and the a guide who hikes with the slowest walkers.

Click on the green button below to book your round-trip in a bus to Samaria:

Finally, the last option to go to the Samaria Gorge by bus is the day trip  from Heraklion .

But, beware, it’ll be a really long day since the time taken to reach Xyloskalo is very long. The departure time is very early, around 6 am.

Book your Heraklion-Samaria Gorge bus trip by clicking on the button:

You can go to the Samaria Gorge by boat but you will need a car or take the bus to reach the boat boarding point.

Boats depart to Samaria from 2 towns: Sougia (West of the Gorge) and Hora Sfakion (East).

There are only 1 or 2 departures in the morning so you really must check the schedules beforehand on the official website of the ferry company: Anendik . You can also book your tickets online directly to make sure you get a spot.

The boat will drop you off at Agia Roumeli , at the end of the hike, meaning that you will have to take the path in the other direction than most walkers.

You can then go up the Gorge for 5 kilometres to reach the most spectacular passage of the Iron Gates. You can decide if you want to continue a bit or you want to turn around.

You will probably have to wait for a long time in Agia Roumeli since the ferry to Sougia or Hora Sfakion leaves only around 5.30pm. 

If you’re sure you can’t take the standard path from Xyloskalo and still want to see the bottom of the Gorge, this option is considered the easy version of the hike in the Samaria Gorge.

But don’t expect it to be a brisk walk, and bring good shoes.

Tips and practical information for your hike in the Samaria Gorge

I’ll now give you all the practical information to visit the Samaria Gorge and my advice to tackle the longest hike in Crete during your stay there!

You can view the hiking map for the Samaria Gorge with all the points of interest to see on the path and the distance by clicking on the image below:

Samaria Gorge Park is open every day from 1st May to 15th October .

Timings: from 6am to 4pm.

It is closed for the rest of the year , so you won’t be able to visit the Samaria Gorge in winter and early spring.

If you have decided to go to Samaria by car, remember to check the day before your hike whether the park will be open, on the official website.

In case of rain, bad weather or if safety conditions are not met (risk of fire), the Gorge will be closed.

If you have taken a bus trip, the organiser will call you to cancel or postpone the trip. You will of course be reimbursed if the trip is cancelled.

Start of the hike in the Samaria Gorge: Xyloskalo, altitude of 1,230 metres.

Entrance fee for the Samaria National Park: € 5 per person. Pay at the shack before the trail starts.

Don’t lose your ticket because you will be asked for it at the end of the hike in the Gorge, when they tally tickets to ensure that no one is left behind. Camping is prohibited in the Gorge.

Total walking distance: 16 km.

Arrival at the Samaria Gorge hike: Agia Roumeli, seaside resort

Here’s how the route can be broken down:

• 4 km downhill with a great altitude difference at the very beginning of the trail – The path descends through the forest, this part is therefore shaded.
• Several rest areas all along the way, with drinking water, benches and toilets
• Km 7: Old Samaria village with main rest area. Ideal for a lunch break.
• From there, you arrive at the bottom of the Gorge – essentially a flat route through the huge rocks but without any cover from the sun. There are several spots where you must be aware of falling rocks.
• Km 11: the most famous place in the Samaria Gorge hike, called “The Iron Gates”. The Gorge is at its narrowest here, just 3.50 metres separate the walls that are more than 300 metres tall.
• Km 13: end of the trail in the Gorge (but not the hike). There are 2 bars/taverns where you can eat and drink.
• Km 14: If you don’t want to walk the 2 km to the village of Agia Roumeli, you can take a minibus. The journey costs € 2, and takes just 5 minutes.
• Km 16: Arrival at Agia Roumeli. 

Hiking time in the Samaria Gorge: on average, the walk takes between 5 and 7 hours.

With a few mini rest breaks and a lot of photo breaks, it took us 5 hours and 20 minutes to reach km 14.

You have to decide whether to take the shuttle bus or keep a little extra time to finish the 2 km walk.

The route is marked, the path well laid-out, you don’t need a map and you won’t risk getting lost.

Along the trail, you will come across national park guards on horses. They are there to respond to falls, accidents or illness.

