WHY WE LOVE IT

The guide of this hiking trip to Samaria is a blessing! While you will notice solo hikers and large groups passing the gorge (often at a fraction of the cost of this guided tour), with the experience and insights of your guide you will avoid traps and crowds but most importantly importantly will receive personal attention and tips that will enhance the hiking experience in Samaria gorge incredibly.

Activity Description

This is a classic hiking route for visitors in Crete. The gorge is located in the southwest of the island, in the province of Chania, between the White Mountains. Accompanied by an expert mountain guide, you will cross the Samaria gorge, will stop in the most thrilling locations, will avoid any ‘traps’ and will learn first hand about the flora and fauna of this unique location in Europe.
Samaria gorge is a UNESCO national park and refuge to the Cretan goat, the rare ‘kri-kri’. It is about 18 km long at an altitude of 1,250 m at the northern entrance, ending at the shores of the Libyan Sea in Agia Roumeli. The walk through Samaria National Park is 13 km long, but one has to walk another three kilometers to Agia Roumeli from the park exit, making the hike 16 km long. The ‘Gates’ are the most famous part of the gorge, a stretch where the sides of the gorge close in to a width of only four meters and soar up to a height of almost 300 meters (980 feet).
Being the longest gorge in Europe, 18 kms, it usually takes 7 hours to walk through it. The trek is impressive, descending easy and clearly marked, but as it is quite long, good physical condition and some experience in long walking is highly recommended.

You will depart as early as 7 AM from your hotel and with your guide it will take about 1 hour to reach the Omalοs plateau where the trail begins. You will also have the option to stop for breakfast or coffee at the beginning of the gorge. While descending the gorge you will always be accompanied by your mountain guide who will give you information about the history of the area, the flora and fauna. There is plenty of time to take it easy, stop to rest, take pictures, eat snacks, etc. The trail ends at Agia Roumeli where you can swim, rest and have lunch in one of the local tavernas. The ferry departs at 5:30 PM to Sfakia where your private transfer will be waiting to take you back to Chania. Arrival in Chania around 8 PM in the evening.

Special Features

• Expert mountain guide to accompany you throughout the day

• World-famous hiking trail

• Breathtaking views

• Private transfers

Activity Snapshot

Dates | Start Time: May-October, upon arrangement

Duration: Full day, approx 12 hours (hike approx. 7 hours depending on pace)

Meeting Point: Hotel pick up and drop off

Group Size: This is a private tour for up to 7 persons. Larger group tours available upon request

Pace: Some hiking experience required. The terrain in the gorge is rough, rocky and uneven. We do not recommend this hike for persons with mobility difficulties, heart problems, are pregnant and not in a good physical condition

Spoken Language: English, Greek and Spanish

Included: All transfers from/to Chania with a/c minivan, expert mountain guide

Excluded: Any lunch, food and drinks, entrance fee to the gorge (€5) and ferry ticket (€12.5)

Note: Good hiking shoes are needed, as well as a cap, sunglasses, sunscreen and light clothing. Bring a swimsuit and a towel for the beach. It is recommended to carry only 1 bottle of water, as you can refill at several points during the hike

Cancellation Policy

FREE cancellation up to 48 hour before the tour. Cancellations less than 48 hours before the tour: Refund of 50%. No show: No refund.

Additional Info

• Confirmation to be received as soon as possible (within 24 hours from booking)

• You can present either a print out or an electronic booking confirmation for this activity

• Complete information on Vendor, including local telephone numbers at your destination, will be sent with your Booking Confirmation. The TravelPorter hand-picks the most remarkable, experienced and reliable vetted professionals for a pleasant experience from booking to completion.

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