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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.

Book - Availability

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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The Unique Tour of Samaria Gorge

*choose between a shared or private option, why hike with us, value for money.

Either you book the shared or the private option the endless beauty of Samaria Gorge will surprise you without breaking your bank.

A unique experience

The breathtaking view Sfakia & the turquoise crystal waters of Lybian Sea proves that paradise exists… You just can’t miss this place!

You can't miss this place

A must-do of a visitor of Chania is the Samaria hiking tour. The unique beauty of the gorge and the spectacular sourounding nature cannot be described with words.

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Private tour overview, tour highlights.

• Visit the wild south Chania.
• Once in a life-time experience
• Discover the largest gorge in Europe
• Explore the fantastic nature inside the gorge
• Learn everything from a local mountain guide
• Swim at the beautiful beach of Agia Roumeli
• Learn about the plants, herbs and Cretan wildlife
• Experience a unique hike with beautiful surroundings
• Chauffeured private tour ensures a more relaxing and personal experience.

Description

The gorge of Samaria is the gem of the White Mountains! Hidden in the south part of the Chania district, it is the biggest gorge in Europe , covering an area of 18 kilometres in length . The nature park of Samaria was added to the World Network of Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO in 1981, with the aim to give prominence to and to protect valuable habitats for man and the rest of the biosphere.

The gorge of Samaria is counted among the top destinations of the Chania district, and a journey to Chania can never be considered complete unless you visit the gorge. You should therefore attempt a visit there, and its beauty will definitely not disappoint you.

The gorge’s path starts at Xyloskalo (Omalos plateau, 1.227 meters altitude), and after following the river bed, it ends up at the littoral village of Agia Roumeli. The trail of Samaria is the most visited trail in the country. It is perfectly equipped with signals and signs which eliminate the danger of getting lost, it is comfortable and very well cared for, mostly with stones and soil. It is not considered a challenging hike, vivid proof that hundreds of people cross it daily from the opening (in May) till the closing of its visiting season (in October ). It is an enjoyable hike, not a strenuous one, with many landscape alternations and a multifaceted environment. However, one should always keep in mind that though the trail as a whole is not tricky, one should be more careful during some parts of the trek.

Trip Itinerary:

Your escort will pick you up from your hotel’s lobby with one of our comfortable & luxury vans we drive to Omalos plateau. We can have a short stop for breakfast & coffee (optional) before you enter Samaria. Then we start hiking. Inside the gorge, you can walk on your pace-however, your escort follows in a close distance for safety reasons. The gorge ends up at the village of Agia Roumeli. There, you have free time to swim in Agia Roumeli or lunch (optional). At 17:30, the ferry will get you to Sougia or Sfakia (usually Sougia) & the driver will be waiting at the port to drop you off again at your hotel.

• Hotel pick up and drop off
• English speaking driver
• English speaking mountain guide
• Bottled water per person
• Gorge’s entrance fee
• Boat tickets
• All taxes, fees and handling charges
• Transport by air-conditioned minibus/minivan
• Private tour
• Gratuities (optional)

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR PICKUPS

In our small-group and group tours we are picking up our guests from selected meeting points in Chania area and accecible by our vehicles hotels. Please select your pick up point according to your hotel’s location and don’t hesitate to contact us for any further clarification

Shared tour overview

• Hike the largest gorge in Europe
• Learn about Crete’s flora & fauna
• 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

The gorge of Samaria is the gem of the White Mountains ! Hidden in the south part of the Chania district, it is the biggest gorge in Europe , covering an area of 18 kilometres in length . The nature park of Samaria was added to the World Network of Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO in 1981, with the aim to give prominence to and to protect valuable habitats for man and the rest of the biosphere. The gorge of Samaria is counted among the top destinations of the Chania district, and a journey to Chania can never be considered complete unless you visit the gorge. You should therefore attempt a visit there, and its beauty will definitely not disappoint you.

The gorge’s path starts at Xyloskalo (Omalos plateau, 1.227 meters altitude), and after following the river bed, it ends up at the littoral village of Agia Roumeli. The trail of Samaria is the most visited trail in the country. It is perfectly equipped with signals and signs which eliminate the danger of getting lost, it is comfortable and very well maintained , mostly with stones and soil. It is not considered a very difficult hike, vivid proof of which is the fact that hundreds of people cross it daily from the opening (in May) till the closing of its visiting season (in October) . It is a very pleasant hike, not a strenuous one, with many landscape alternations and a multifaceted environment. One should always keep in mind, however, that though the trail as a whole is not tricky, one should be more careful during some parts of the trek.

We pick you up from your hotel or a near location early in the morning, and we drive to Omalos plateau. The mountain guide who escorts the trip will collect the money for the entrance fee and the ferry fare on the bus, in order to give you your tickets later. After reaching Omalos, we have a short stop for breakfast & coffee (optional) before you enter Samaria. Then we start hiking . Inside the gorge, you can walk at your own pace. Our escort follows the group at the end, so if anyone needs any sort of help during the hike, he will be there. The gorge ends up at the village of Agia Roumeli. Our escort will have already stipulated a meeting point there to give you the ferry tickets. You have free time to swim in Agia Roumeli or have lunch (optional). At 17:30, the group gets the ferry to Sougia or Sfakia (usually Sougia). The bus will be waiting at the port to drop you off at your hotel or the location you have been picked up from.

• Air-conditioned bus transportation
• Entrance of the gorge (5€)
• Boat ticket (13€)

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Samaria Gorge Hiking Tour

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You have probably heard about the Samaria Gorge, since it is the most fascinating gorge in Greece and the longest in Europe. If you are relatively fit and love nature, you should definitely hike it. But even for the less athletic types, it is possible to admire it with less effort. You can enter the gorge from the southern entrance in the little village of Agia Roumeli. This is the well-known “lazy way” for visitors. Whatever you decide, it will be an experience you will never forget!

The gorge is in the southwest side of Crete in the regional unit of Chania. It was created by a small river running between the White Mountains (Lefká Óri) and Mt. Volakias. There are a number of other gorges in the White Mountains. While some say that the gorge is 18 km long, this distance refers to the distance between the settlement of Omalos on the northern side of the plateau and the village of Agia Roumeli. In fact, the gorge is 16 km long, starting at an altitude of 1,250 m at the northern entrance, and ending at the shores of the Libyan Sea in Agia Roumeli.

The walk-through Samaria National Park is 13 km long, but one has to walk another two kilometers to Agia Roumeli from the park exit, making the hike 15 km long. The most famous part of the gorge is the stretch known as the Gates (or, albeit incorrectly, as “Iron Gates”), where the sides of the gorge close in to a width of only four meters and soar up to a height of almost 300 meters (980 feet). The gorge became a national park in 1962, particularly as a refuge for the rare kri-kri (Cretan goat), which is largely restricted to the park and an island just off the shore of Agia Marina. There are several other endemic species in the gorge and surrounding area, as well as many other species of flowers and birds.

The village of Samariá lies just inside the gorge. 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, Óssia María. A must for visitors to Crete is to complete the walk down the gorge from the Omalos plateau to Agia Roumeli on the Libyan Sea, at which point tourists sail to the nearby village of Sougia or Chora Sfakion, where they can spend a night there or catch a coach back to Chania. The walk takes five to seven hours and can be strenuous, especially during the peak of summer.

Itinerary: Pick up at 7-8am from your accommodation (one of our comfortable cars/minivans or minibus will be there on the squeduled time). Arrival time at the entrance of the gorge at 8-9am. There you will enter to the gorge and start walking/hiking following the path. NOTE: If you think that you would like to be accompanied by a mountain guide, it is possible though not necessary as the trail is very well marked Total Duration of the walking/hiking in the gorge: approximately 5-7hours. Exit of the gorge: At the end of the route, you will have the opportunity to enjoy your swim in the beach of Ag. Roumeli and have lunch in one of the taverns if you wish, then you will take the ferry to Paleochora or Sfakia respectively and depending on the area of your stay. Our car will be waiting for you at the port of disembarkation for your safe and easy return to the accommodation. Overview of the tour:

Hiking tour of Samaria gorge

Inclusions: • Transfer from your accommodation to the entrance of the gorge on themountain of Omalos “Xiloskalo” • Car, driver, fuel and taxes • Free Wi-Fi in the car • Bottled water during the rides Exclusions: • Professional, local mountain guide • Tickets to the points of interest • Tickets for the ferry on the way back • Snacks, coffee, refreshments or meals during the tour

your accommodation or a meeting point

your accommodation

• Car and professional driver
• Pick up/Drop off
• Fuel & Botled water

Unless all below has been agreed…

• Professional mountain guide (can be provided upon request)
• tickets for points of interest (when required)
• tickets of ferries or sea taxies
• During the summer it is necessary to wear a hat and sunglasses. Comfortable shoes with socks (not sandals) are essential when crossing the path.
• It will be a good idea to apply sunscreen before entrance the path and have it along to do it again several times during the way to avoid skin burns.
• We will provide you cold water from the mini-bar of the car before your entrance in the gorge.
• Have some dry snacks with you for the way and some fruits and at least a bottle of water each one. Feel free to have a back-pack with thinks that you think you might need.
• Don’t forget your camera to get beautiful photos during the way!!!