Organising the return after hiking in Samaria National Park

Once you reach Agia Roumeli , you are wondering how to get back to Xyloskalo, where you left your car or where the bus dropped you off that morning.

Rest assured, you won’t have to hike back! 😅

To reach Xyloskalo from Agia Roumeli, you will have to take the boat and then the bus.

Starting from Agia Roumeli , you can take the boat back to Sougia (on one side) and Hora Sfakion* on the other.

* There’s no point in choosing Hora Sfakion, except if you have already arrived by boat from there in the morning, so I won’t dwell on it – (Also read “Reaching the Samaria Gorge by boat”).

There are 2 boats that make the Agia Roumeli – Sougia trip:

• The Anendyk ferry company, whose boat leaves at 5: 30pm. You can book your ticket online by clicking here or buy it directly at Agia Roumeli.
• Another boat leaves at 5pm. The ticket is sold at the inn at the Xyloskalo car park. Be careful as this boat leaves from the very end of the village, so you have to walk about 10 minutes to get there. Keep this in mind so you won’t miss it!

The ticket costs around €11 and the journey takes between 45 minutes and 1 hour. 

You must sit on the right side of the boat to enjoy the scenery along the coast.

Beware, if you miss the boat, you will have to spend the night in Agia Roumeli. Calculate the starting time of your hike so you have enough time to cover 16 km and be on time for the boat.

Once in Sougia , you will still have to take the bus to Xyloskalo or Chania.

Buses always wait for the boat to arrive before they leave, they don’t really have any schedules.

The same bus goes to both places: It stops just before the car park so that people who have arrived by car can retrieve it, and then leaves for Chania:

• Travel time between Sougia – Xyloskalo: 1 hour.
• Travel time between Xyloskalo – Chania: 1 hour.

You can book your bus ticket in advance on the official KTEL website (click here) , or directly at the inn at the Xyloskalo car park or in Sougia. There are shacks at the point where you get off the boat.

For those who have chosen an organised trip with bus transport included , you don’t need to do anything. You will have an official bus for your group that will wait for you in Sougia.

You must book your bus ticket one or two days in advance, to make sure you get a seat.

I hiked at the Samaria Gorge in September and when I wanted to book my tickets online the night before, there were only 2 tickets available…

Make sure to print your ticket , there is no scannable QR code, the driver will require a paper ticket.

If there are no seats available on the bus, you will have to take a taxi to Xyloskalo . There are a few waiting at the point where you get off the boat, but they operate on a first come, first served basis, and the fare will vary…

This is the most important thing to have during your hike in Samaria: a good pair of shoes! It is forbidden to enter the national park in flip-flops or barefoot and avoid wearing Converse shoes or urban sneakers with smooth soles.

The best option is to wear hiking shoes.

The trail is full of large stones and it slips easily under your feet, especially downhill.

It’s actually the first four kilometres where most accidents occur , so be really careful. Especially since some steps have been smoothed by use , you can fall without warning.

Ask my friend about her leg after her small, improvised forward roll on the rocks: 15 days of magnificent bruises that ran the gamut of colours 😅(and she had hiking shoes, which certainly helped avoid a sprain!).

You should also take the following when visiting the Samaria Gorge:

• A bottle of water – You can fill it all along the way at the drinking water points, so you don’t need to overburden yourself at the start
• A snack or a light picnic
• A hat, cap, or head cover of any kind. At the bottom of the Gorge, the sun is harsh.
• Your bathing suit if you want to swim at Agia Roumeli beach while waiting for the boat.

What to are the things to do around the Samaria Gorge?

Here is my list of things to do around the Samaria Gorge.

At the end of your hike, you can take a little stroll in Agia Roumeli , waiting for the boat till 5 pm or 5.30 pm.

The village has a few taverns, hotels and small gift shops/grocery stores where you can get the famous “I survived to the Samaria Gorge” t-shirt.

Guests can also enjoy the beach and swim in the Libyan Sea. There’s nothing like soaking your feet (or taking a dip!) after walking for 16 km!

