Travel bucket list idea:

Hike Samaria Gorge

Crete, Greek Islands, Greece

Last updated: 07 July, 2024

Running from a plateau in the White Mountains all the way down to the Libyan Sea, Samaria Gorge is one of the longest and most spectacular canyons in Europe.

Well-trodden and well-maintained, the 16-kilometre trail goes through incredibly diverse scenery. You might spot some of the 450 species of flora and fauna, alongside freshwater springs, abandoned villages, and isolated chapels. Look out for the increasingly rare kri-kri goats, an endangered breed endemic to Crete.

It’s possible to hike a much shorter route, if you start at the end point: the coastal village of Agia Roumeli, where you can cool off with a plunge into the Libyan Sea.

Don't miss

A selfie at the Sideroportes (Iron Gates) – the narrowest point of the Samaria gorge. Here the canyon tapers to an aperture of just 3m wide, but over 100m high.

Logistics

Price: Free

Minimum age: 0

Age suitable: 8+

When: All year around

Duration: 1 day

Getting there & doing it

Allow a whole day (and a very early start) to hike the Samaria gorge. The hike itself will take 6-7 hours end to end; but getting to and from the gorge also requires time and effort. (The finishing line, Agia Roumeli, is only accessible by boat from Sfakia, Loutro, Paleochora, or Sougia.)

It is highly advisable to book through a local travel agency (such as the excellent Diktynna Travel), who will arrange all the logistics, as well as a local guide.

Although not technically too challenging, the hike is steep and rocky in places, so a fairly high level of fitness is required. There are natural springs along the way, so bring a refillable water bottle, snacks, a hat, first aid kit, and sunscreen.

Right at the start of the walk, 1,200 metres above sea level, the Xyloskalo taverna has a terrace jutting out over the gaping mouth of the gorge with giddying views. The food is average, so go for a drink rather than a meal.

When to do it

The trail is open from mid-May to mid-October (depending on weather conditions). It opens at dawn and closes at 4pm.

Set off at daybreak for optimum conditions and fewer crowds. The coolest, quietest months are May and June, or September and October.

Who to go with: organised tours

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Samaria Gorge Hiking from Chania

Chania

Viator

There is no better way to experience the real side of Crete, than to traverse the island's unspoiled soil, swim in its crystal waters and stroll down its traditional villages. This hiking tour of the Samaria Gorge will give you the opportunity to do all 3 and at your own pace. Early in the morning, you will be picked up from designated spots around Chania via a luxurious bus and reach the starting point of your tour in Omalos Plateau around 7 am. Shadowed by the adjacent White Mountains and with plenty of drinking water to be found along the way in many natural springs, this self-paced hike will create unique memories for every traveler. Behind your group, there will always be a hiking escort to ensure everyone's safety and provide assistance if needed. At around 17:00 you will start your trip back to the place where you were picked up from.

Min age 0

Rating 4.51 / 5 [272 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Full-Day Samaria Gorge Chania Guided Tour

Crete

Viator

Samaria Gorge is the most beautiful National Park of Crete and one of the longest ones in Europe. The flora and fauna of this place is incredible. Enjoy a full day tour that will end at the Libyan sea where you can find the opportunity to enjoy lunch and a swim in the crystal clear waters.

Min age 0

Rating 4.60 / 5 [41 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Samaria Gorge Trek: Full-Day Excursion from Chania

Chania

Viator

Enjoy a challenging trek through one of the longest and most famous gorges in Europe. On this excursion from Chania you’ll marvel at natural wonders throughout the day, from the White Mountains to thousand-year-old forests and more. Samaria Gorge, the longest and likely the best-known gorge in Europe, lies 4,000 feet above sea level. Your full-day (12-hour) excursion to Samaria Gorge begins with a pick-up 6.00 a.m. from Chania and a drive to Omalos, in the heart of the White Mountains, where you can enjoy breakfast before you start the hike. The trek will take you over rocks and stones, through a forest of thousand-year-old trees and along a river and by fresh-water springs. Along the way, you’ll have spectacular views of Crete’s most beautiful mountain range and you are likely to see mountain goats roaming in the wild. You will be accompanied by a professional mountain escort who speaks English.

Min age 0

Rating 4.54 / 5 [37 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Samaria Gorge Trek: Full-Day Excursion from Rethymno

Chania

Viator

Enjoy a challenging trek through one of the longest and most famous gorges in Europe. On this excursion from Rethymno you’ll marvel at natural wonders throughout the day, from the White Mountains to thousand-year-old forests and more. Your escort will be there to explain all the necessary information about your hike and provide you the tickets for the entrance and ferry boat. Entrance fee : 5€ (children up to the age of 15 years old are free of charge). Ferry fee : 13€ ( Sougia ferry). These fees have to be paid to the guide upon arrival. After your breakfast you enter the Samaria Gorge. At the end of the trek you’ll visit the village of Agia Roumeli, where you’ll find a number of taverns, bars and shops. Enjoy some free time to take a swim or have some lunch. Late in the afternoon you’ll board a boat that will take you from Agia Roumeli to Sfakia, where the bus will be waiting to transfer you back to the starting point.

Min age 0

Rating 4.40 / 5 [37 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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SAMARIA GORGE: One of the most important in Europe From Rethymnon

Crete

Viator

Grab your proper shoes and get ready for the 16km hike! Get ready for a lifetime experience and be ready to have your breath taken away by the astonishing view. The descent of the gorge will start early in the morning and it will last about 5-6 hours (depending on the visitor). Along the length of the gorge you will cross a wonderful landscape with little lakes, huge rocks discovered by the bed of the torrent. All together we will get on the boat with destination the city of Sfakia the CHECKINCRETA’s bus will waiting for us to take us back to the hotel. It’s necessary to have with you a hat, sunscreen, a bottle of water and some fruits. All along the way of the Gorge, you could find water spot as well as toilets. The guide of our agency CHECKINCRETA, will follow you all along the day and will stay with the last persons of the group. Pregnant women as well as persons with health problems are not allowed to do this excursion.

Min age 0

Rating 4.96 / 5 [26 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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