TIP:  We also suggest you bring your swimsuit  as a dive in the crystal clear waters of Ag.Roumeli at the end of the hiking will be very refreshing for all of you!!!

Enjoy the Cretan nature!!!

GROUP MIN: 1 person

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Early in the morning we pick you up from your hotel or near your hotel and with our bus and our guide - mountain guide - we head for the plateau of Omalos.

Inside the bus, the attendant collects the money for the canyon entrance and the boat ticket (Ag. Roumeli - Sougia) so that he can give you the tickets later.Arriving in Omalos we stop at a traditional tavern giving you the opportunity to have your breakfast or coffee (pre-breakfast) before entering the gorge.

Then you pass the entrance of the gorge and start the hike. Inside the canyon you walk at your own pace. Our guide, for safety reasons enters an hour later than you so that he can follow you, if you need any assistance during the hike you will stop him and he will help you.

The gorge ends at the village of Agia Roumeli, there our guide will have designated a meeting point to give you the tickets for the boat that will take you out of Agia Roumeli. In Agia Roumeli you have free time to swim at the beach and have lunch (preferential) in one of the taverns of the village.17:30 you board the boat to Sougia or Sfakia (usually Sougia).

When you arrive at the port our bus will be waiting to take you back to your hotel. Our bus returns you back to where we picked you up.Your excursion is complete...have a good rest!!!

When you arrive at the port our bus will be waiting to take you back to your hotel. Our bus returns you back to where we picked you up. Your excursion is complete...have a good rest!!!

If you do not wish to cross the entire gorge, you can follow an easier program.

To begin with, follow the same programme as the rest of the group until Xyloskalo where you see the entrance to the gorge. Then you get back on the bus and continue to Sougia, from there you take the boat to Ag. Roumeli.

Arriving in Ag.Roumeli you can enter from the exit of the canyon and walk as far as you wish, for example to the trademark of the canyon up to the 'gates' which are at 2 km, paying of course the entrance fee of 5,00€.Otherwise you can stay in Agios Roumeli, swim and finally depart with the rest of the group on the same boat.

Arriving in Ag.Roumeli you can enter from the exit of the canyon and walk as far as you wish, for example to the trademark of the canyon up to the 'gates' which are at 2 km, paying of course the entrance fee of 5,00€. Otherwise you can stay in Agios Roumeli, swim and finally depart with the rest of the group on the same boat.

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How to hike Crete’s Samaria Gorge…and end up on a beach

Oct 25, 2023 • 5 min read

Zigzagging on small wooden bridges over a clear stream is one of the most enjoyable stretches of the Samaria Gorge hike © Paul Biris / Getty

Here’s how to plan a vigorous 10-mile hike in Crete that leads to a spectacular beach.

What springs to mind when you think of Greece ? Beaches? Blue-and-white villages? I bet hiking doesn’t make it anywhere near the top of the list.

Yet Crete , Greece’s largest island, absolutely challenges that. It has some of the best hiking trails in the country, including Samaria Gorge . To many people’s surprise, this beautiful gorge is the second-largest in Europe. A part of Crete’s White Mountains, the gorge and its surroundings once served as a lifeline for Crete, supplying much of the island’s fresh water.

The gorge hike is ideal for those who want a challenge and a glimpse into history – with a cherry on top. At the heart of the gorge is the deserted village of Samaria, first inhabited in the 1300s. Given how hard it is to access, it served as a strategic safe haven through conflicts and wars. Yet it’s what at the end of the hike provides the ultimate motivator.

The point-to-point hike starts at a 1200m (3937ft) altitude in the mountain town of Omalos, continuing right down to sea level at the black-sand beach of Agia Roumeli on Crete’s southern shore. In the summer, the Mediterranean beckons for a celebratory post-hike swim.

The 16km (10-mile) hike takes about six to seven hours to complete. My strong suggestion is doing some planning to continue your journey from Agia Roumeli and stay on one of the southern coast’s beach towns. My top pick is Loutro, a cove that’s petite and inimitably picturesque. Loutro is home to some of the clearest waters I’ve ever soaked in – which means a lot coming from a beach snob like me.  

Step 1: Pack light, which means storing any excess luggage

See if your hotel can hold onto what you don’t need.

Whether you’re continuing to Loutro or just doing the hike, packing light is the way to go. A large portion of the hike is downhill – and the more weight you have on your back, the more challenging it will be. Packing lighter could reduce your chances of stumbling or falling.

This means finding a place to store your remaining luggage. In my opinion, the best option is to visit the city of Hania before the hike and ask your accommodation to safely store your luggage while you spend some time away. Hania, by the way, has great appeal, including its dining scene and remaining mix of Roman, Byzantine , Ottoman and Venetian architecture.

On the practical side, Hania is a transport hub, making it a great setting-off point for the gorge. After your hike and beachside getaway, you can loop back to Hania to retrieve your luggage – and continue onward.

Step 2: Plan how to get to Omalos, the starting point of the hike

Whether you take public transit or a guided tour, be sure to set out early.

There are a few ways to get to Omalos, the most affordable option being the public bus. In the warmer months, regular public buses depart from Hania for the hour-long ride. It’s best to catch an early-morning bus, to afford enough time for the hike and a swim at Agia Roumeli before heading to your next destination.

If you want to leave the planning to others, travel companies also run guided tours of the gorge, including bus transfers. If you don’t need a ride back to your origin and want to continue onward to Loutro, be sure to let your guide know.

Step 3: Lace up your hiking boots

Take care on the gorge’s steep and narrow stretches.

The start of the hike involves a steep descent, which you’ll need to approach with caution. 

When much of this is over, you’ll pass an ancient church and the old township of Samaria. You’ll note that the gorge’s tough, rugged terrain is softened by the presence of baby-pink oleander flowers. 

The path narrows to the “gates of Samaria,” where the gorge’s walls soar to about 300m (984ft). Small wooden bridges zigzag to guide hikers over an impossibly clear stream. Crossing these is perhaps the most fun part of the hike.

Step 4: Book a ferry to Loutro ahead of time

You won’t want to miss this car-free charmer.

The ferries at the gorge’s end at Agia Roumeli will whisk hikers to several neighboring beach towns, including Loutro. If you want to visit Loutro, it’s best to book your ferry ticket and accommodation in advance to ensure you don’t miss out. Especially in the summer.

Part of what makes Loutro exceptional is that there are no cars; it’s only accessible via ferry or foot from the neighboring town of Hora Sfakion. Even if cars weren’t banned, it would be geographically impossible for them to reach Loutro, since the village is perched on the sea, protected by a dramatic 600m(1970ft)-high cliff face, with no roads in our out. I’d recommend staying at least two nights here to enjoy swims, fresh-caught fish and the chance to unwind. 

Step 5: Get your return tickets in order

Head back inland by bus.

From Loutro, you can catch a ferry to the adjacent town of Hora Sfakion, which has buses traveling to Hania through the White Mountains that Samaria Gorge runs through. 

If I could do it all again… 

I might do it in reverse – though not the full length (that steep section would be intense, with people coming down!). Instead, I’d walk a shorter loop trail – starting at Agia Roumeli and heading in via the “end” of the gorge for a different, calmer experience.

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Samaria Gorge National Park

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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.

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• Departure : 04:40
• Return : 18:00

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Samaria Gorge Tour

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Available languages, weekly schedule, this tour is available only from the following areas:, description.

Samaria Gorge Tour. Starting our journey early in the morning, we drive to the west, towards Rethymno. Here we will have our first stop for a quick coffee, before moving on to Omalos Plateau. Omalos is the village next to the entrance of the National Park of Samaria.

Our descent into the national park begins from Xyloskalo and comes to an end at the village of Agia Roumeli.

The gorge of Samaria is the longest in Europe, some 18 km and varies from 2 to 40 meters wide, with a depth of 250 to 600 meters. Walking through this magnificent gorge usually takes 6 to 7 hours. It is an area of stunning natural beauty with ever changing views and wonderful rare species of flora and fauna.