Near Samaria Gorge, if you like hiking, you must:

• Hike in the Imbros Gorge: a 8 km path starting from Imbros that slopes gently down to the bottom of the Gorge.
• Hike in the Agia Irini Gorge: a 7.5 km path that starts from the village of Agia Irini and takes you along the river.

These 2 hikes are a great alternative to Samaria as they are shorter and less taxing, and they are also open all year round .

During your holiday in West Crete, you have surely planned on visiting Chania. In any case , it’s the nearest major city from where you can go to the Samaria Gorge by car or bus.

You can take a stroll around the picturesque old town and discover the Old Venetian Port surrounded by the façades of the colourful Venetian houses.

The city also has a few interesting museums including the Crete Maritime Museum and the Archaeological Museum.

For your visit to Chania , you must read my article right here: What are the best things to do in Chania?

Where to stay when visiting the Samaria Gorge?

To go hiking in the Samaria Gorge, you have 3 main options to stay in Samaria.

If you have a car and don’t want to drive too far in the morning to reach the Samaria Gorge from Chania, you must book accommodation in the village of Omalos, which is located near Xyloskalo.

You can then reach the entrance of the Gorge to go hiking in the morning.

• Neos Omalos Hotel: Rustic but very clean and comfortable double room with mountain view from €55 per night, breakfast included. Strong points: authenticity of the hotel, home-cooked cuisine, hearty breakfast, free shuttle to the entrance of the Gorge.
• To Exari: Mountain-style double room with wooden furniture, a little basic, from €55 per night, breakfast included. Strong points: superb welcome, shuttle to the Gorge, excellent dinner.
• Omalos Village: the hotel has 3 stone buildings that can each accommodate up to 6 people, from €120 per night, including breakfast. Strong points: swimming pool, peaceful atmosphere, magnificent setting.

If you don’t feel like taking the boat back right after your hike (or if you’ve missed it! 😅 ), you can spend the night in Agia Roumeli .

There are several hotels and B&Bs that offer simple but clean rooms and for the most part with a splendid sea view.

  These are small family bed and breakfasts, run by adorable people. They serve excellent breakfast made of local products. Prices are around 40€ – 60€ per night.

Here is my list of the best places to stay in Agia Roumeli:

• Paralia Guest House
• Agia Roumeli Hotel
• Sweet Corner Masxali

If you opt for a day-trip to go to the Samaria gorge or if you have a vehicle, Chania is also a great place to stay to do Samaria hike and vist the whole of West Crete:

• Cocoon City Hostel: Youth hostel located in the heart of Chania. Dormitory bed from 18€, breakfast at 5€. Strong points: cleanliness, ambience, warm welcome.
• Kedrissos Hotel: Located 2 km from the historical centre of Chania. Comfortable and warm double room with balcony from 70€, breakfast included. Strong points: swimming pool, cleanliness, friendly staff, excellent breakfast
• Irida Hotel: Located 20 minutes on foot from the historical centre. Double room with balcony and sea view from 80€, breakfast included. Strong points: friendly staff, close to the beach, ideal location to explore Chania on foot.
• Royal Sun : Located between Chania and the Akrotiri peninsula. Modern and comfortable double room with balcony/terrace and sea/pool or garden view from 90€, breakfast included. Strong points: quiet, beautiful pool area with views over Chania, private parking, variety of breakfast options, shuttle to the city centre. It’s my favorite for its setting and excellent value for money! 
• Kydon The Heart City Hotel: Located close to the covered market. Spacious rooms with balcony and comfortable bedding from 130€, breakfast at 15€. Strong points: the location, the excellent breakfast, the warm welcome and the parking. This is my recommendation for an upscale stay in Chania!
• Chania Flair Deluxe Boutique Hotel: Located 10 minutes from the Old Venetian Port, this 5* hotel offers sumptuous rooms from 250€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: Spa and wellness area, excellent location, exceptional breakfast, valet service, private beach. This is my recommendation for a luxury stay in Chania!

I think anyone who is in good physical condition (no respiratory or cardiac problems) and who is used to walking a little can go hiking in the Samaria Gorge, provided they have a pair of suitable shoes!

