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Samaria Gorge: Crete's Hiking Adventure
4.5
373 Ratings
Omalos
Experience the untouched beauty of Crete on a hiking tour of the Samaria Gorge. Traverse unspoiled terrain, swim in crystal waters, and explore traditional villages at your own pace.
Experience the untouched beauty of Crete on a hiking tour of the Samaria Gorge. Traverse unspoiled terrain, swim in crystal waters, and explore traditional villages at your own pace.
Duration:
14 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Omalos - In the early morning, guests will be collected from designated locations around Chania by a luxurious bus, arriving at the starting point of the tour in Omalos Plateau around 7 am. The panoramic view of the gorge from the plateau is a delight for photography enthusiasts. After a brief stop for photos and/or breakfast, guests will board…
- Omalos - In the early morning, guests will be collected from designated locations around Chania by a luxurious bus, arriving at the starting point of the tour in Omalos Plateau around 7 am. The panoramic view of the gorge from the plateau is a delight for photography enthusiasts. After a brief stop for photos and/or breakfast, guests will board the bus and head to the traditional village of Sougia. There, they will board a boat and sail along the coast of Crete until reaching Agia Roumeli.
- Samaria Gorge National Park - A visit to Crete is incomplete without exploring the second longest gorge in Europe, the Samaria Gorge. It is the longest and most impressive ravine in the Mediterranean, stretching 16.5 kilometers from Xyloskalo to Agia Roumeli at the Libyan Sea. Arrival is around 7 am, and after a short break, the walk begins. Descending the 600 wooden steps, visitors will be captivated by the beauty and tranquility of this vast gorge, overshadowed by the White Mountains. Along the way, they will encounter the church of St. Nicolas, built on the ruins of an ancient temple, and later reach “Portes” or “Iron Gates,” the narrowest pass of the gorge. The hike concludes at Agia Roumeli.
- Agia Roumeli - Agia Roumeli is home to one of Greece’s most stunning beaches. Nestled between mountains, this beach offers breathtaking scenery. It is a small village at the exit of the Samaria Gorge on the southern shores of Sfakia in Crete, known for its unique beauty and fascinating historical background.
What's Included
- Air-Conditioned Luxury Bus
- All Fees and Taxes
- Full Liability Insurance
- Hiking Escort
- Air-Conditioned Luxury Bus
- All Fees and Taxes
- Full Liability Insurance
- Hiking Escort
What's Not Included
- Personal expenses, extra beverages or meals
- • Boat Fare: 14 euros //Up to 12,99 yrs : 7,00 €
- Entrance fee: EU CITIZENS: 0-17FREE/ 18-64(10,00 €)/ 65+ (FREE)
- Entrance Fee: OTHER NATIONALITIES: 0-4FREE/ 5-64(10,00 €)No discount for 65+ (10,00 €)
- Personal expenses, extra beverages or meals
- • Boat Fare: 14 euros //Up to 12,99 yrs : 7,00 €
- Entrance fee: EU CITIZENS: 0-17FREE/ 18-64(10,00 €)/ 65+ (FREE)
- Entrance Fee: OTHER NATIONALITIES: 0-4FREE/ 5-64(10,00 €)No discount for 65+ (10,00 €)
Additional Information
Prepare for an unforgettable adventure through one of Europe’s longest and most stunning gorges! This full-day hiking experience is perfect for nature enthusiasts and active adventurers. Hike approximately 16 kilometers through dramatic landscapes, towering cliffs, ancient forests, and the renowned narrow passage known as the “Iron Gates.” Along the…
Prepare for an unforgettable adventure through one of Europe’s longest and most stunning gorges! This full-day hiking experience is perfect for nature enthusiasts and active adventurers. Hike approximately 16 kilometers through dramatic landscapes, towering cliffs, ancient forests, and the renowned narrow passage known as the “Iron Gates.” Along the journey, you may encounter the rare Cretan wild goat (Kri-Kri) and revel in the rich, untamed beauty of Crete’s national park. The hike usually takes between 5 to 7 hours, depending on your pace, and concludes at the tranquil seaside village of Agia Roumeli. Here, enjoy free time to relax, swim in the crystal-clear Libyan Sea, and dine at one of the delightful seaside tavernas.
After rejuvenating by the sea, board the ferry to Sougia, cruising along Crete’s rugged southern coastline. At Sougia, a bus will be ready to comfortably transport you back to Chania after a day filled with adventure and natural splendor.
- Pick up/Drop off is conducted only is select spots in Chania. Depending on your location, you will be advised on the time and place after booking.
- Be sure to wear comfortable hiking shoes for the trek through the gorge
- It is advisable to bring the following items with you: sunscreen, sunglasses and hat
- It is important to stay hydrated, so bring a bottle of water (you can refill it in the gorge’s springs) and a light snack (fruits etc.)
- Υou can swim at Agia Roumeli beach just after you exit the gorge so make you have a swimsuit and beach towel with you
- Τhe entrance fee to Samaria as well as the boat fee are paid with cash on the spot
- Half way down the gorge lies the old village of Samaria, which has a telephone for communication with the police, a pharmacy, and two mules to transport injured persons.
- In the village of Samaria, take a quiet walk around and you may catch a glimpse of the endangered kri‐kri. They are usually very friendly towards people!