The stony path along the way follows the route of the ancient river Taras. You will go through waters  and forests of ancient cypresses and pines. Midway you come to the ancient village of Osia (Santa) Maria with the stone huts. You then 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 narrow passage of Sideroportes (Iron doors), 300 meters high but only a few meters wide.

Once through the Iron Gates, you are out of the National Park, and after a while you end up in the small fishing village of Agia Roumeli. Here you can enjoy a meal in one of the local taverns or a 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.

Samaria Gorge Tour Highlights:

Comfortable bus drive along the scenic route of the northwest coast of Crete Island. See Omalos Plateau located on the top of White Mountain. Feel the grandeur of Cretan Nature walking through the Samaria gorge. Taste the fresh cold water from the numerous springs along with Samaria gorge. Discover the ancient village of Samaria (Osia Maria). Admire the beautiful small churches of Agios Nikolaos and Afendis Christos. Reach the passage of Sideroportes, “Iron Doors”, the narrow passage of Samaria for unforgettable photos. Enjoy a meal at the village of Agia Roumeli at the end of the gorge. Swim and sunbathe in the crystal clear waters of the Libyan sea. Board the boat from Agia Roumeli, relax on board, and enjoy the view of the shoreline of southwest Crete. Complete the day, by visiting the picturesque village Of Chora Sfakion, with its wonderful port.

Hiking Tour to Samaria Gorge Itinerary:

05:00 – 06:00 am:

• Bus Departure for Samaria Gorge

Stop at Skaleta:

• A brief stop at Skaleta, a charming village near Rethymno.

Pass Omalos Plateau.

Stop at Xyloskalo – Start Point:

• The entrance of Samaria Gorge.

Stop at Agia Roumeli:

• Arrive at the small fishing village of Agia Roumeli. Boat trip from there to Chora Sfakion. Time to rest, swim and eat.

Pass by Chora Sfakion:

• At Chora Sfakion we board our buses for the return journey.

22:00 – 23:00: Return Time

Important Information:

Our Samaria gorge tour guide will accompany you inside and stay with you throughout the journey. The guide will ensure everyone’s safety and make sure they have everything they need to complete the hike. He will always be the last to exit the gorge and he is responsible for all participants. In case of an emergency, the guide has direct contact with the local authorities.

Springs along the way minimize the need to carry much water. The park provides toilets in several locations, along with numerous rubbish bins. Despite the high volume of daily visitors, litter is surprisingly minimal. Additionally, visitors receive a set of rules for the protection of the Samaria park. Those rules ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

The local authorities at Samaria are very careful about weather conditions. If the weather is bad, they close the gorge to visitors to ensure their safety.

Must Bring:

Walking shoes with rubber soles for a good grip.

Also pack a swimming suit, a towel, a hat, sunglasses, and a sun cream.

Bring an extra pair of socks and a big bottle of water.

Samaria Tour Pricing:

We are very careful with our pricing. What you read is what you get. The Samaria Gorge Hike Tour price is €39 for an adult, and €19.5 for a child.

Not Suitable:

The Samaria hiking tour is not for everyone. Please consult your doctor if you have heart, breathing, or moving problems.

Schedule - Days and Languages

Days and languages:.

Monday: English, French, German, Dutch

Thursday: English, French, German, Dutch

The Samaria Hike Tour Includes:

✅ Hotel pick up and drop off. Transportation by modern buses.

✅ Professional tour guide (live).

✅ Insurance cover.

✅ Easy cancellation (Cancel up to 24 hours prior to departure time and receive a full refund).

❌ Entrance Tickets to Samaria Gorge. 5€ per adult Entrance. FREE for children under 15 years old and EU citizens above the age of 65.

❌ Boat Ticket from Agia Roumeli to Chora Sfakion  cost 13€ per adult and  6.5€  for children under 12 years old.

❌ All meals and drinks.

Cancellation Policy:

• Full refund if cancelled 24 hours before start time.
• Weather-dependent; if cancelled due to bad weather, choose a new date or get a full refund.

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Samaria Gorge: One of the Best Walking Trails in Crete (Updated 2024)

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Table of Contents

The Samaria Gorge was geologically formed more than 2 million years ago when, under the influence of tectonic processes, the island of Crete acquired its shape. Since ancient times, people have lived in the gorge; it also served as a refuge from the Turkish yoke, German occupation, and civil war. In 1962, the Samaria Gorge received national park status; all Samaria village residents were resettled and opened to visitors.

“Those who have not visited the Omalos plateau and have not passed through the Samaria gorge do not know the Crete” , say the locals.

The Samaria Gorge National Park attracts trekkers and nature lovers from all around the world, for many, it is the main destination of their trip to Crete. The Samaria Gorge is considered to be one of the best walking trails in Crete.

The Samaria Gorge Hike In A Nutshell

Samaria gorge opening dates 2024.

Samaria Gorge National Park is open every day from 1st May until 31st October from 7:00 to 16:00 . The gorge may be closed due to weather conditions (rain, strong wind).

You can find up-to-date information on the official website .

The best time of the year for the hike

The best time to visit the Samaria Gorge is in May and the second half of September-October . Spring is the best time to arrive, the wildflowers are in bloom and temperatures are cooler than in the midsummer months. In July-August, it is boiling hot and very crowded.

Samaria Gorge entrance fee

To enter the Gorge of Samaria there is an entrance fee that costs five (5) euros. Children under 15 years old have a free pass. The entrance fee is the same regardless you wish to enter the Gorge only for a few kilometres or for the entire route.

Note : It is important to keep your ticket to be checked at the exit. This is done for the safety of the visitors since the Park rangers will know how many people have entered and exited the Gorge.

How difficult is the Samaria Gorge hike?

It’s mostly downhill, and it will put your knees to the test. The hardest part is at the beginning of the walk, on the first 6 km of the trail, with a couple of steep descents followed by two challenging hikes. Nothing is impossible, but take your time and remember that after 6 km, everything becomes easy and simple. Once you get to the bottom of the gorge, the trail is flat and very pleasant.

How long is Samaria Gorge?

The length of the Samaria Gorge is about 16 km, of which 13 km passes through the National Park and the last 3 km from the exit of the park to the village of Agia Roumeli.

The Samaria gorge hike starts at an altitude of about 1250m at the northern entrance in Xyloskalo (which means “wooden staircase”) and takes you all the way down to the shores of the Libyan Sea in Agia Roumeli.

The width of the Samaria Gorge

The width of the Samaria Gorge varies from several meters to hundreds or more. Perhaps, the most impressive section of the canyon, so-called the “Gate” or the “Iron Gate”, is located 1.3 km from the southern exit, where the cliffs converge at a distance of only 4 meters and rise to a height of 500 meters. It is hard to describe this place in words, if there is such an opportunity, it is better to see all this beauty with your own eyes. By the way, it is clear that there are no gates here! It’s just that from some angles, an illusion is created, as if the rocks, in some places with a rusty hue, will close and block the path.

How long does it take to hike the Samaria Gorge?

For most people, it will take between 4 to 7 hours to walk the gorge of Samaria. This depends on your walking speed and the number of stops you will do.

The most exciting and spectacular places of the Samaria gorge hike are in the second part of the walk, closer to Agia Roumeli. Suppose you just want to take a leisurely stroll. In that case, you should start the hike from Agia Roumeli and walk back to The Gates, the Saint George Church and the Samaria Village. After you are tired, you can return to the beach.

The Weather in Samaria Gorge right now

The weather in samaria throughout the year, winter months (december, january, february).

During the cosy winter months, Samaria Gorge experiences cooler temperatures, ranging from 13°C in January to 14°C in February. This is also the season when you’ll find the highest precipitation levels, with January being the wettest month at 79mm, followed by February’s 85mm.

💡 Please note the Samaria Gorge is closed during the winter time.

Spring months (March, April, May)

As the blooming flowers herald the arrival of spring, temperatures in Samaria Gorge begin to rise, starting at 16°C in March and peaking at a lovely 23°C in May. The rainfall lessens, with March receiving 40mm, which further dwindles down to 21mm in April and 20mm in May.

During March and April, the gorge is still closed but it is usually opening on the 1st of May, which is a great time to explore the gorge, with pleasant weather and avoid the summer crowds.

Summer months (June, July, August)

Summer is the time when Samaria Gorge becomes a sun-drenched paradise, boasting the warmest temperatures of the year. In June, you’ll experience a delightful 26°C, while July and August offer the peak warmth at 29°C and 28°C, respectively. Fortunately, the summer months are also the driest, with rainfall hitting its lowest from 3mm (July) to 15mm (June). Be sure to pack sunscreen and stay hydrated during your visit!