It doesn’t matter if it takes you five or eight hours, the main thing is to go at your own pace. There is no point in rushing, as you will have to wait for the boats to leave from Agia Roumeli.

However, if you have problems with your ankle or knees, you shouldn’t go on this hike, because these joints will take a beating.

The hike is really worth it, because starting from the top of the Gorge, you can admire a superb panoramic view of the forest and the surrounding mountains .

Then, once you get to the bottom, the landscape changes completely and you will discover the huge rock walls that surround you.

The path is really well laid out, well maintained and the rest areas are very pleasant as they do not spoil the site at all. Note that the park is super clean, without any garbage or rubbish.

In short, it’s an unmissable hiking experience to have during your trip to Crete!

FAQ – I’ll answer your questions about the Samaria Gorge

The Samaria Gorge is located towards the Omalos plateau, in the White Mountains range, in the south-west of Crete.

It takes 1 hour by car from Chania to reach the entrance of Samaria National Park and the starting point of the hiking trail in Xyloskalo.

The Samaria Gorge is only open from May to Mid October.

In winter, the Gorge is closed due to the weather and the river bed, which swells up.

Samaria National Park may also be closed occasionally between May and October if the weather (fire risk, heavy rain) does not allow safe hiking.

You must check the day before your hike on the official Samaria website (click here).

The main difficulty lies in the length of the path (16 or 14 km if you take the shuttle for the last 2 km) and the fact that the path is full of stones. But if you have the correct shoes and like walking, you’ll complete the hike without any problems!

It takes between 5 and 7 hours to walk the 16 km in Samaria Gorge.

Bus trips to the Samaria Gorge can be booked clicking on the links below depending on your departure city:

• From Chania – Day in Samaria
• From Georgioupoulis
• From Rethymnon
• From Heraklion.  

So are you planning to hike in the Samaria Gorge during your stay in Crete?

Discover all my articles about Crete : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Crete are listed there.

• 27 Best things to do in Crete : All the best places to visit and activities
• Itinerary: 4-5 days in Crete – Itinerary to prepare a short stay in East or West Crete
• Itinerary: One week in Crete – The perfect itinerary to visit Western Crete
• Itinerary : 7 days in Crete – The best itinerary to visit East Crete in 1 week
• Itinerary: 10 days in Crete – How to visit Crete in 10 days
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Crete – The perfect itinerary for 14-15 days in Crete
• Road trip to Crete: The best itineraries for 5, 7, 10 and 15 days
• Chania : The 15 best places to discover
• Heraklion : TOP 13 places to visit
• Rethymnon: The 13 best things to do
• Balos Beach : All my best tips to visit Balos Lagoon!
• Elafonissi Beach : The definitive guide to discover Crete’s famous pink sand beach
• Palace of Knossos: The definitive guide to visit the most famous archaeological site of Crete
• Samaria Gorge : How to plan the best hike in Crete
• Where to stay in Crete? The guide to the best hotels, ordered by city and budget

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Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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Samaria Gorge

Samaria Gorge is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, which is one of the reasons why it was declared a National Park and a World Biosphere Reserve. The gorge has a unique and diverse ecosystem due to its location in a transitional zone between the Mediterranean and continental climate zones.

The area is characterized by steep cliffs, deep ravines, and river valleys, which provide a variety of habitats for plant and animal life. The Samaria Gorge is a remarkable hub of biodiversity, boasting a rich array of over 300 species and subspecies of flora and 900 species of fauna, a great number of which are unique to this particular region. This diverse ecosystem has given rise to 21 distinct types of habitat within the gorge.

The fauna present in the area include the Cretan wildcat (Felis silvestris cretensis), the Cretan badger (Arkalon), the Creten marten (Zourida), the Cretan weasel (Kaloyannou), the Blasius’ Horseshoe Bat (Rhinolophus blasii), and the much-loved Cretan wild goat (Capra aegagrus cretica), also known as the Kri Kri, Agrimi Goat, and Cretan Ibex.

Bird enthusiasts can delight in sightings of the Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), buzzard, and the elusive Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus), alongside many other smaller bird species. On the south coast of the National Park, the Mediterranean Monk Seal (Monachus monachus) can be found dwelling in the sea caves.

