Samaria Gorge
Samaria Gorge
Samaria Gorge

Samaria Gorge Tours and Tickets

479 reviews

Samaria Gorge, in southwestern Crete, is one of Europe’s longest canyons. A popular hiking destination, its rugged river valley trail runs 10 miles (16 kilometers) from Xyloskalo in the White Mountains to he coastal village of Agia Roumeli. The gorge is part of Samaria Gorge National Park, which enjoys a seat along the Libyan Sea coast.

  • Crete

Tours and Tickets to Experience Samaria Gorge

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What are people saying about Samaria Gorge

Sanna_K, Sep 2023
Beautiful place on earth
Beautiful walk in the Samaria gorge and very nice busdriver and a guide Maria. Everything went smoothly. Love it!
Sarah_G, Oct 2023
Fabulous Day hike!
Fabulous hike! The tour was so well organized! Thomas, our guide, gave very clear directions, was friendly, helpful and organized. The bus driver drove safely which was a comfort since it is a very winding road. I would strongly recommend doing the hike (if your knees are good!) and I recommend using this tour provider, Elafonissos Travel.
Hana_T, Oct 2023
Best hiking place
Was best time , that I enjoyed. First of the all I was so scared that I can manage this so high roads, but everywhere was someone from tour group to support you. I very much thank you and for sure I will be come next year again.
Katie_K, Oct 2023
This was an awesome hike!...
This was an awesome hike! The bus ride was on a super curvy mountain road that might not be great for folks with motion sickness, but once we arrived at the trailhead it was definitely worth it. The hike was gorgeous and we had time at the end to have a quick meal and swim a bit.
Frequently Asked Questions
People Also Ask
Q:Is the Samaria Gorge hike worth it?
A:Yes, the Samaria Gorge hike is absolutely worth it—this spot is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, a national park, and one of Europe's longest gorges. At one particularly narrow point, The Gates, the gorge walls are just 13 feet (4 meters) apart—and 1,000 feet (300 meters).
Q:How long does it take to walk the Samaria Gorge?
A:Most people will hike Crete’s Samaria Gorge in roughly 6–7 hours, though you may need more or less time. Technically, you’ll also need to make the 1.2-mile (2-kilometer) walk to Agia Roumeli at the hike’s end—the distance between the end of the gorge and where you’ll hop on a return ferry to Chora Sfakia.
Q:Can you do Samaria Gorge without a tour?
A:Yes, you can hike the Samaria Gorge without taking a tour. Buses from Chania will take you to the head of the Gorge, aka Xyloskalo (be sure to arrive as early as possible). At the hike’s end, you’ll need to hop on a ferry to Chora Sfakia and—depending on your lodging—take another bus back to Chania.
Q:What is Samaria Gorge known for?
A:The Samaria Gorge is known for being one of Europe’s longest gorges—and one of Europe’s most beautiful national parks. A narrow cut in Crete’s White Mountains, one of the island’s most popular activities is to trek down its length, from the top of the Omalos plateau to Agia Roumeli on the Libyan Sea.
Q:What do you wear to Samaria Gorge?
A:If you’re hiking the Samaria Gorge, dress in layers. Not only are you starting early in the morning—and not wrapping up for another 6–8 hours—you’re descending some 4,101 feet (1,250 meters). You’ll also want sturdy hiking shoes, though hiking boots tend to be cumbersome.
Q:How difficult is the Samaria Gorge walk?
A:The Samaria Gorge trek—including the walk to Agia Roumeli—is 10 miles (16 kilometers), and it’s all downhill; the first 2 miles (3 kilometers) are the steepest. While it’s not an easy trek, hikers of all ages, from small children to older adults, can be found on the trail. If you’re a confident hiker, you can handle it.