Autumn months (September, October, November)

As autumn leaves begin to fall, Samaria Gorge experiences a gradual decline in temperature. September remains warm at 26°C, followed by October’s 22°C, and finally settling at a cooler 18°C in November. Rainfall increases during these months, ranging from 26mm in September to 50mm in October, so remember to bring a light rain jacket.

💡 Please note the Samaria Gorge is closing its doors to visitors after the 31st of October for the winter season.

Flora and fauna of the Samaria Gorge

The gorge of Samaria contains a wide variety of trees, shrubs, flowers and other plants, some of which are unique to the area. The vegetation consists mainly of tall Cypresses, many of them many centuries old, Kermes oaks and Cretan maples in the upper reaches of the gorge. The best-known animal connected with the gorge of Samaria is the wild goat. The Cretan wild goat (Capra aegagrus creticus), also called kri-kri or agrimi, is chestnut brown in colour, with a darker brown stripe running from its neck along the spine down to its tail.

Samaria Gorge Trail Map

How do you get to Samaria Gorge?

Get to samaria gorge on an organized tour.

The easiest way to get to the gorge is to sign up for an organized tour from Chania or Rethymno to Samaria Gorge. This way, all the logistics will be taken care of, and you can just come and enjoy the hike.

A Samaria Gorge tour bus will pick you up from the hotel. On the way to Xyloskalo, the guide gives instructions on safety precautions and a detailed action plan. The guide will coordinate the group throughout the trip (you do not need to walk with the tour group), find out about your state of health, and share interesting facts about the gorge. In Agia Roumeli, you will be provided with a ticket for the ferry to Chora Sfakia (one hour), where the bus will meet you for the hour-and-a-half return to Chania. Everything is extremely simple; all you have to do is listen to the guide, comply with safety precautions and have fun.

From Chania to Samaria Gorge by bus or by car

From chania to samaria gorge by bus:.

Looking for a convenient way to reach Samaria Gorge? Consider utilizing public transport. Here’s a simple guide for you:

🚌 Tickets : Head to the Chania bus station where you can purchase both your bus and ferry tickets.

🚌 Bus Schedule : Buses depart from Chania to Xyloskalo or Omalos (the entrance of Samaria Gorge) at:

💡 Tip : Always check the official page for any time changes.

⛴ Ferry Information : After completing your trek through Samaria Gorge, head to Agia Roumeli . From there, you’ll board a ferry to either Chora Sfakion or Sougia . This is based on the ticket you received at the bus station. Typically, you’ll be directed to Chora Sfakion , as the road from there to Chania is in better condition. Expect the ferry to depart at 17:30.

🚌 Return Trip : Upon arriving in Chora Sfakion , a bus will be waiting to transport you back to Chania . And, there’s no need to stress about ferry delays – the bus ensures it won’t depart until the ferry has arrived.

From Chania to Samaria Gorge by car:

If you are considering making the trip by car, the best option is to allocate two days for the journey. After all, we enter the gorge in one place and leave in a completely different one.

Option 1 : You can arrive a day earlier and spend the night in the village of Omalos overlooking the White Mountains. Parking in front of the entrance to the national park is free.

Return road: first, take the ferry Agia Roumeli-Sougia, then the bus Sougia-Chania, which goes through the plateau Omalos. Alternatively, you can take a taxi back to your car from Sougia (about 40 minutes drive). But you must pre-book a taxi as there are only two taxis that operate from Sougia .

Option 2: Arrive early in the morning at the mountain village of Omalos, park your car at the national park entrance (for free), and start the hike. Once you get to the seaside village of Agia Roumeli, book a room at one of the Hotels (better to do it in advance) and enjoy the rest of the day by the Libyan Sea beach. The next day, if you feel that you have a lot of power and your whole body is not sore from the last day, you can hike the Gorge again, but this time uphill, which will definitely be a challenge. Alternatively, just explore the surroundings before taking the ferry to Sougia , then the bus Sougia-Chania , which goes through the plateau Omalos, where you left your car parked.

How to get to Samaria Gorge from Heraklion

One of the easiest ways to get from Heraklion to Samaria Gorge is to get a full-day excursion to Samaria Gorge which begins with a pickup in Heraklion and a drive to Omalos, in the heart of the White Mountains, where you can enjoy breakfast before you begin your hike. The trek will take you over rocks and stones, through a forest of thousand-year-old trees and along a river by fresh-water springs. Along the way, you’ll have spectacular views of Crete’s most beautiful mountain range, and you are also likely to see mountain goats roaming in the wild. You will be accompanied by a professional mountain escort who speaks English, German and Greek.

Useful Tips when Visiting Samaria Gorge

• Bring a selection of fruits, vegetables or light snacks that will keep you energized during the hike.
• Ensure to carry a refillable water bottle in your backpack. You will have opportunities to fill it at each rest point.
• Plan your time according to your walking pace. Leisurely walking, with photo stops and rest, will take approximately 5 hours. A brisk pace will shorten the time to around 4 hours, while a relaxed pace with a meal stop at Samaria village could extend the journey to 6 hours.
• Dress appropriately for the conditions. A white T-shirt, a hat, and sunblock are essential as there is minimal tree cover after passing Samaria village.
• Wear soft sneakers with notched soles for a good grip on steep trails. Don’t forget to pair them with thick athletic socks for comfort and protection.
• If you plan on enjoying a swim at Agia Roumeli beach after the hike, remember to bring a beach towel, slippers, and swimwear.

Beaches near Samaria Gorge

Agia Roumeli is a small secluded village, located 56km south of Chania city, on a wide bay shaped at the exit of the Samaria Gorge. The beaches of Agia Roumeli’s wider area are magnificent, spanning a length of 3km or more. The closer you are to the village, the more crowded and organized it is. The beach in front of the taverns, west of the harbour, called Gialos, is the most organized and provides a lot of amenities (restaurants, showers, umbrellas, pedal boats, etc.). This pebbly beach is the most crowded beach of all in the area.

Gialos is not the only beach in the area, is however the busiest. On the east side of the bay, beyond the river of Samaria Gorge, there are beautiful rock formations and cavities at position Zeromouri, which have beautiful pebbly beaches in front of them. Supposedly, the west end of the bay of Agia Roumeli is called Mashali and there is a second dock for boats and a lonely tavern with rooms. Next to this dock, there are two beautiful beaches with fine pebbles. Lastly, if you swim or kayak beyond the western edge of the beach, you will meet three caves, in front of which “XS size” pebbly beaches are formed! They are known as Spilies sto Marmaro (i.e. Caves in Marble).

Hiking Samaria Gorge Video, Crete, Greece

If you visit Crete and like hiking even a little bit, you must add Samaria Gorge to your travel itinerary. It is sure to highlight your world travels and is, without a doubt, an epic hike.

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Samaria Gorge (ex Chania)

from: € 40.00

Samaria excursion from Chania (Long Way Excursion): 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… The excursion operates every Tuesday, with pick-ups: East of Chania (starting Georgioupolis, Kalyves) and West Chania (Chania town, Kalamaki, Agia Marina, Platanias, Maleme, Tavronitis, Kolymbari). Our excursion includes: Pick-up service at or near your hotel & return, guided tours. Available Tour Languages are: English.

Accompanied service

1st stop : Samaria gorge. The impressive gorge, the longest in Europe will give you many beautiful views of the surrounding White mountains, the small river that runs through the gorge and the Cretan wild goats kri-kri. It's 17km long and takes around 5-hours to walk

2nd stop : Agia Roumeli, at the exit of the gorge by the Libyan sea. A beautiful isolated village lying between the huge rocks of Samaria gorge and the Libyan sea. There will be enough time for participants to enjoy a relaxing and refreshing swim in the Libyan sea and lunch at one of the local small tavernas. From Agia Roumeli the boat departs to the village Chora Sfakion

3rd stop : Arrival at Chora Sfakion, after a 1hour boat trip, embarkation onto the buses and return to the resorts

Special offer

Description, additional information, samaria excursion from chania (the long way)  .

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

Samaria excursion from Chania (Long Way Excursion): 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 at its end...

Pick-up's from : Kolymbari, Minothiana, Rapaniana, Kamisiana, Tavronitis, Maleme, Kontomari, Gerani (Chania), Platanias (Chania), Agia Marina, Kato Stalos, Kalamaki, Glaros, Kato Daratso, Agioi Apostoloi, Chrissi Akti, Makris Tichos, Kladisos, Chania town, Kalives, Georgioupolis, Kavros. [ 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 Tuesday

Languages : English: All days

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 12€ (adult), 6.80€ (Children 4-8 yrs old / Free chd 0-3 yrs.), Gorge entrance: 5€ (Free entrance children 0-14 yrs old)

Tour highlights: Xyloskalo, Samaria Gorge, Agia Roumeli (optional lunch or swimming at the Libyan sea), Boat trip, Sfakia

Direction: Southwestern Crete

Duration: 13-14 hours approximately - 110 km. (depending on where you get on - this estimate is from Chania town)

Overview: The great walking adventure on Crete; join in for the famous Samaria gorge!

