With its sheer walls and tight passageways, the Samaria Gorge is one of Crete’s most striking natural wonders. With this tour, all the logistics are taken care of so all you need do is complete the challenging 10-mile (18-kilometer) hike. Set off from Chania in early morning and arrive at the trailhead ahead of the crowds. After the guided hike, board a boat back to Chora Sfakion, then a bus back to Chania.

Spectacular views of one of Europe’s longest canyons from the trail
Finish with lunch (own expense) at the coastal village of Agia Roumeli
Hike with a guide, who can offer support and assistance
Hassle-free round trip transport from select north coast hotels

What's Included

Local taxes
Professional guide
Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)
Bus transportation that transport guests between their hotel and the start of the hike

Entrance fees 16
Food and drinks
Gratuities

Meeting And Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Start time

05:00 AM

Pickup details

From selected hotels in Heraklion Area, Chania Area, Rethymnon Area

What To Expect

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Children must be accompanied by an adult
The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
Minimum age is 3 years

Not recommended for travelers with back problems
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Travelers should have a strong physical fitness level
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 50 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

about cancellations.

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.5

27 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

Showing 1-5 of 27 reviews

Amazing ✨️

Codie_R, Sep 2022

This trip will definitely leave you sore! Very very beautiful walk for people that are used to walking very larger distances. The coach picked us up from our hotel in Hersonissos at 4:50 am and we made it to the gorgeous for around 9/10 am. When we completed the gorgeous we were given some free time at the beech and caught a boat to a nearby port to start our journey back. We set off again at around half past 6 and we arrived back at our hotel for 11pm. All in all this was a truly wonderful experience ✨️

Response from Host, Sep 2022

Thank you very much for your lovely feedback Codie. Indeed Samaria gorge is an amazing place We are really happy that you liked it so much. Hope to see you again soon!

Amazing scenery and experience but frustrating logistics

Tobias_G, Aug 2022

A fantastic and very scenic gorge. Stunning all the way along the 14k. Tour guide was very good and knowledgeable. But allowing just 6.5 hours to do this walk allows for very little time to stop and enjoy the scenery’s. Also not very realistic to expect people to walk any faster in 32 degrees (36 degrees in the sun). Long queue at entrance….we were warned “cash” only but then an official announced that e-tickets could be booked. The hiking trail was extremely busy - especially the 1st and steep part. This is a very long day = at least 13 hours (from pick-up to drop-off). Finally, we booked for a 5am pick-up but this was changed by the tour operator to a 7.30am pick-up. Resulted in a start of the walk at 10.40am with a “last boat” departure at 5.30pm sharp. Scenery is stunning but logistics deserve no more than 3 stars.

Response from Host, Aug 2022

Dear Tobias, Thank you for sharing your feedback with us. We are really glad that you liked the gorge. Indeed it would be much better if people could stay in the gorge for much longer as it is an amazing place but unfortunately we cannot change the program of the ship. Thank you very much and we hope to see you again soon.

Stunning views, feels like a real accomplishment!

Maria_W, Jul 2022

This made for a very long day, but was so, so worth it! The gorge itself was absolutely beautiful, and the early start was great, as it felt cool when the trail began, with lots of shade for the first half, but became quite hot by the end. The beautiful flowers, wild thyme, rugged rock, clear water, and little wooden bridges were breathtaking at every turn. The terrain definitely tests your ankles, and once you are out of the gorge itself, there is still a 2 km walk to the beach. However, we were very glad to have done it. Our 15, 14, and 10 year old kids said they’d definitely recommend it… and they said it was GORGE-ous. :)

Response from Host, Jul 2022

Thank you so much for your review Maria, It is a great satisfaction for us at Cretan Holidays team to read such beautiful comments like yours, as our priority is the satisfaction of our guests. It is true that the Samaria Gorge is an amazing place and we are very happy that you and your family enjoyed it so much. Hope to see you again soon! Thank you

Breathtaking scenery

Nicholas_S, Aug 2020

Fantastic trip out! Hotel pick up. Masks worn on the bus which wasn’t too busy at all considering it’s August! When we got to the gorge it was a little busy mainly with Greek tourists not practicing social distancing. The trek is so long that eventually your displaced with other walkers and find yourself walking peacefully with no one around. Plenty of rest places and toilets on the way. Most people wearing trainers. It’s a well trodden trail and pathways wide enough to pass slower walkers where needed. The most arduous part I found was leaving the park and walking to the little tourist town by the beach. You can take a bus for €2 if you wish. Highly recommend this trip for the scenery. Warning your leg muscles will ache the next day!

Response from Host, Aug 2020

Dear Nicholas thank you for your nice comment! We are happy that you enjoyed the walk and we would totally agree with you about the last 2 kilometres walk but the gorge is truly a lifetime experience. We would be happy to welcome you again on one of our tours! With best regards

The hike is VERY challenging. NOT...

John A, Sep 2017

The hike is VERY challenging. NOT for a beginner or moderate hiker. Everyone should use hiking shoes not tennis or running shoes. Walking sticks were also a great help. the first 3 kilometers and all downhill but VERY steep and the footing difficult. the Gorge floor is advertised as relatively flat maybe for a goat or mule but the uneven footing persists throughout the entire 13 .5 kilometers It is very beautiful. However my legs took three days to recover.

1 traveler found this review helpful

Questions?

Product code: 6761P73

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