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One of the longest gorges in Europe and the most famous in Crete. This 16km gorge will take you into the heart of the Cretan Mountains and enchant you with its natural beauty and breathtaking scenery.
Book NowSamaria Gorge is the most famous trekking gorge in all of Europe. At almost 16km long it is truly an incredible and unforgettable experience. Samaria Gorge is one the longest gorge in Europe and it is one of the most impressive in all of Greece. The rough terrain and trekking time is not for the faint-hearted. Should you chose to trek through this incredible feat of nature it is estimated to take you between 5 and 7 hours to finish the trail.
Samaria gorge is located within the White Mountains to the South of Chania, where there are few inhabitants as the area of Samaria Gorge has no roads. The village of Samaria lies within the gorge but was abandoned in 1962 when the Gorge became a national park.
Your trek into the fascinating Samaria Gorge starts at an altitude of 1,230m with a slow descent to the cooling sea at Agia Roumeli. As you descend the gorge you will see many different buildings from the uninhabited village of Samaria; a Venetian Castle; remnants of prehistoric settlements and the beautiful church of St Nikolas (which was built on the ruins on an ancient temple). On your way through the gorge you will see many species of plants and animals which make the gorges landscape change with the coming seasons and is a truly magical sight all year round.
At the widest point of the gorge it is 150m across and at the narrowest it is only 3m wide. It is this part which is known as the “Iron Gates” or Pórtes in Greek. At around 14km you will reach the old village of Agia Roumeli which was destroyed in the 1950s due to flooding. 2km further along you will find the new village of Agia Roumeli and the beautiful beach in which to cool off until a boat arrives at 5.15pm to take you back to the port of Sougia where we will be waiting to collect you from your incredible adventures within the Gorge.
Departure
Your Hotel/ Accomodation
Departure Time
06:30 am
Return Time
Approximately 7:30 pm
Included
Excluded
Samaria Gorge is one of the longest gorges in Europe and is the most popular to hike here in Crete. Its High Limestone Cliffs and quaint villages create the backdrop for the perfect hiking experience.
The Samaria trail is lined with cypress and pine trees as well as many other species of plants and animals which make it a landscape like no other. The Gorge starts at an altitude of 1,230m and descends slowly to the new village of Agia Roumeli on Crete’s southern coast.
The first four kilometers of the gorge consists of steps as the descent is quite steep but there is always an opportunity for a break and to admire the view. The next part of the gorge will see you trekking next to the river where you can enjoy the relaxing sounds as you gaze at the beauty all around you. At around 7km into the Gorge you will come across the village of Samaria where the gorge takes its name. This village is now uninhabited since it became a national park in 1962 but the old houses are still used by the National Parks guards and is a beautiful place to take a rest and refuel.
The next few kilometers will take you through the river bed again where you will have several bridges to take you over/through the river. It is this part of the gorge that is the most impressive as it towers above you and you feel the full force of being surrounded by nature. At around 11kms you will come to the shaded clearing of Christos and it’s here you will find the last natural spring within the gorge. The last part of the gorge is possibly the most photographed and the most famous, known as the “Iron Gates”, the gorge towers majestically on both sides at a width of only 3m wide.
Once through the “Gates” the gorge widens, taking you 2km further to the old village of Agia Roumeli which was destroyed by flooding in the 1950s. The final 2kms of the trek will take you to the new village of Agia Roumeli and the tranquil Aegean Sea. Depending on your trekking time, it is here you will have a chance to swim and relax until a boat will arrive and bring you to the arranged meeting point. The boat will arrive to Agia Roumeli at 5.15pm and will take you to the port of Sougia where we will be waiting to collect you from your adventures within then spectacular Samaria gorge.
Within the Samaria National Park there are many other gorges that are equally as impressive although they are lesser known. These include Imbros Gorge and Agia Irini, both of these are worth the time to hike and are equally rewarding should you choose to surround yourself in unspoiled Cretan Beauty.
Price per group (1-3): 240
Price per group (4-6): 280
Price per group (7-9): 310
Boat ticket from Agia Roumeli to Sougia is 11€ adults, 5.50€ children
Entrance fee Samaria 5€, The bus ticket from the exit of the gorge to Agia Roumeli is 2 euros
Remember to bring‼️ Sun Cream, Sunglasses and Hat, Long-Sleeved Shirt for Sensitive skin, Good hiking shoes, Bottle of water and Light Snacks (fruits, etc.), Swim Suit and a Beach Towel.
An average hiker will need about 6 hours to walk through the gorge
Upon request, changes to the itinerary may be made providing mileage and time limits are not exceeded.