Samaria Gorge has proclaimed a National Park in 1962 and it hides a wealth of natural beauty. We offer an early pick up in the morning as to be one of the first groups to arrive. You will start at an altitude of 1200 m. and descend until sea level. This 17 km long walk through the beautiful landscape is tough but unforgettable and covers an average walking time of 5 to 6 hours.

At the end of the walk in the village of Agia Roumeli on the south coast, you have the opportunity for a refreshing swim in the Libyan Sea or to enjoy a meal at one of the local taverns. The group will meet again to continue by boat from Agia Roumeli to Chora Sfakion, from where our bus will return you to your hotel...

Accents: - Boat departure from Agia Roumeli at around 17.30 hrs. "indication" - Bring along: comfortable clothing, a cap, a (salty) snack, a bottle of water, swimwear + sunblock. - Walkers should be in good shape without health problems and wear appropriate walking shoes!

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 11 years old  (Full fare) Children: 3-11 years old  (Children's fare) 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 ► For Bookings less 24hrs : All seats are on request 24hrs prior to the date of the excursion, so, please contact us, in order, to help you book your excursion.

PRICING This excursion includes in its price: Your transfer r/t from your hotel, escort tour. The Adult Fare is applied to passengers of any age above 11 years old. The Child Fare applies to children between 3 and 11 years old 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:

*: Available only when 2 or more people from the pick-up point

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!

We LOVE to answer questions...

You don't need to do any further action! Discount will be calculated automatically, as you book...

Paleochora Discover

• Paleochora, 73001, Chania, Crete.

Phone: +30 28230 43306

Mobile: +30 693 0108037

WhatsApp: +30 693 0108037

Email: [email protected]

• TripAdvisor

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 48 hours before the start date of the experience.

Reservation Request

Booking us to organize together the practical aspects of your excursion.

Fields marked with * are required.

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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• 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

Gramvousa – Balos

How to Visit Samaria Gorge on Your Own—A Complete Guide

When I travel somewhere, I like to visit the most popular places. And that’s for two particular reasons. The first one is that I want to know if the place is worth seeing for real or if the people just overhype it—so I can criticize them. The second reason is that they mostly don’t. 

Usually, there is a pretty good reason why the place is so popular . And that’s what I need to see it with my own eyes. And Samaria Gorge is exactly the case.  

This place is probably one of the most famous in Crete and I can’t argue with that. It's just so goddamn stunning compared to other popular places on the island—except Zakros and Balos , those are also high in my rankings. Samaria is 11/10, I mean the level of Yosemite or Zion National Park and that's a strong comparison! 

So, if you are already convinced—as you should be right about now—keep reading and find out my tips what are the best ways to visit Samaria Gorge to enjoy its beauty to the fullest. 

You might also be interested in reading:

• A Packed 7-Day Itinerary for Crete
• 11 Best Gorges for Hiking in Crete with Tips
• 10 Day Trips from Chania You Should Put on Your Bucket List!
• The Ultimate Guide to the 13 Best Beaches in Crete (+ map)

Can I visit Samaria Gorge on my own?

Samaria Gorge  

There is a straight and easy answer for this question. Yes, you can . The trip does not require much plan if you know your way around. And that's why I'm here for!  

After reading this article you will be the most ready you can be to endure this wonderful hike. And you know me, I won't drag you through some tourist trap bullshit on the way, that want you to buy local rocks or something worse. Nah, screw that.  

Stay tuned for the complete guide to Samaria Gorge hike ! 

Guide to Samaria Gorge: The basics

The best Samaria Gorge hiking guide  

So now it's time for me to guide you through the hike itself. In that case, you can visit Samaria Gorge—or sometimes also called Samaria Canyon—on your own and won't have to undergo the suffering of group guiding. You are welcome!  

Samaria Gorge hike is long but totally worth it. I rank it high, it’s probably one of the 10 best hikes I have ever trekked, and certainly THE top place to visit on Crete—if you want to know more about my other favorite places on the island , I dedicated the whole article to it. 

The hike is a one way, leads you for 14.5 km (9 miles) along the gorge in National Park and then another 3 km (1.2 miles) outside the park. Around 4th km the hike starts to descend a lot so get your knees ready for this adventure !   

The hike starts in Xyloskalo Omalos where the bus stop is and also a big parking lot . So, you can choose if you get to Samaria Gorge by car or bus... But you know me, I will always recommend travelling by car everywhere as I thoroughly explained to you a few paragraphs back.

Samaria Gorge hike  

If you want to avoid the crowds, get there in the morning , the hike is very popular and it shows! We got there around 10 am and it was already full of hyped tourists waiting to hit the road with their trekking poles. Before you enter you pay a €5 entrance fee which is basically nothing based on what you will experience.  

The first kilometer of the hike you get some spectacular views and I guarantee you'll just walk with your mouth wide open . 

Then you enter a forest for another 5 kilometers with no views. But don’t worry there you can enjoy more than 450 types of flora with 70 endemic species—that means they only occur there and you won't see them anywhere else in the wild the whole world! But unless you are botanist or plant enthusiast, it’s pretty boring. 

And then, breathtaking views of mountains covered in cypresses and pine trees. Oh my God just imagine the air scented by the trees. It simply drives away all your worries .  

Of course, only until the point you stumble across slow walkers on your way. Yeah, we get it, you're enjoying the views. But would it kill you to let faster people pass in front of you ? It surely can kill us when we try to pass around you. Please be responsible guys!  

The National Park ends 2 kilometers (1.4 miles) from the Agia Roumeli, where you can walk to like we did or take the bus.

Agia Roumeli black beach  

In Agia Roumeli there is a stunning black beach where you can dip your feet after this long hike. And that’s exactly what we did. You can't imagine how rewarding it is to relax at a nice clean beach after a bit more challenging hike! 

Have you ever heard about black beaches? It seems to be black thanks to the small dark grey puddles covering the ground. The beach stretches for 3 kilometers (1.1 miles) and is very spacious so you won't be drowning in an ocean of towels with sweaty, hairy tourists on them.  

If you don’t want to just lie around and have time until you have to head back, you can walk around a bit and enjoy nice views of the cliffs . Agia Roumeli is quite a small town but there are a few local taverns and bars that you can explore. 

My top tips for Samaria Gorge:  

• Go on your own: having your own car and beating at least some of the crowds is totally worth it
• If you can spare a night after you hike, stay at the coziest hotel in Crete in Loutr, The Authentic Village Boutique Hotel
• Don’t lose motivation during the 5 km of no views and just trees, once you’re out of the woods, you’ll be glad you did the Samaria Gorge hike! 

Getting there: 3 options

1. samaria gorge by car.

The Samaria Gorge hike views  

If you are not on this blog for the first time, you probably already know that this would be my preferred option . The comfort of having the possibility of planning your trips on your own terms is just irreplaceable. And a huge benefit is visiting Samaria George without a tour group. 

For me the most convenient way to travel is to rent a car —which is basically the easiest thing in Crete. You can do so straight at the airport or in every bigger city you will find a car rental with cars to rent for at least one day. 

If you decide to drive there by car, leave it in Xyloskalo . There is a parking lot for €5 per day which is fair, but it can get too crowded during the main season.  

As I already mentioned, you will get back by bus or you can take a taxi as we did. And I think we took the best possible way, but I will explain that to you in detail later. It is probably also the cheapest way if you are not a solo traveler. The rental is between €50 and €100 per day and the taxi or going with an organized tour would cost you more than that if there are at least two of you. 

Tip: If you also like to travel by car on your vacations, check my articles about road trip possibilities in Scotland or this one about driving in Peru . If you prefer someone else to do the work, Belgium is perfect for traveling by train .  

2. Samaria Gorge tour

The Samaria Gorge tour  

Another option to visit Samaria Gorge is with organized tours. The cost differs depending on the services you get.  

It starts at €35 with only driving you from your hotel and back not including the entrance fee and ferry ticket. The most expensive ones can be up to €100 and already contain even the ticket to Samaria Gorge and the boat ticket. Most of them offer a guided tour .  But if you were into that, you probably won't be reading this article. 

You can buy the tickets to organized tours online at Viator or basically in any tourist location in Crete. 

It pays off more if you are traveling solo as you buy a single ticket. But still,  imagine walking this 18 km (11.3 mile) long hike with a bunch of strangers with probably half of them never hiking before. Not for me, thank you! 

