Samaria Gorge Hiking from Chania with Professional Hiking Guide

4.5 (407 reviews) 14 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

407 reviews

4.5

The Samaria Gorge — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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.

Day Trips Hiking Tours Nature and Wildlife Tours Full-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Excellent Quality Adventure Tours

At a glance

Duration: 14 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 50 people
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: Fantasy Travel

Ages: Infants (0–4 years) · Children (5–12 years) · Youth (13–17 years) · Adults (18–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: All Fees and Taxes
Included: Air-Conditioned Luxury Bus
Included: Hiking Escort
Included: Full Liability Insurance

Not included

Not included: Personal expenses, extra beverages or meals
Not included: • Boat Fare: 15 euros //Up to 12,99 yrs : 7,50 €
Not included: Entrance fee: EU CITIZENS: 0-17FREE/ 18-64(10,00 €)/ 65+ (FREE)
Not included: Entrance Fee: OTHER NATIONALITIES: 0-4FREE/ 5-64(10,00 €)No discount for 65+ (10,00 €)

Itinerary

Omalos

30 min

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.
Samaria Gorge National Park

6 hours Admission not included

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.
Agia Roumeli

4 hours

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.

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

Castalia Apartments
Hotel Splanzia
Ideon Hotel
Polixeny's Suites
Hotel Falassarna
Ontas Traditional Hotel
Hotel Candia
Katrina Studios & Apartments
Pandora Suites Hotel
Chania Rooms
Palazzo Di Pietro
Archontiki Hotel

and 70 more pickup points

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

Using your ticket

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.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

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