Samaria Gorge Day Tour from Chania
€36
- 12 hours
- Hiking, Nature
- Duration 12 hours
- Type of Tour Hiking, Nature, Walking Tour
- Difficulty Challenging
- What You May Need Hiking shoes, Camera, Sun hat, Sunscreen, Beach towel, Swimwear, Recyclable water container
- Included
- Not Included Culinary Day Trips And Excursions Sailing Or Boat Tour
Tour Plan
01
Booking the Tour
To join a Samaria Gorge hike tour, you can book in advance through our website online. It is recommended to book ahead, especially during peak tourist season, to secure your spot.
02
Itinerary
Embark on a full-day guided trip to the Samaria Gorge hike from Chania. The tour starts early in the morning with transportation from your accommodation or a designated meeting point. You will be taken by bus to the entrance of the gorge at Omalos Plateau (Xyloskalo) in the heart of the White Mountains with a comfortable air-conditioned coach. Once there, the certified tour guide will provide an overview of the hike, and any additional information about the area and some tips for the safety instructions inside the gorge.
03
Hiking the Gorge
The hike through the Samaria Gorge takes approximately 6-8 hours, depending on your pace and the groups speed.
05
Wildlife Spotting
As you hike through the gorge, you will be surrounded by natural beauty, impressive rock formations and dramatic landscapes, making it a truly breathtaking experience. You can encounter unique plant species, such as Cretan cypresses and endemic flowers like the Cretan tulip. The Samaria Gorge is home to diverse wildlife, including rare species of birds, reptiles, and the protected Cretan ibex Kri Kri. Your guide may help spot and identify these animals along the way, enhancing your nature-watching experience.
06
Agia Roumeli
The hike concludes at the village of Agia Roumeli, located on the southern coast of Crete along the Libyan Sea. After reaching Agia Roumeli, you will have free time to relax, enjoy a swim in the sea, explore the village, or have a meal at local tavernas.
07
Return Journey
In the late afternoon or early evening, you will board a ferry from Agia Roumeli back to the coastal town of Chora Sfakion or other nearby ports, where a bus will be waiting to transport you back to your original starting point.
Tour Location
Location info
Samaria Gorge – Crete’s Majestic Natural Wonder
Located in the southwest of Crete, within the White Mountains National Park, Samaria Gorge is one of Europe’s longest and most impressive gorges. Stretching approximately 16 kilometers, it begins at an elevation of 1,230 meters at Xyloskalo and descends to the Libyan Sea at Agia Roumeli. The trail traverses through dramatic cliffs, lush forests, and the renowned "Iron Gates," where the gorge narrows to just 3 meters wide and rises nearly 1,000 meters high.
The gorge is home to diverse flora and fauna, including endemic species and the rare Cretan wild goat, known as the Kri-Kri. This protected area is part of the Natura 2000 network, emphasizing its ecological significance.
Typically open from May to October, the gorge offers a challenging yet rewarding hiking experience. The descent takes approximately 5 to 7 hours, concluding at the coastal village of Agia Roumeli, accessible only by foot or boat.
Ready for the ultimate hiking challenge? Book your Samaria Gorge adventure today and explore Crete like never before!
Guide and Commentary