3. Samaria Gorge by bus

Samaria Gorge beach  

The last and for me the worst option of all—traveling by public transport . 

I mean, being packed like sardines in a full bus of all sweaty—and smelly—people in the middle of summer in flaming hot Crete being driven by a crazy driver in all curvy and twisted roads . That's a perception of hell for me! 

Who would willingly suffer through that? Not me. And if you want to get some tips for this, find some hippie backpacker's blog for it. I'm not going to help you endure that madness! 

But if you insist on going by public bus, there is a bus stop in Omalos —not far from Xyloskalo—where you can drive from Chania. Cretan public bus company is called KTEL and its buses are not the worst I've seen so far. Anyways, still at your own risk! 

Ferry from Agia Roumeli to Sougia 

From Agia Roumeli we took a ferry to Sougia which leaves around 6 pm and you shouldn't forget to book your tickets in advance, it can be filled with people.  

Or if you want to risk it, you can buy them in the boat ticket office in the port. But if the ferry is full, hate to say I told you so—not really, you should already know my advice is worth following. 

There is another ferry that takes you to Loutro, but if you are not about to spend the night there, I wouldn’t recommend taking this one. It is further from Xyloskalo, so if you leave your car there, the journey back will be longer and more expensive .

Not sure if this is what I imagine behind the words “authentic village”, but The Authentic Village Boutique Hotel is surely a nice place to stay!  

Hotel tip : If you are not in a rush to head back, why not stay a night around Loutr? I happen to have a perfect tip for a place few kilometers away from the city. 

The Authentic Village Boutique Hotel is in a small village close to Loutr and for me, it was one of the coziest places we stayed in Crete . 

Big clean rooms with clean bathrooms and beds, not even talking about that terrace. You know I like my comfort and in The Authentic Village Boutique Hotel I was on cloud nine. 

They don't serve breakfast—which is a huge deal for me—but at least there is a bakery/café close to the hotel, which you get a coupon to buy the food yourselves. Not much, but I got over it eventually. 

Getting from Sougia to Xyloskalo

Chania  

From Sougia there’s a bus back to Xyloskalo, or you can take a taxi. 

You can also go with an organized tour from there. They drive you from Chania to the start of the hike and then from Sougia back to Chania. It can be convenient for solo travelers and it's not much money either but if you mind many tourists travelling along with you like I do, you will definitely prefer going on your own. And so do I, that's why we took a taxi . 

The taxi company in Sougia is called Meletis and will take you back to Xyloskalo. Our driver was very nice and spoke English and you would be surprised how rare is that in Crete. I'm not saying that nobody will understand you there unless you speak Greek but get ready to explain a bit more with your body language. 

The drive with taxi was smooth which can be a bit challenging in the mountains, but our driver was a pro! And for €50 it was a true bargain compared to other options considering the comfort. 

Anyways if we compare the costs if you drive by car, you pay €5 for parking, €5 for an entrance, €13 for the ferry and then the €50 taxi, if you are traveling with a buddy or beloved one, you pay less than traveling with the tour. So, it really pays off and it is way more comfortable.  

Tip : If you like hiking, you will love Scotland! See the best hikes in Scotland , and, since there are so many of them throughout the small country, I even have an article just about the hikes on the Isle of Skye .   

Hotel tips in Chania 

The base for the trip to Samaria Gorge we chose the city of Chania— learn more about the place in my other article —and it is probably the best decision you can make . 

Therefore, we stayed there a few nights and because it can be quite tricky to find a hote l in Crete and not an apartment. In general, the hotels can be more expensive than in the other parts of Crete, so here are the hotels we were happy about and didn’t cost us a fortune.

The interior of Mossa Well Being Hotel is so modern and nice!  

Hotel tip : The night before visiting Knossos we stayed in Mossa Well Being Hotel and we had a great time there! It surely lives up to its name. 

The staff was so friendly and gave us many useful tips about the city. Our room was very spacious and clean but oh my god the beds. I had the sleep of my life. Maybe it was also thanks to the high ceiling of the room, ergo it was full of fresh air. 

The breakfast was continental and à la carte style with many delicious options so I think even picky eaters can find something nice to start their day with there. Personally, I really enjoyed the breakfast options that Mossa offers.

We enjoyed our stay in modern Hyperion City Hotel & Spa with delicious breakfast  

Hyperion City Hotel & Spa offers a lot of facilities you can use during your stay such as an outdoor pool and a bar. Every room has a balcony and you can see that the hotel is not open for so long—everything is new, clean and in perfect shape. 

And let me tell you about breakfast guys— it was exceptional . It was buffet style and everything served was top-notch quality. Fresh fruit and pastries so delicious that I dare to say it was one of the best breakfast options any hotel offered to us. 

This post contains affiliate links. I earn a small commission if you make bookings through my links, at no additional cost to you. This helps keep this blog free, thank you!     

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Thoughts? Give us a shout!

Hi! I’m Jan. I live in Prague, Czech Republic. I try to experience the best the world has to offer, and I don’t cease to be impressed. But if I’m not, I’m sure going to tell you! You can count on my full honesty and real opinions here. No bullcrap. I own and run several companies, which gives me great (but not unlimited) freedom to roam the world.  

I was first inspired to start this blog by my own experience of researching for upcoming trips—I often struggle with a lack of good information, accuracy, and authenticity of resources. You wouldn’t believe how many “travel bloggers” don’t even visit the destinations they write about! 

My goal with this blog is to provide you with complex and practical information so that you can plan your own vacation, complete with insights you’d only get if you visited the place. I also put together itineraries that are fully planned out trip guides.

Another aspect that drives this platform is my curiosity about the history, geography, politics, and economy of each country I visit, so I try to include this information in my articles, too. It’s always great to get the bigger picture, right? 

And just to be clear, I am not trying to compete with backpacking blogs or provide hacks for an economical and affordable experience. My vacations follow the standard pattern of traveling by plane, staying in good hotels, and renting a car on the spot to get around. I’m also always up for a fantastic meal, though I don’t shy away from local delicacies and street food, either.  

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Hiking in Samaria Gorge, Crete: Under the Cretan Sun

Samaria Gorge is the reason I wanted to visit Crete. I was entranced by the photos I had seen of tall cliffs rising above you as you hike under the Mediterranean Sun. If you love hiking, it is not to be missed on a visit to Crete. Located in the White Mountains, Samaria Gorge is one of the most beautiful gorges in Crete, and is arguably, its most famous.

As a one-way hike, there are some logistics to figure out but it’s one of the most popular things to do in Crete so everything is very planning-friendly. If you’re visiting the western side of Crete during spring or autumn, this is a must-visit trek to add to your itinerary.

This post contains affiliate links , If you make a purchase through these links I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

Planning your trip to the Samaria Gorge ? Below are some places to stay, and tour options

• From Chania: Full-Day Samaria Gorge Trek Excursion
• From Rethymno: Samaria Gorge Full-Day Trek with Pickup
• From Heraklion: Samaria Gorge & Agia Roumeli Hiking Day Trip
• Mosaic in Chania (I stayed here, loved the hotel)
• Monastery Estate Retreat, Sougia (Perfect if you have a car)

If you are renting a car for Crete, I use DiscoverCars and recommend them

Table of Contents

Quick Samaria Gorge Hiking Logistics

Hiking Length: 13 km plus 2 km from the end to the village, or pay for a shuttle bus Time to Hike: 5-6 hours, ferry leaves at 5:30 pm Water Spouts: Drinkable water at many points. In summer they may dry out so check before you start hiking Bathrooms: Paid bathroom at top, 2 squat toilets before Samaria village, main bathroom at Samaria village has water, may be another after Samaria village. Special Equipment Needed: Firm-soled shoes, sneakers will leave you with sore feet

Is Samaria Gorge Worth Visiting?

For me, the Samaria Gorge is worth visiting. I had been looking forward to hiking this for years and I loved the scenery. It’s the perfect way to explore the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) in Crete. I’m not sure I would have felt the same way if it had been blisteringly hot but on a sunny day in May the weather was perfect for appreciating the landscapes.

If you are used to walking long distances, then the Samaria Gorge will not be challenging. I saved it for my last full day on my Crete road trip in case it was really hard but it turned out to not be as difficult as I was anticipating. If you don’t walk long distances you may end up with sore legs the day after so plan something relaxing the next day like soaking in the sea at Balos Beach or Elafonisi .

