Samaria Gorge — day trip in Crete
Sixteen kilometres through Europe's longest gorge to the Libyan Sea
Availability is checked personally before anything is confirmed
Samaria is the hike people plan their Crete holiday around. Sixteen kilometres downhill from the Omalos plateau at 1,250 m, through pine forest, past the abandoned village of Samaria, and finally through the Iron Gates where the walls close to three metres apart and rise 300 metres above your head.
It ends at the sea in Agia Roumeli, a village with no road in - you leave by boat. It is demanding but not technical: five to seven hours on your feet, and one of the great walks of Europe.
The route is 16 kilometres from the Xyloskalo steps at 1,230 m down to the sea at Agia Roumeli, and most walkers need six to seven hours. The park gate closes early in the afternoon, which is why the pickup is before dawn.
What's included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- National park entrance ticket
- Boat ticket Agia Roumeli - Chora Sfakion
- Guide at the trailhead and at the exit
- All coach transfers
Not included
- Meals and drinks
- Walking poles
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities
Perfect for
- Hikers
- Nature lovers
- Adventure lovers
Good to know
- Not recommended for travellers with significant mobility limitations.
- Very early start, so plan a calm evening before.
- It is a long day - expect to be away for most of it.
- Little shade in July and August - not ideal in extreme heat.
Pickup information
Very early pickup, typically 05:00-06:00 from north-coast hotels. Bring breakfast or buy it at the mountain stop.
What to bring
- Proper walking shoes or trainers - no sandals
- At least 1.5 l of water (springs along the route are drinkable)
- Snacks, nuts and fruit
- Swimwear and towel for Agia Roumeli
- Sunscreen, hat and a light layer for the cool morning
On the map
Getting around
Driving yourself does not work here - you finish 100 km from where you started. Take the tour and leave the car at the hotel.
See the fleetFrequently asked questions
When is the gorge open?
Usually from 1 May to 15 October, weather permitting. Outside those dates the park is closed and we suggest Imbros gorge instead.
How fit do I need to be?
Reasonably fit. It is downhill, but 16 km on stony ground is hard on knees. Take poles if you have them.
Can children do it?
Children from around 10 who are used to walking manage well. Under that we recommend the shorter Imbros gorge.
What if I cannot finish?
Wardens patrol the gorge and there is a donkey rescue service for a fee. There is no shortcut once you are past Samaria village.
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