Samaria Gorge

The narrowest part of the gorge

One of the most famous places to see on Crete is the Samaria Gorge, Europe’s largest gorge.  This National Park is 18kms long with unbelievable natural beauty. The gorge is rich with many endemic flowers & herbs with crystal clear spring water flowing from the mountains. – you can even refill your water bottles with it!

The average walking time through the Samaria gorge is 4-6 hours & is on a foot path with rocks & along the river bed. It is mostly downhill (particularly steep in the beginning) & then the final part is in the sun. Agia Roumeli village is where the walk ends & you can enjoy a swim in the Libyan Sea or have lunch one of the many tavernas. From here there is a ferry that takes you to Sougia, where the coach is waiting for you at the harbour & you drive back over the mountains to the north coast to the place where you were picked up.

The guide on the trip will give you information on the coach & you are free to walk at your own pace. The guide follows to ensure everyone comes out at the end & he/she is there if you need assistance. The guide tells you where to meet at the bottom & it is a hassle free trip.

Itinerary - The trip starts with an early pick up from the nearest point to your accommodation (between 05.30 -06.30) and drive through the mountains passing the plateau of Omalos to the wooden stairs at the start of the gorge Arrival at  approx. 07.30
- The guide collects the entrance fees on the coach & he issues your tickets before you get off the coach. 
- You will stop at Omalos at one of the tavernas to get a coffee /breakfast and then you are taken to the start of the gorge.
-The walk should take at least 6-7 hours (if walk slowly & look around to enjoy)
You can refill your water bottles during the walk at the specifi springs.
- Once finished, ample time for a swim in the Lybian Sea & have lunch at a taverna in Agia Roumeli
- Meet the guide to collect ferry tickets.(the guide will tell you where & at what time)
- 18.00 the ferry boat leaves for Sougia 
- Coach ride from Sougia to the north coast. 
- Arrival back at the pick-up point at approximately 20:00-20.30

Note:  If you suffer from a heart condition, high blood pressure, breathing problems, weakness of knees or other knee disorders, vertigo, or pregnant women- THE SAMARIA GORGE IS OFF LIMITS TO YOU, for your own safety! This is not an easy walk. It’s 12miles/18kms of sometimes very steep and rough terrain. The heat is also a factor that you must keep in mind. 

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Crossing the riverbed in June

Wild tulips at Omalos in April

Details for
​Samaria Gorge Trip

*** The gorge officially opens 1st of May unless weather permits it to open earlier or later than that date - tba closer to the time ***
Prices below are from 2017 for indication purposes & may change once the program begins.
​
Price for Samaria Gorge Trip:
Adults: € 32
Children (5 -12 years) :€16
-It is not recommended for children under 5 years old for safety reasons.

Day of Samaria Gorge trip: Daily
​Pick up time: 05.00-06.25 
(depending on where- see the Pick up Points page )
(If you are staying East of Chania & Akrotiri there is an extra cost 3€ - 15€ for the extra distance for pick up -the farthest we pick up east is Kavros & Georgiopolis)
 
Duration of Samaria Gorge Trip:
-14 hours approx.

Price includes:
-Greek/English/German speaking guide
-Transfers with air-conditioned coach

Excludes- Payable on the day:
-Entrance fee to the Samaria Gorge
(€5 Adults & children up to 15 years old are free)

-Boat tickets for Sougia
Adults : €10 
Children (5-12 years) : €5

-Meals & drinks
-Personal expenses
-Tips & gratuities

What to wear:
Walking shoes/boots or trainers with a good grip are a must!
Thick socks
Hat

What to bring:

• Some snacks salty & sweet (on the day you can buy at the shop some snacks, but they are pretty basic, so we suggest you bring your own)
• Swim suit & towel
• Bottle of water
• Light jacket (if doing the gorge spring or fall)

• Light pair of sandals or flip flops, so you can get out of the walking shoes at the end.
• Walking stick if you have one with you.

To book the Samaria Gorge Day Trip, you will need to book at least 1 day in advance to reserve your seat & make payment.

How to Book

Samaria Lazy Trip

​Price for Samaria Lazy Trip:
Adults: € 32
Children (5 -12 years) :€16

Day of Samaria Lazy Trip: Mondays & Tuesdays only.
​
Excludes- Payable on the day:
-Entrance fee to the Samaria Gorge 
(€5 Adults & children up to 15 years old are free)
-Boat tickets from Sougia to Agia Roumeli & back again
Adults : €20 
Children (5-12 years) : €10

You start the same as the other walkers, so you will see the top of the gorge, then you will continue on to Sougia in the coach & get on the ferry there to Agia Roumeli. From Agia Roumeli you will walk up the gorge. You should be able to reach the narrowest point (but at this stage the long walkers are coming down). Then you walk back down to Agia Roumeli & continue the trip like everyone else. 
NOTE: You will pay for two ferry trips (hence the price).
Also, note that you will start your part of the walk quite late in the morning, by the time you catch the ferry & arrive at Agia Roumeli. So ensure to bring a hat because the first part of your walk is very exposed in the sun.​

To book the Samaria Lazy Day Trip, you will need to book at least 1 day in advance to reserve your seat & make payment.

How to book

Agia Roumeli -"the finish line"

The route of Samaria Gorge

Poppys in spring on the Omalos plain.

If you have any questions, please see our FAQ page