- Upon reservation please advise the exact name of your hotel in order to send you the exact pick up time and place
- Τhe trip is not recommended for any person with a history of knee problems, high blood pressure, cardiac and pulmonary problems, pregnant women and for anybody who suffers from vertigo/fear of heights
Location
Omalos
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.5
(373 Ratings)
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Glidepoint
Nov 9, 2025
Mass tourism, but a good experience - It's a hyped trip, it's a long day, it's physically demanding, it's a good experience. Went with an organized tour (Io Tours) that handled the bus from Chania to the gorge, ferry from end of hike to another bus that took us back to Chania. Having looked at organizing the transport on our own, in the end the tour company was not more than a few euros more (if any?) and was easier and gave peace of mind on the organization. We went at end of season (Oct. 28) so gorge was not too crowded. I can imagine in summer it might be. Also, I can imagine in high heat it would be tough. There is a lot of downhill walking and a lot of dry-but-slippery and wiggly rocks. Demanding, but not a technical difficulty. At end of national park it is still a bit of a walk to the ferry landing, and a small snack shop was offering a mini-bus ride, but I don't believe it is really 2 km to the ferry and if one just hiked the gorge, one can handle walking downhill on a road for 2 km - save the minibus ride and buy an extra beer/soda/ice cream.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Petra
Nov 5, 2025
Great but also strenuous hike - Great hike, but not to be underestimated. We had muscle soreness long after that! In my view - contrary to some trip recommendations- only suitable for older children.
The tour is good until the ferry departs at 4.30pm. Along the way there are plenty of rest areas with spring water to drink and well-kept toilets. Solid footwear (no hiking sandals) is recommended.
We had booked the tour from the hotel in Agia Marina. Cost: over 30 € per person. There was pickup, entry and drop-off. Ferry costs extra! The “hiking guide” does not follow.
Pick up was early in the morning at 6 a.m. by bus, which picked up even more guests. There was a briefing in a restaurant just before 8am (unfortunately I don't remember the name... but the cup of moderate coffee from the warming pot cost 3!! Euro)
The ferry takes about 35 minutes. The bus then waits at the pier.
There is probably the possibility to be taken back to the starting point by taxi, but I did not inquire about this in more detail.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nigel
Oct 28, 2025
An amazing long hike with a professional guide. - A long, tough hike (for a 69 year old), but thoroughly worth it. Astonishingly beautiful gorge and remarkably quiet in lake October. Our guide, Nikos was professional, friendly and communicative.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Maggie
Oct 26, 2025
Challenging hike but well worth doing. Awesome - Very slick and efficiently organised. It was a long day but well worth the effort as the views were awesome. I would recommend hiring walking poles from the guide if you don’t have your own. Dimitris our guide was excellent providing helpful information and sorting boat tickets etc. The sense of achievement when the hike is completed is amazing
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Allison_m
Oct 24, 2025
This hike was amazing. ... - This hike was amazing. We ended up going with a very large group, however, went at our own pace.
Highly recommend Hiking shoes. Bring snacks. Water fills along the way. Multiple checkpoints and if you finish early enough, time for a meal and swim at the end before boarding the ferry. Our calves are sore today. Its just about all downhill, so can be tough on the knees. It was beautiful and SO glad we did it. Recommend doing it towards the end of your stay in Crete due to muscle soreness and just being tired. Its a 10 mile/15 km hike with little flat.
Enjoy!
Review provided by Viator
Marco_s
Oct 15, 2025
Incredible experience but... - Incredible experience but hard. The scenery and terrain is spectacular it don’t underestimate the length and the focus it takes. Wear good hiking shoes and it will be a worthwhile experience.
Review provided by Viator
499darenk
Oct 15, 2025
Great hike! - The tour was well organised and our guide, Niko, was first class.
The hike starts at about 1,200m above sea level and ends at the beach over about 16km, although my phone suggested it was longer. The first stage is a deep decent over stone steps and slopes. We had walking shoes and found this worked well for the terrain. Do read up before you go to be prepared for the distance and difficulty. I’d suggest the use of walking poles.
This is the day after and we both have sore legs! Some rest, stretching and swimming……then a beer!
For context, we’re late 50’s and relatively fit, with a little history of knee pain, we walk regularly and hike, and are accustomed to distances of up to 15km across varied terrain. We use walking poles on the more testing hikes (Dolomites for example) but didn’t have them for this trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dave_c
Oct 10, 2025
Fantastic day from mountain to sea. - Great guide, great nature, a bit crowded due to rain closures for several days before. Sylvia with Kyriakakis was a great guide, who did a great job of explaining the long journey from mountain to sea. I wish I would have know they rent hiking poles - what a knee saver!
Recommendations: rent hiking poles, eat breakfast at the taverna on the way (but move fast), bring swim suit for the hours between finish of hike and ferry, and bring some Euros of beers at Agios Roumeli. Also, schedule a massage for the day after your hike. Have fun!
Review provided by Viator
Björn
Nov 5, 2025
Very impressive but requires mental as well as physical preparation: Do I have suitable material, provisions etc ... - Good preparation mentally and suitable fitness requirement. I would not book through Tripadvisor: Overpriced! On site paid pond organizers who offer this very competently.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
R3440nztheresat
Oct 18, 2025
Is the gorge worth it? - Far too long, there are nicer shorter gorges in Crete. Nice view and cool hike, but not suitable for older people we had with. Previously we were told it would be okay for older people , they are now in very bad pain. For people who hike more often go cool excursion.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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