Samaria Gorge
The beginning of Samaria Gorge walk
One of the most famous places to see on Crete is the Samaria Gorge, Europe’s largest gorge. This National Park is 16kms 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 (at specific points).
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). Starting at 1,250m height amongst the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) the path winds down the mountain & into the depth of the gorge, to the narrowest point which is 2m wide!
There are rest stops & toilets throughout the gorge & places where the fresh spring water runs to refill your water bottles.
At the end of the park, the remaining final walk (3kms) is in the sun. You can get a ride on a minibus for 2 Euros (payable locally), if you don't want to do the last part.
Agia Roumeli village is where 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 village, 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 the group to ensure everyone comes out at the end & he/she is there if you need any assistance. The guide will inform you as to how long it should take for you to get to each point, roughly, so you are sure to get to Sougia in time. The guide tells you where to meet at the end.
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). Starting at 1,250m height amongst the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) the path winds down the mountain & into the depth of the gorge, to the narrowest point which is 2m wide!
There are rest stops & toilets throughout the gorge & places where the fresh spring water runs to refill your water bottles.
At the end of the park, the remaining final walk (3kms) is in the sun. You can get a ride on a minibus for 2 Euros (payable locally), if you don't want to do the last part.
Agia Roumeli village is where 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 village, 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 the group to ensure everyone comes out at the end & he/she is there if you need any assistance. The guide will inform you as to how long it should take for you to get to each point, roughly, so you are sure to get to Sougia in time. The guide tells you where to meet at the end.
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.
Arrival at approx. 07.40 - The guide collects the entrance fees & he/she issues your tickets - You will stop at Omalos at one of the tavernas to get a coffee/ very simple breakfast and then you are taken to the start of the gorge at the "wooden stairs". There is another shop at the starting point as well selling fruit/sandwiches/drinks & walking sticks. -08.15 Arrival to Xyloskalo(entrance of the gorge) - Start of the hiking -The walk should take at least 6-7 hours (if walked slowly & look around to enjoy) -There are toilets and rest stops as well as rangers all the way through. - Once finished, ample time for a swim in the Lybian Sea and/or have lunch at one of the many tavernas in Agia Roumeli - 16.00 Meet the guide to collect ferry tickets. (the guide will tell you where & at what time before you start walking) - 17.30 the ferry boat leaves for Sougia - Coach ride from Sougia to the north coast. - Arrival back at the pick-up point at approximately 20:00-21.00 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. Hiking boots are the best, but trainers with good grip will do. Just don't wear new shoes! |
The footpath in the beginning.
|
Price of Samaria Gorge TripPrice for Samaria Gorge Trip:
Adults: €30 Children (4 -12 years) : € 15 -It is not recommended for children under 5 years old for safety reasons. Day of Samaria Gorge trip: Daily Pick up time: 05:15 - 06:30 (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 but there must be minimum 4 people to pick up from this area) Duration of Samaria Gorge Trip: -14 hours approx. Price includes: -Greek/English/German speaking guide -Transfers with air-conditioned coach Price Excludes : -Entrance fee to the Samaria Gorge (€10 Adults -Children up to 18 years old & adults over 65yrs old are free) Payable online to the N.E.C.C.A and only valid for the specific day for which it was issued. -Boat ticket for Sougia (cash only) Adults : €14 Children (5-12 years) : €7 -Meals & drinks -Personal expenses -Tips & gratuities To book the Samaria Gorge Trip, you will need to book at least 1 day in advance to reserve your seat & make payment. |
|
What to Wear & What to Bring on the Day
|
What to wear:
What to bring:
To book the Samaria Gorge Day Trip, you will need to book at least 1 day in advance to reserve your seat & make payment. **** Based on the Rules and Regulations of the National Park, visitors must respect and protect the natural environment of the National Park, as well as to comply with the regulations when entering, exiting and staying in it. Visitors assume unconditional personal responsibility for their own safety upon entering and remaining within the territorial boundaries of the Samaria Gorge, acknowledging and accepting all the inherent risks, particularly in cases of emergencies and unforeseen circumstances and must take any measures they deem necessary for their personal safety, including but not indicative, the use of protective helmets, suitable footwear, compliance with safety distances, etc. In addition, they must fully comply with any emergency regulations or prohibitions on entry and stay within the National Park, as well as, in any case, adhere to the instructions and recommendations from the staff of the competent authorities or their contractors. |
Near Samaria village
|
The route of Samaria Gorge
