Description
Samaria gorge is a National Park with unique flora and fauna, in the heart of the Lefka Ori mountains, located approximately 45km from Chania. It is by far the best hike in Crete, and probably one of the best in Europe! It is listed as a protected UNESCO reserve.
We will depart at 6am and stop in 1-2 locations to enjoy the view and nature. I will talk about the Cretan mountains, nature and culture. After 1 hour driving from Chania, we will reach Samaria gorge entrance. You will start hiking early, in the shade. By noon that the sun is really strong you will have already reached the sea. Will provide transportation only, not hike with you.
It is a demanding hike. The hike path is uneven and rocky, you have to watch your step. You have to hike at least 6km on a weekly basis or this hike will be too tiring and perhaps you will not make it in time at the exit to take the boat. If you have injuries at legs, its better not to hike it. Its impossible to get lost, you will hike in the bottom of the gorge with cliffs around. Will provide transportation only, not hike with you.
Samaria gorge is a 16km downhill hike between mountains and a forest, with a river flowing and organized resting places. Its landscape’s beauty is unique with its vegetation and its highly protected wild life by worldwide organizations, as well as the huge mountains create an spectacular imposing once in a lifetime scenery! For an average hiker it takes 5 hours to cross it and there is no food or any other shop available inside. There is an entrance fee of 5 euro per person.
After hiking Samaria gorge, you will reach Agia Roumeli village, where you could have lunch, swim and relax from the hike, and also buy the tickets for the boat, its 13 euro per person. At 5:30pm you will take the boat to Sougia village, a 45-minute trip, where I will wait to take you to Chania. Good sports shoes, hat and sunscreen are necessary. There is plenty of drinkable water inside. The hike is breathtaking, ideal for nature lovers and wildlife watchers.
Itinerary
- Pick up and drop off at your hotel/accommodation in the greater Chania area or any other nearby convenient location (the earlier the better, recommend at 6:00am)
- Drop off at Samaria gorge after 1 hour drive
- Hike for 5 hours, 16km in total
- Arrival at Agia Roumeli (end of hike) around lunchtime. Eat in a restaurant and swim
- Catch a boat to Sougia at 5:30pm
- Arrival to Sougia at 6:15pm
- Pick up and drive from Sougia to Chania
- Return around 20:00pm
Meeting Point
Bus Station, Hotel, Address or Intersection, Monument/Building, Suggested start off Location: In front of the municipal covered market (Agora)
In extreme weather conditions the gorge might be closed for safety reasons and the boat might not be able to dock.
Transportation
- Private 7 seat mini-van including driver
- Boat from Agia Roumeli (exit of Samaria) to Sougia
Estimated Local Cash Needed
35 euro per person
- 13 euro boat ticket from Agia Roumeli – Sougia
- 5 euro entry ticket to Samaria National Park
- 20 euro for a meal in a local restaurant at end of Samaria gorge, Agia Roumeli village
Additional Information
- Bring sun cream, hat, good hiking shoes
- Bring swim suit and beach towel
- Bring bottles of water and snacks
- We are not licensed to guide inside museums or archeological sites.
- Not wheelchair accessible
- In case of traveler’s serious health problems or other medical concerns please notify us. Not recommended for travelers with back problems. Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
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