When to Hike Samaria Gorge

The Samaria Gorge is only open from May 1st until October 31st. In extreme weather conditions like rain, high winds, or high heat they close the trail for safety. I visited at the end of May and had perfect weather, although it did get as hot as 28°C (82.4°F). The spring months of May and June are great times to hike the Samaria Gorge as you avoid the hottest weather and wildflowers are blooming.

The Samaria Gorge opens at 7 am with entry for hiking the entire trail allowed until 1 pm. I highly recommend going as early as possible as most of the trail is exposed and it gets very hot. If you only want to hike a short distance and return to the entrance, entry is until 3 pm.

How to Get to Samaria Gorge

You have several options to get to Samaria Gorge, and all of them will involve taking the ferry at the end of the hike. Any of the options you choose you will be limited on return time by the ferry as it only returns once a day at 5:30 pm. At the end of the gorge, there is also about 2km of walking on the road to get to the final village of Agia Roumeli so you may want to take some change (about 2 euros) to get a shuttle bus to save some energy and time.

The easiest way to get to Samaria Gorge is to join a tour. Most tours will leave from Chania but some tours do pickups in Rethymno or leave from Heraklion . Pickup for tours from your hotel is very early and you then go by bus to Samaria Gorge. For most tours, you are responsible for buying the ferry ticket and entrance to Samaria Gorge, which you can purchase when you arrive. A tour is a great option if you are not staying in Chania.

By Public Bus

To go by bus to Samaria Gorge, head to the Chania bus station the day before to purchase your bus and ferry ticket. They only make the bus tickets available the day before your intended travel date in case the gorge is closed to hiking. Do not plan on eating your breakfast on the bus, you are not allowed and bus drivers will give you trouble for even carrying on snacks.

The bus to Samaria Gorge (Xyloskalo) is around 7 euros and there are several departures in the early morning. The return trip from Sougia to Chania another 7 euros and departs when the ferry arrives from Agia Roumeli. The ferry between the village at the end of the hike, Agia Roumeli to Sougia is 15 euros and departs at 5:30 pm. Alternatively, for the way back you can take the ferry to Chora Sfakion and return by bus from there to Chania but it does take longer.

One advantage of taking the bus over a tour is that you just head to the bus station for your intended departure time so you don’t have to sit on the bus as other passengers are picked up. A disadvantage of the bus is that you do have to make a detour at the end of the day to stop at Samaria Gorge again to drop off passengers to their cars.

If you have a rental car you can drive yourself to the start of the Samaria Gorge in Xyloskalo, which takes about 1 hour. In Crete, I used DiscoverCars to find the best deals and would recommend them. From the Samaria entrance, buy your ferry ticket to Sougia and a bus ticket between Sougia and Xyloskalo. At the end of your hike, the ferry and bus will get you back to the parking lot. Even though I was traveling by car I decided against this option as it didn’t save me any time or money and I knew after a long hike I wouldn’t feel like driving back to Chania. I would only go to Samaria Gorge by car if I wasn’t staying in Chania.

Packing List for Hiking Samaria Gorge

• Hard-soled shoes or hiking boots- there are a lot of sharp rocks
• Hiking poles (optional)- especially if you have bad knees, lots of walking downhill
• Refillable water bottle- I recommend carrying at least 2L, there are springs to refill at but these can dry up at the end of summer
• Snacks and lunch- food is only available at the beginning and end of the trail
• Toilet paper/tissues- there are toilets but often no toilet paper
• Swimwear + towel- at the end of the hike you are on the Libyan Sea and a beautiful beach
• Flipflops (optional)- the beach at the end is a stone beach
• Cash/credit card- Need to purchase entry and small change for the shuttle bus at the end of the hike and the bathroom at the entrance
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat- For most of the hike you are exposed to the sun
• Moleskin, medical tape, or bandages- in case of blisters

Hiking Samaria Gorge

Upon arriving at the entrance to the hike, there is a small cafe. You can buy coffee here as well as breakfast or lunch if you didn’t pack one. At the entrance, you can buy your ticket for the Samaria Gorge by cash or credit card. Make sure you hold on to your ticket as you will need to show it to exit the park.

Starting the Hike

At the beginning of the Samaria Gorge hike, you will start a pretty steep downhill section and are likely clumped up with other hikers. Don’t worry, everyone starts to spread out after a bit after they find their own pace.

I found this section to be the most uneven section with lots of sharp rocks and stairs. If you have bad knees this is where you will feel it the most as it is the steepest section.

There are fantastic views of Gigilos Summit and Volakias Summit to your right as well as sweeping views of the gorge you are going to hike through today.

Hiking through Forest

I was surprised about how much of the hike takes you through Calabrian pine and cypress forested slopes. I was happy to get the shade and even though it isn’t through the gorge, it’s beautiful scenery. There are several older churches here with interpretive signs. One of the first you will come across is Agios Nikolaos . It’s part of an ancient shrine that dates to the 6th century. Offerings were found here to either Apollo or Diana.

Hiking Towards the Old Village of Samaria

Further down the mountain, you continue to wind through the forest, crossing by small streams and even crossing them at some points. The forest itself is quite beautiful and there are some great views of the mountains around you as well. I enjoyed how serene the area felt. It was also interesting to see ancient worshipping sites and how this area has been spiritually significant to humans for centuries. In this way, it kind of reminded me of the significance of visiting Delphi on mainland Greece.

Closer to the old village of Samaria the hike starts to level out. From the entrance of Samaria Gorge to the old village of Samaria, it took me just over 3 hours of hiking.

Old Village of Samaria

The old village of Samaria is the big rest stop on this hike. There are picnic tables, bathrooms, and fountains. It’s also next to the ruins of Samaria. People inhabited this village until 1962, when Samaria Gorge was designated as a National Park. Samaria Gorge is the only gorge in Crete to have been continually inhabited by people. It has also played an important part in wars, being a refuge from Turks in the 1800s and hiding partisans during WWII.

Hiking Towards the Gates of Samaria

After the village of Samaria, the next two hours of hiking will take you through the most famous parts of the Samaria Gorge. It’s almost entirely exposed to the sun so be prepared with sunscreen here.

This part of the hike takes you next to soaring cliffs dotted with trees growing on their sides. It’s the most scenic part of the hike and it is truly stunning. It’s worth all the downhill hiking to see this.

You wind along the white stone riverbed that is probably almost entirely dried up but it’s easy to imagine how impressive this would be in the height of the wet season.

There are several creek crossings on small wooden bridges before you reach what is known as the Gates. The Gates of Samaria is a point where the 100 m (328 ft) tall cliffs are only 3 m (10 ft) apart.

After the Gates, it’s a short walk to the exit of the park. You do have to show your ticket here to exit. Once you exit, you can either walk the 2 km along a dusty road to the village of Agia Roumeli or pay for a shuttle bus. When I visited, the shuttle bus was 2 euros and I paid for it so I could have more time in the village.

Visiting Agia Roumeli

Agia Roumeli is a charming village on the shores of the Libyan Sea and it’s the perfect place to spend some time after a long hike.

You can either go for a swim in the clear waters here or grab a meal at one of the restaurants. Or if you’re a fast walker you may have time for both. I do recommend getting something to eat however as you won’t make it back to Chania until between 8-9 pm.

I opted to go for a meal and I had a wonderful early dinner at Calypso Restaurant with views of the beach. Everything I had there was fantastic but if you haven’t had Greek yogurt with honey yet, it’s a great place to try it.

Ferry to Sougia

Getting the ferry to Sougia is very straightforward as there are only two options. For the best views of the shoreline, sit on the left side of the ferry. The ride back is quite enjoyable as there are fantastic views of the unbelievably blue water and the cliffs and caves that are on the shoreline.

Bus Back to Chania

When you dock at Sougia, all of the tour buses and buses will be lined up waiting for passengers. It’s a bit confusing so just remember what tour company or bus you arrived with and start asking destinations. For the best views from the bus, sit on the right. The bus ride home takes you on winding roads that give you beautiful views of the sunset and sea.

Visiting Samaria Gorge

Overall it is well worth a visit to Samaria Gorge. It’s a long day but you are rewarded with great views of the mountains, a beautiful gorge, the gorgeous sea, and excellent Cretan food at the end of the hike. If you are looking for other great hiking options in Crete, hiking Katholiko Bay was my favourite hike and is an easy day trip from Chania as it is in the Akrotiri Peninsula.

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Samaria Gorge

Duration: Approximately 14 hours Available days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.

There is an extra entrance fee of 5€ for adults and 13€ ticket for the ferry boat from Agia Roumeli. For children the ferry boat ticket costs 5€.

The gorge of Samaria is the gem of the White Mountains; hidden in the south part of the Chania district, it is the biggest gorge in Europe, covering an area of 18 kilometers in length. The state park of Samaria was added to the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (MAB: Man & Biosphere) by UNESCO in 1981, with the aim to give prominence to and to protect valuable habitats for man and the rest of the biosphere.

