Samaria Gorge Hike
Come and discover the beauty of Crete with our Samaria Gorge hiking tour! Starting from Chania, this full-day excursion takes you through the stunning Samaria National Park. Hike the 16-kilometre trail, known for its breathtaking landscapes, rugged terrain, and rich wildlife, including rare species like the kri-kri (Cretan goat). As you wind your way through the gorge, you’ll be treated to a beautiful array of sights, from ancient cypress and pine trees to crystal-clear streams and dramatic rock formations.
The hike ends at the picturesque village of Agia Roumeli, where you can relax by the Libyan Sea. This is the perfect trip for nature lovers and adventure seekers, offering a unique and unforgettable experience in Crete. Book your guided tour now for seamless transportation, expert guides, and stunning views.
Included
- Transportation by air-conditioned bus.
- Mountain (Greek-speaking, English-speaking)
- Pick up and Drop off
- Full Liability Insurance
Not included
The gorge is not suitable for
- People who have health problems, or problems with their feet
- Seniors
- Pregnant women
Easy way
If you do not wish to cross the whole canyon, you can follow an easier program. To begin with, you 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 gorge and walk as far as you wish, for example to the trademark of the gorge until 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 eventually depart with the rest of the group on the same boat.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The duration of the crossing is at least 5 hours so you should wear good shoes with socks, a hat, light-coloured clothes, sunscreen. You should have a bottle of water with you (there are drinking water sources in the canyon), a light snack if you want and of course an appetite for walking.
In the gorge it is forbidden camping, accommodation, fire, smoking (only in special stations), hunting, traps, weapons, animals, uprooting plants and of course swimming in the river.
Information about the national park, including emergency alerts, opening hours, ticket types, itineraries, safety, etc., and electronic ticketing is available on the site: https://samaria-tickets.necca.gov.gr/checkout
We ought to keep toilets clean for our own health and not throw paper inside them.
The ticket that we take out at the entrance of the canyon, we have to keep it until the end for the control at the exit.
WE ASK ALL VISITORS TO OBEY THE RULES OF THE NATIONAL PARK FOR A SAFER CROSSING AND FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE UNIQUE FLORA AND FAUNA WEALTH OF OUR COUNTRY.
Tour information
- Days of the excursion: Daily
- Duration: Full day
- Starting Point: Chania prefecture
- Distance: 16 kilometers
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Includes: Transportation and guide
Excursion Program
- Departure from Chania: Early morning departure with a scenic drive to Omalos Plateau.
- Breakfast at Omalos Plateau: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the Omalos Plateau to fuel up for the hike ahead.
- Start of Hike: Start your descent into the gorge at Xyloskalo, admiring the dramatic cliffs and lush vegetation.
- Iron Gates: Pass through the narrowest section of the gorge, an awe-inspiring natural feature.
- Agia Roumeli: End the hike at this charming seaside village. Relax, swim in the Libyan Sea, and savor local cuisine.
- Boat Departure: Depart Agia Roumeli by boat at 17:30 to Sougia, followed by a bus ride back to Chania.
The equipment you need to have
- Comfortable Hiking Shoes: Essential for navigating the rocky terrain.
- Water and Snacks: Stay hydrated and energized during the hike.
- Sunscreen and Hat: Protect yourself from the Mediterranean sun.
- Camera: Capture the stunning views and memorable moments.
These prices and the programme concern the following areas
- Chania city
- Daratso – Agioi Apostoloi
- Kalamaki
- Stalos
- Agia Marina
- Platanias
- Gerani
- Tauronitis
- Maleme
- Kolympari
* if you are not staying in one of the above mentioned areas, please ask as about the itinerary and the price!
