Samaria Gorge
ATTRACTION Keywords:
Nature & Wildlife,
Walking/Hiking,
National Park
Along the way, the stone walls of the gorge close over the trail, at some points reduced to only a couple of feet wide. At their most impressively narrow, the craggy canyon walls are known as the Iron Gates. Water fills the stream in spring, while in summer the riverbed rocks become stepping stones. And at the end of the trail, in Agia Roumeli, the beach offers hikers a chance to revive with a refreshing dip in the sea.
Samaria Gorge and its rare wild kri-kri goats are protected by national park on Crete’s southwest coast, between the towns of Agia Roumeli and Sougia. Many walkers hike the gorge as part of an organized tour, though it’s possible to get there independently via the towns of Omalos or Agia Roumeli. Buses run to the head of the gorge at Xyloskalo from Omalos, and Agia Roumeli connects to Hora Sfakon by ferry.
As you’re unable to spend the night in the gorge, this is a day walk only, taking 4.5 to six hours. Bring your sturdy boots, sunhat, sunscreen, sunglasses, water and food – and stick to the trail! If the going gets too tough, there are park wardens on donkeys to rescue you.
Latest Reviews
Review by Michael G, May 2013
Doing what: Full Day Tour to Samaria Gorge
Fantastic day out. Spectacular scenery a walkers delight.
Tour is well organised, getting you there and back, but leaving you to enjoy walk at your own pace.
It's an early start and late back, but always interesting with nice views across the island.
With rest/food stops along the way to break the journey.
Review by Aravind P, September 2012
Doing what: Full Day Tour to Samaria Gorge
Samaria Gorge was one of the most spectacular hikes I have had in some time now. I highly recommend this for people who do not mid a long and tiring hike through a wonderful and one-of-its-kind landscape. The towering heights of the gorge simply dwarf you and leave you awestruck!. The tour was so well arranged, that I couldn't have asked for more. Sufficient stops for toilets, coffee etc., we were even offered free Tea service at one stop in the morning ( a surprise- didn't know this!). The tour operators were well organized (hats off to viator for teaming with them). The Guide Rithi was absolutely amazing, she was so fluent in so many languages. I really appreciate the punctuality of the tour operators and to my surprise also other tourists on-board. All-in-all a must-to-do activity for anyone in Crete. Of course, the activity calls for a lot of fitness!
Review by Brian V, Australia, October 2009
Doing what: Full Day Tour to Samaria Gorge
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