The gorge of Samaria is counted among the top-destinations of the Chania district and a journey to Chania can never be considered complete, unless you visit the gorge… you should therefore venture a visit there and believe us when we say that its beauty will not let you down…

The gorge’s trail starts at Ksyloskalo (Omalos plateau, 1.227 meters altitude) and after following the river bed, it ends up at the littoral village of Agia Roumeli. The trail of Samaria is the most visited trail in the whole of Greece, it is excellently equipped with signals and signs which eliminate the danger of getting lost, it is comfortable and very well cared for, mostly with stones and soil. It is not considered a very difficult hike, a vivid proof of which is the fact that hundreds of people cross it daily from the opening (in May) till the closing of its visiting season (in October). It is a very pleasant hike, not a strenuous one, with many landscape alternations and a versatile environment. One should always keep in mind, however, that though the trail as a whole is not tricky, one should be more careful during some parts of the trek.

The hike is not suggested for:

people facing health problems, or suffering from conditions affecting their lower extremities the elderly pregnant women

Trip Itinerary:

We pick you up from your hotel or a location in its vicinity early in the morning and we drive you with our bus and our escort – mountain guide – to the Omalos plateau. The escort collects the money for the gorge entrance fee and the ferry fare (Agia Roumeli – Sougia) in the bus, in order to give you your tickets later. After reaching Omalos, we stop at a traditional tavern, giving you the chance to have breakfast or drink coffee (optional) before you enter the gorge. Subsequently, you pass through the entrance to the gorge and start your hike. In the gorge you walk at your own pace. Our escort comes in an hour after you for safety reasons, so as to follow after you. Should you need any sort of help during the hike, you can ask for their help. The gorge ends up at the village of Agia Roumeli; our escort will have already stipulated a meeting point there, in order for them to give you the tickets to the ferry, which will take you from Agia Roumeli. You have free time to swim in Agia Roumeli and lunch (optional) in one of the village’s taverns. At 17:30 you go aboard the ferry, Sougia or Sfakia (usually Sougia) being your destination. When you reach the port, our bus will be waiting to return you to your hotel. Our bus returns you to the location you have been picked up from. Your trip has come to an end… get some rest!!!

The equipment you must have with you:

Proper footwear and socks A hat Sunscreen A bottle of water A swimsuit and a beach towel

WE KINDLY ASK ALL VISITORS TO COMPLY WITH THE RULES OF THE STATE PARK IN ORDER TO ENSURE A SAFER HIKE, AS WELL AS TO HELP PRESERVE THE UNIQUELY RICH FLAURA AND FAUNA OF OUR COUNTRY.

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Review: Domes Zeen Chania, Crete

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Domes Zeen Chania

Located in greece.

Domes Zeen Chania lies in a protected cove just a short drive from the vibrant Town of Chania in Crete. It stands as a beacon of luxury and tranquility, where community, sustainability, and gentle living converge in an elegant setting.

Domes Zeen embodies the essence of Mediterranean hospitality, inviting guests to embrace the Greek philosophy of “Ef Zeen: the Art of Living Well.” With its breathtaking views of the town and the sea, this exceptional resort offers a sanctuary for those seeking to reconnect with themselves, loved ones, and nature.

As a distinguished member of The Luxury Collection Resorts, this hotel falls within the Marriott Bonvoy umbrella as part of their most prestigious Luxury Collection and this is one of the best Marriott hotels in Crete.

The Haute Living Selection is the epitome of luxury offering an exclusive experience, blending luxury with authentic Greek living. Reserved for VVIPs, this concept provides bespoke itineraries, premium accommodations, personalized services, and elite-tier perks. From exceptional dining options to indulgent spa treatments, HLS caters to every expectation.

Domes Zeen Chania is nestled in the scenic landscape of Chania, a captivating city located on the northwest coast of Crete, the largest of the Greek islands. Situated just moments away from the shimmering waters of the Mediterranean Sea, the resort enjoys a prime coastal location that offers guests easy access to the sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters.

Surrounded by the natural beauty of Crete, Domes Zeen Chania provides a tranquil retreat amidst lush greenery and rolling hills. The resort is conveniently located near the historic Old Town of Chania, renowned for its Venetian harbor, charming alleyways, and vibrant atmosphere, allowing guests to explore the rich cultural heritage of the region.

From the resort, guests can also venture out to discover Crete’s many attractions, including picturesque villages, ancient archaeological sites, and breathtaking natural wonders such as the Samaria Gorge.

Style & Character

Embodying the essence of the Greek philosophy of “Ef Zeen: the art of Living Well,” Domes Zeen is a captivating beachfront retreat where guests can immerse themselves in the beauty of slow living. Nestled amidst lush tropical vegetation, including banana and palm trees, the resort offers a serene haven for contemplation, reconnection, and the creation of lifelong memories.

The grand reception area, perched above the beach, provides breathtaking views of Chania town, sprawling bamboo fields, and the ever-changing hues of the Cretan sky. Experience the allure of elegant simplicity on this secluded stretch of pristine Cretan coast, where privacy reigns supreme. Yet, within walking distance lies the vibrant old Town Chania, inviting guests to partake in its rich cultural tapestry, brimming with stories and secrets, and become part of its ongoing evolution.

Service & Facilities

After a day of exploration, guests at Domes Zeen can retreat to their private oasis of tranquility. Guests can indulge in rejuvenating treatments at the signature outdoor Soma Jungle Spa or unwind while enjoying stunning views of the Cretan sky from the Gym Pavilion.

Domes Zeen provides an extensive range of facilities and activities to enhance every guest’s stay, including access to the beach, outdoor pool, and children’s pool. Other amenities include a Fitness Center, Kids Club, complimentary Wifi, and complimentary full American and Continental breakfasts.

Additionally, guests can take advantage of 24-hour room service. For those looking to explore further, guided tours of Chania’s Old Town landmarks and the majestic Samaria Gorge are available. Guests can also partake in exclusive tastings of Greece’s renowned olive oil and wine or discover organic Cretan beauty brands and purchase their exceptional creations.

Accommodations at Domes Zeen redefine luxury and comfort, offering a selection of bungalows, suites, pavilions, and private villas, all designed to provide spacious interiors and modern amenities.

Characterized by a soothing palette of grey and beige, the earthy and organic suites and bungalows, which have been awarded by AHEAD DESIGN, feature king-sized or twin beds and en suite granite bathrooms with walk-in showers.

The interiors are adorned with elements of naturally fallen dark timber, handmade furniture, rattan weaves, and tree trunk stools, complemented by vibrant summer hues of hand-picked local and international geometric artwork, traditional baskets, and pottery, creating an atmosphere of serene sanctuary.

Light grey layered drapes reveal retractable glass panels that open onto the summer stone terrace, allowing natural sunlight to fill the space throughout the day or providing an option to darken the cool, grey variegated marble flooring for a restful ambiance.

Outside, guests can choose between uplifting garden or sea vistas, with the option of their own garden with a private or shared infinity pool, and can stroll through the stone alleys of this Mediterranean settlement amidst tropical foliage to access the beach, main pool, restaurants, and bars.

For families, spacious family suites offer the perfect setting for creating lasting memories, with children under 12 staying for free.

Food & Drink

Indulging in dining experiences at Domes Zeen is a journey through culinary excellence, offering an enticing array of options that cater to modern tastes.

From the Beach House Restaurant, where delectable treats made from locally sourced ingredients tantalize the taste buds amidst stunning sea views, to Enino Restaurant, where artisanal Mediterranean creations crafted with passion elevate the dining experience to new heights, each meal is a symphony of flavor and tradition.

The resort’s diverse dining venues also include the Ef Zeen Pool Bar and the Ammos Cocktail Truck, where skilled mixologists concoct refreshing beverages to be enjoyed poolside or by the beach, adding to the overall culinary delight.

From exquisite gourmet dining set amidst the breathtaking beauty of nature to tranquil moments spent on private terraces or balconies, every facet of the Domes Zeen experience is meticulously crafted to enliven the senses and rejuvenate the soul.

Copyright Luxury Travel Diary 2014 - 2024. Duplication outside of luxurytraveldiary.com is forbidden.

Image © Domes Zeen Chania / Adobe Stock.

Note: Benefits & upgrades subject to availability. Benefits offered correct at the time of writing. Terms & conditions apply. Enquire for more information. Benefits offered correct at the time of writing but may be amended at discretion of the vendor. Posts may be sponsored by the proprietor or brand being appraised. All opinions remain our own & are in no way influenced.

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