Samaria gorge
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Samariá Gorge is in southwest Crete and is a beautiful nature reserve, home to several rare animals and plants. The gorge itself is just under 10 miles (16 km long) and is both picturesque and a reasonably challenging hike, ideal for holiday-makers who want to do something more than lying on a beach. The best way to visit is with a group tour who will help to arrange transport so that your day runs smoothly.
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Tours & day trips
Book your transfer to go for a hike through majestic Samaria gorge.From Rethymno: Samaria Gorge Full-Day Trek, Pickup & Guide
4.6(1761)
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From Chania/Rethymno: Samariá Gorge Guided Hike with Pickup
4.5(1115)
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Crete: Samaria Gorge Hike
4.5(210)
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From Georgioupolis: Roundtrip Transfer to Samaria Gorge
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4 tips for visiting the Samaria gorge
Samaria-Gorge | Flickr: François Philipp CC BY 2.01
Bring good footwear
Important on the stony path are especially correct, already worn hiking boots, ideally ankle-high. Other mandatory equipment is sunscreen and plenty of water!
Hiking in Crete | Flickr: I C CC BY-SA 2.02
Note the sights
Information boards along the trail point out abandoned windmills, bunkers, farmhouses and castles - so keep your eyes open for such man-made monuments as well.
3
Protect nature
Leave nothing but footprints when hiking. Garbage must be disposed of in the designated containers.
4
Pack toilet paper
In case there is no toilet paper at one of the rather simply equipped toilets along the way, it is worth having a roll in your backpack.
Samaria Gorge: Hiking in the southwest of Crete
A natural monument: Europe's second largest gorge is barely 13,12 feet wide at its narrowest point, the Iron Gate, with 1,968.5 feet high rock walls on both sides!
Transfers and day tours to the Samaria Gorge are offered from Chania, Rethymno or Heraklion - the packages differ in part, it is worth looking carefully when booking online. The hiking trail starts at about 3,937 ft (1.200 meters) at the restaurant Xyloskalo near the summit of Gingilos and leads to Agia Roumeli. Experienced hikers need about 3 to 4 hours for the stony path, but to fully appreciate the landscape should be allowed at least 5 hours to a full day.
UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Samaria Gorge
The unique flora and fauna of the rugged, chalky mountain landscape awaits with 14 animal species native only here, such as the Cretan mountain goat Kri-kri (Capra aegagrus cretica) or bearded vultures. Trees such as cypresses, pines and plane trees occur here in large numbers.
General information
opening hours
For the 2026 season, the entire park opened on May 19. The main path’s possible annual operating window is April 10 through October 31, but exact dates and hours depend on conditions, and the gorge may close at short notice; check current announcements and ferry service before setting out. Entry for the full route or a longer partial hike is from 7 am to 1 pm. From 1 pm to 3 pm, access is limited to the first 2 km (1.2 mi) from the north entrance (Xyloskalo–Neroutsiko); from 1 pm to 4 pm, to the first 2 km (1.2 mi) from the south entrance (Agia Roumeli–Christos). Everyone must leave by 6 pm.
address
Samariá Gorge
Agia Roumeli 730 11
Crete
Greece
Agia Roumeli 730 11
Crete
Greece
website
Official site: https://www.samaria.gr/
tickets
Admission is mandatory. An individual ticket costs €10; eligible organized groups from clubs or associations with more than 10 people pay €8 per member; the family category is listed at €6 per person for parents and minor children; and an annual individual pass costs €25. Under-18s nevertheless qualify for a free pass, and over-65s also enter free. Other proof-based exemptions include EU higher-education students, educational groups, people with disabilities and their companions, and eligible local residents. The full route and shorter hikes cost the same. Dated tickets are available online or at either entrance.
how to get there
The entrance to Samariá Gorge is located in Omalos, and you’ll walk through the gorge until you reach Agia Roumeli. Public buses can be taken to Omalos from Chania, and it’s best to leave your car in Chania so you don’t have to return to Omalos once you reach the other end of the gorge. From the other end of the gorge, you can take a ferry to Hora Sfakion, Sougia, or Paleochora. Once you get to these places you’ll be able to take a bus back to Chania. Alternatively, you can take part in a day trip that will handle all the transportation for you.
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