Samaria Gorge Tour

Join us for an unforgettable adventure in one of Europe’s most beautiful gorges! We start early in the morning and travel across Crete. Our first stop is a short coffee break in Rethymno.

Next, we head to Omalos Plateau, a village in the White Mountains. This is where the entrance to Samaria National Park is located, offering stunning views.

“Hike Through Nature’s Masterpiece – Explore Samaria Gorge!”

On this hike, you will see breathtaking landscapes, freshwater springs, and unique wildlife. You’ll walk through towering cliffs, enjoy the peaceful beauty of nature, and visit ancient ruins. A highlight of the journey is the Iron Gates, the narrowest and most famous part of the gorge.

The gorge is 16 km long and starts at 1,230 meters above sea level. Walking through it is one of the most exciting experiences in Crete!

After the hike, you will arrive in Agia Roumeli, a seaside village. Here, you can swim in the clear waters of the Libyan Sea or enjoy a meal at a local taverna. The day ends with a scenic boat ride to Chora Sfakion, where we will take you back to your hotel.

Important Information

Our tour guide will be with you throughout the hike to ensure your safety. They will always stay in touch with local authorities in case of an emergency.

There are freshwater springs along the trail, so you don’t need to carry too much water. The park also has toilets and rubbish bins to keep the area clean.

The National Park is home to the rare Cretan wild goat (Kri-Kri) and birds like golden eagles and griffon vultures. You’ll also see unique Cretan herbs and flowers along the way.

There are several rest areas on the trail, including Samaria village, an abandoned settlement. Park rangers and first aid staff are always available to assist hikers.

Before starting, visitors will receive park guidelines to help protect nature and stay safe. Local authorities monitor the weather, and if conditions are unsafe they close the park for safety reasons.

Weekly Schedule

Tuesday: English, French.

Thursday: English, French.

Highlights of the Samaria Hiking Tour

Relax on a comfortable bus ride along Crete’s northwest coast with beautiful views.
Visit the famous Omalos Plateau at the foot of the White Mountains.
Hike through the 16 km long Samaria National Park.
Explore the ruins of Osia Maria, an ancient settlement.
Sideroportes (Iron Gates): Take amazing photos at the narrowest point of the gorge.
Take a scenic boat trip from Agia Roumeli to Chora Sfakion.
Chora Sfakion Village: End your walking journey with a visit to the village and its beautiful harbor.

Tour Itinerary

05:00 – 06:00: Bus Departure.
07:00: Stop at Skaleta for breakfast and WC.
07:20: Departure from Skaleta.
10:00: Omalos Plateau, 15 minutes preparation and beginning of hiking.
10:30: Samaria Gorge Entrance.
15:00-16:00: We exit the National Park of Samaria Gorge.
17:45: Boat departure from Agia Roumeli to Sfakia.
18:45: Arrival at Sfakia and boarding on bus.
20:30: Stop at Skaleta for a snack and WC.
21:30 – 22:00: Return time back.

The Samaria Gorge Tour Includes

Hotel pick-up and drop off.
A professional tour guide.
Insurance.
Cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.

Excludes

Entrance tickets to Samaria Gorge are 10€ for adults. They are free for children under 15 years old and for EU citizens over 65.
Boat tickets from Agia Roumeli to Chora Sfakion cost 13€ for adults and 6.5€ for children under 12 years old.
Meals and drinks.

Must Bring

Walking shoes with rubber soles for a good grip.

Bring an extra pair of socks, energy snacks and a big bottle of water.

Also, sun protection, a towel and a swimming suit.

Not Suitable

This hiking tour is not for everyone. Please consult your doctor if you have heart, breathing, or moving problems.