Samaria Gorge Hiking from Chania with Professional Hiking Guide

Overview

Get ready for an unforgettable journey through one of Europe’s longest and most breathtaking gorges! This is a full-day hiking adventure, ideal for nature lovers and active explorers. You’ll hike approximately 16 kilometers through dramatic landscapes, towering cliffs, ancient forests, and the famous narrow passage known as the “Iron Gates.” Along the way, you might spot the rare Cretan wild goat (Kri-Kri) and enjoy the rich, wild beauty of Crete's national park. The hike typically takes between 5 to 7 hours, depending on your pace, and ends at the peaceful seaside village of Agia Roumeli. Here, you’ll have free time to relax, enjoy a swim in the crystal-clear Libyan Sea, and have lunch at one of the charming seaside tavernas. After recharging by the sea, we board the ferry-boat to Sougia, cruising along Crete’s rugged southern coastline. At Sougia, our bus will be waiting to comfortably drive you back to Chania after a day full of adventure and natural beauty.

Itinerary

1. Omalos

   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 7am. The panoramic view of the gorge from the plateau is a photophile's delight, so after short stop for pictures and/or breakfast, you will hop on the bus and depart for the traditional village of Sougia. It is there that you will hop on a boat and sail along the coast of Crete till you reach Agia Roumeli.

   · 30 min

2. Samaria Gorge National Park

   No holiday in Crete is complete without a trip through the 2nd longest gorge in Europe, the Gorge of Samaria. It is the longest and most imposing ravine in the Mediterranean. It is 16.5 kilometers in length from the position of Xyloskalo and terminates at Agia Roumeli in the Libyan Sea. We will arrive around 7 o’clock in the morning and after a short break you will start walking. Descending the 600 wooden steps you will be intrigued by the beauty and serenity of this massive gorge which is shadowed by the white Mountains. You will come across the church of St. Nicolas, built on the ruins of an ancient temple. Afterwards you will reach “Portes” or “Iron Gates”, the narrowest pass of the gorge. The hike ends at Agia Roumeli.

   · 6 h· Admission not included

3. Agia Roumeli

   Agia Roumeli is the home of one Greece's most beautiful beaches. Nestled between mountains, this beach boasts some great scenery. A small village at the exit of the Samaria gorge on the south shores of Sfakia in Crete, with unique beauty and interesting historical background.

   · 4 h

Pickup

Pickup included.

A day before the tour operator will send you the exact pick up point and time with a map link. Pick up will be from your hotel or close by

How to use your ticket

Ticket handed over by the operator on site

Kindly contact the supplier in order to be advised for the exact pick up time and point. Guide will give all the instructions passengers need.

What to know before you go

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
• Pick up/Drop off is conducted only is select spots in Chania. Depending on your location, you will be advised on the time and place after booking.
• Be sure to wear comfortable hiking shoes for the trek through the gorge
• It is advisable to bring the following items with you: sunscreen, sunglasses and hat
• It is important to stay hydrated, so bring a bottle of water (you can refill it in the gorge's springs) and a light snack (fruits etc.)
• Υou can swim at Agia Roumeli beach just after you exit the gorge so make you have a swimsuit and beach towel with you
• Τhe entrance fee to Samaria as well as the boat fee are paid with cash on the spot
• Half way down the gorge lies the old village of Samaria, which has a telephone for communication with the police, a pharmacy, and two mules to transport injured persons.
• In the village of Samaria, take a quiet walk around and you may catch a glimpse of the endangered kri‐kri. They are usually very friendly towards people!
• Upon reservation please advise the exact name of your hotel in order to send you the exact pick up time and place
• Τhe trip is not recommended for any person with a history of knee problems, high blood pressure, cardiac and pulmonary problems, pregnant women and for anybody who suffers from vertigo/fear of heights

Travelers

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

• From 1 days before : 100% refunded
• From 0 days before : 0% refunded

This activity can be canceled in case of bad weather or if there aren't enough participants.

Reviews

Product code: 274289P1

Activity offered by Fantasy Travel via Viator.