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.
Samaria gorge is a 14km 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.
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.
We will depart at 6am and start walking in order to take advantage of the shade. By noon time, most visitors have already reached the sea. Will be back at 9pm. The entrance fee is 5 euro per person, paid separate by you at the entrance.
At the end of the hike we rest at Agia Roumeli, a village with few restaurants and a beach ideal for taking a swim, buy the tickets for the boat to Sougia village (13 euro per person).
At Sougia we take a taxi (70 euro the ride for up to 6 persons, drive to the place we left the car and head back to Chania. It’s necessary to wear at least good sports/hike shoes, take a hat and sunscreen.
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)
- Arrival at Samaria gorge after 1 hour drive
- Hike for 5 hours, 14km in total
- Stops during the hike and eat a light snack
- Arrival at Agia Roumeli (end of hike) around lunchtime. Eat in a restaurant and swim
- Catch a boat to Sougia
- Arrival to Sougia. By taxi to Samaria entrance
- Arrival to Samaria and drive back to Chania
- Return around 21:00pm
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
- 13 euro boat from Agia Roumeli (exit of Samaria) to Sougia.
- 70 euro taxi from Sougia to entrance of Samaria
Estimated Local Cash Needed
70-110 euro per person
- 20 euro for a meal in a local restaurant at end of Samaria gorge, Agia Roumeli village
- 13 euro boat ticket from Agia Roumeli – Sougia
- 70 euro for group taxi Sougia – Samaria, depending on number of travelers
- 5 euro entry ticket to Samaria National Park
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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