The most popular way to experience the Samaria Gorge is by booking an organized tour with a group bus. Pick-up and drop-off services are available from your hotel, with air-conditioned buses and an expert guide, to enhance your experience.

The tour fee includes transportation (bus fares and the ferry fare from Agia Roumeli to Sougia), entrance fees to the gorge and the cost of a professional guide, so you don't have to worry about any details.

For those who prefer to get to the Gorge by car, renting a car is easy. Renting a car provides the flexibility to make your own schedule for your visit to the gorge and a comfortable return with your family or friends.

There are several ways you can get to the gorge with a car, depending on the route you choose.

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Samaria Gorge

Samaria Gorge, nestled in the rugged terrain of Crete, stands as a testament to nature’s unparalleled beauty. It’s not just a gorge; it’s a journey that winds through history, mythology, and breathtaking landscapes. Carved by the forces of nature over millennia, this 16-kilometer-long ravine holds a special place in the hearts of adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike.

The journey through Samaria Gorge is a sensory feast. As you start from the Omalos plateau, the imposing walls of the gorge rise high above, creating a corridor of awe-inspiring rock formations. The scent of wild herbs and pine trees fills the air, while the symphony of birdsong accompanies your trek. The terrain fluctuates from narrow passages to wider expanses, and the trail leads you through a diversity of landscapes—from shaded forests of ancient cypresses and pines to sun-drenched cliffs.

One of the highlights of this trek is the “Iron Gates,” where the gorge narrows dramatically to just a few meters wide, with walls towering up to 300 meters. This natural wonder serves as a reminder of the Earth’s immense power and beauty. Descending further, the trail leads to the abandoned village of Samaria, a haunting yet captivating place frozen in time. Finally, the trek concludes at Agia Roumeli, where the gorge meets the Libyan Sea, offering a well-deserved respite and a chance to dip your toes into the refreshing waters.

Beyond its natural grandeur, Samaria Gorge holds historical significance. It’s said to be the path taken by Zeus as he was smuggled to safety by his mother, Rhea, to escape his father Cronus. The gorge’s mythical aura adds an extra layer of enchantment to an already spellbinding experience.

Samaria Gorge isn’t just a physical journey; it’s an emotional and transformative experience, leaving visitors with a profound appreciation for the wonders of nature and a sense of reverence for this ancient, storied land.

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Samaria Gorge Tour

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Samaria gorge

Samaria Gorge is one of the longest gorges in Europe with a length of approximately 16 kilometers. In 1962 Samaria Gorge has been declared a National Park and its beauty is a major attraction in the southwest of Crete for so many tourists from all over the world every year. During the hiking through the gorge, visitors have the chance to admire the lush vegetation and the rare kri-kri Cretan goat. At the end of the gorge there is a small village and harbor, named Agia Roumeli, where people can taste Cretan cousine in many typical Cretan restaurants sitting by the sea and admiring the landscape.

Samaria Gorge Tour program description: Departure from Chania will take place early in the morning (details about the departure time will be sent to each customer depending on their location). From Chania until Omalos is 1hour and 15 minutes driving. The entrance to the Samaria Gorge will be around 08:00 and approximately at 13:30 visitors will reach the village of Agia Roumeli, the end of the hike. There they have free time for a swim and lunch* if they wish. Around 17:15 the boat leaves and brings our guests to Sougia (one hour boat trip). At Sougia our buses are waiting for our guests to bring them back to Chania (around 20:00 is the return time to Chania). Everything will be explained by our guide who will take care of our clients and provide them the entrance tickets and boat tickets. Each one of our guests walks on their own pace and doesn't have to follow the guide. *Meals and drinks are NOT included. EXTRA CHARGES PAID ON BUS: GORGE ENTRANCE 5€ (children under 15 years old have free entrance) BOAT TICKET 10€ (children from 6 years old until 11 years old will pay HALF BOAT TICKET)

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The region of Chania has everything! It is enchanting, blessed by nature, constantly inhabited during 5.500 years and a timeless crossroad of East Mediterranean civilisations.

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