Join us for an unforgettable adventure through Samaria Gorge, one of the longest gorges in Europe, offering an incredible hiking experience in the heart of Crete. Spanning 16 kilometers and descending from an altitude of 1,230 meters, this trek promises spectacular views of the White Mountains (Lefka Ori), rare flora and fauna, and the famous Iron Gates (Sideroportes). As you make your way down the gorge, you’ll be surrounded by Crete’s stunning natural beauty, creating a day you’ll never forget.

Samaria Gorge declared a National Park in 1962, the village of Samaria was evacuated for this purpose. It has been inhabited since pre-historic times.

The Samaria Gorge has already been subject to National Park protection status for 50 years. Since its designation as a National park in 1962, people from all over the world have crossed the Gorge and realized why it has been famous since the era of earlier travellers, such as F.W. Sieber, Robert Pashley and Victor Raulin. Today, the Samaria Gorge is one the most important pillars for the sustainable development of the entire island of Crete and is supremely important to the local communities living around the National Park.

The Greek State has been responsible for the management of the area through the Forest Directorate of Chania since the National Park was founded. In 2008 the Samaria National Park Management Body was established with European Union funding, participating in the management of the Park while promoting the design and implementation of the Specific Environmental Study and the Management Plan for the area.

Samaria is also the primary habitat for the endangered Cretan wild goat, known as the Kri-Kri (Capra aegagrus creticus).

We start our journey with a hotel pick-up, ensuring a smooth and easy start to your day. Our first stop is at the Omalos Plateau for a delicious breakfast while enjoying the picturesque views of the mountains. After fueling up, we begin our hike at 8:00 AM. The descent through Samaria Gorge can take anywhere between 4 to 6 hours, depending on your pace, allowing you to experience the breathtaking landscapes at your own speed.

As you hike through the gorge, you’ll marvel at the towering cliffs, dense vegetation, and abundant wildlife, making this trek a nature lover’s paradise. The highlight of the hike is the Iron Gates (Sideroportes), where the gorge narrows dramatically, offering a truly awe-inspiring sight.

After completing the hike, you’ll reach the small coastal village of Agia Roumeli. Here, you can relax, have lunch, or even take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Libyan Sea, depending on how much time you have left.

Next, we’ll take a scenic 1-hour boat ride from Agia Roumeli to Sougia, where our buses will be waiting to take you back to your hotel. We expect to return to your hotel around 20:00-20:30, after a day full of adventure, stunning landscapes, and relaxation.

Please note that this trip is not recommended for individuals with a history of heart or knee problems, high blood pressure, or pregnant women due to the strenuous nature of the hike.

Book your Samaria Gorge adventure today and discover one of Crete’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders!