From Chania: Samaria Gorge with Professional Hiking Guide
Hightlight
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English-Speaking
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Group-Friendly
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Reservations
History
Samaria Gorge, carved over millennia by a mountain river, became Crete’s first national park in 1962 to protect its unique ecosystem. The 16-km chasm shelters the endangered kri-kri goat and rare cypress forests once sacred to ancient Minoans.
Once a refuge for Cretan rebels during Ottoman rule, the gorge’s narrow “Iron Gates” at 3 m wide symbolize nature’s raw power. Agia Roumeli village, reachable only by foot or sea, preserves a timeless coastal rhythm.
Highlights
- Trek 16 km through Europe’s second-longest gorge
- Spot the elusive kri-kri wild goat on rocky cliffs
- Pass the dramatic 3-m-wide Iron Gates passage
- Swim in Libyan Sea waters at secluded Agia Roumeli
- Cross ancient cypress forests and crystal streams
Full Description
Rise early for a 6:00 AM pickup and glide toward the White Mountains in an air-conditioned coach. Arrive at Omalos plateau for a hearty breakfast (own expense) before descending into Samaria Gorge National Park.
Your professional hiking guide leads the 5–7 hour trek over rocky paths, wooden bridges, and cool river crossings. Marvel at 500-m-high cliffs, abandoned villages, and seasonal wildflowers as the trail narrows to the iconic Iron Gates.
Emerge at Agia Roumeli for well-earned beach time—swim, sunbathe, and savor fresh fish at seaside tavernas. A scenic ferry ride to Sougia follows, then a comfortable bus returns you to your hotel after an epic day in Crete’s wild heart.
Why Choose This Experience?
Conquer Europe’s most famous gorge with a certified hiking escort who knows every trail secret and safety protocol. Door-to-door transfers from 42 locations eliminate rental car stress and early-morning navigation.
Full liability insurance, luxury coaches, and expert pacing make this challenging adventure accessible to fit hikers. Reserve now, pay later, and cancel free up to 24 hours—perfect for flexible Crete itineraries.
What’s Included
- Hotel pickup & drop-off from 42 locations around Chania
- Professional English-speaking hiking guide
- Air-conditioned luxury coach with Wi-Fi
- Ferry ticket from Agia Roumeli to Sougia
- National park entrance fee (€5)
- Full liability & accident insurance
- Trekking poles rental (available on-site)
- Emergency first-aid kit & satellite phone
- Informational booklet with gorge map
- Bottled water on morning transfer
- All taxes and fuel surcharges
Itinerary
- Pickup from 42 locations (starting 5:30–6:30 AM)
- Bus to Omalos plateau (1.5 hours)
- Omalos – breakfast stop (30 min, own expense)
- Samaria Gorge – guided hike (5–7 hours)
- Agia Roumeli – lunch, swimming, free time (2.5 hours)
- Ferry to Sougia (1 hour)
- Bus return to drop-off points (1.5 hours)
Pricing
From $38 per person
Meeting Point
42 pickup locations: Nea Chora, Halepa, SYN.KA. Super Market, Platanias, Selini Suites, Nesaki, Tavronitis, Agia Marina, Galini Palace Hotel, Myrion Beach Resort & Spa, Agioi Apostoli, Alfa Hotel Apartments, Loca Cafe, SYNKA, Xenios Dias Luxury Apartments, Maleme, Atlantica Caldera Beach Hotel, Bossa Nova Restaurant, Stalos, Halepa Hotel, Albatros hotel, Eikonostasi, Marias Taverna, Gerani, Musical Konaki Taverna, Feidias cafe bar Chania, SanSal Boutique Hotel, Kriti Hotel, Euphoria Resort, Oscar Suites & Village, Kolymvari, Hotel Irida, Marika Hotel, Ο Μύλος του Κερατά, Mike Hotel, Bus Stop Agora, Kaneva, Sunny Rent a Car, Minoa Palace Resort, Porto Platanias Beach Resort & Spa, SILK OIL.
How to get there
- Hotel pickup included—confirm exact time 24 hours prior
- Self-drive to Omalos not recommended (park closes entrance road)
- Public bus KTEL from Chania (departs 6:15 AM, returns late)
- Taxi to central pickup points (average €15 from Chania Old Town)
Good to Know
What to bring
- Sturdy hiking shoes with ankle support
- Sun hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen
- At least 1.5 L water (refill stations in gorge)
- Swimwear, towel, change of clothes
- Light backpack, energy snacks
Know before you go
- 16 km downhill hike (900 m elevation loss); moderate–difficult
- Not suitable for knee issues, heart conditions, or pregnancy
- No smoking, music, or littering inside national park
- Toilets & water only at rest stops (every 2–3 km)
- Hiking poles highly recommended (€5 rental from guide)
Reviews
- Nikos kept perfect pace—clear instructions, kri-kri sighting! Beach lunch divine.
- Smooth transfers, epic views. Rented poles saved my knees.
- Guide Nico made geology fun; Agia Roumeli swim = perfect reward.
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
Is the Samaria Gorge hike suitable for beginners?
No—while fit walkers manage it, the 16 km trail drops 900 m over rocky, uneven terrain with loose stones and river crossings. Expect 5–7 hours of continuous descent; good shoes and basic stamina are essential. The guide sets a moderate pace with frequent water stops and explains footing techniques. Beginners often rent poles (€5) for stability. Children over 10 join with parents; under 5 prohibited by park rules. Rest points every 2 km offer benches and toilets. Previous hiking experience on similar trails strongly advised.
Are meals included in the tour price?
No—breakfast at Omalos, lunch in Agia Roumeli, and ferry snacks are at your own expense to allow personal choice. Omalos tavernas serve €8–12 Greek breakfast (coffee, pie, yogurt). Agia Roumeli offers 15+ seaside tavernas with fresh fish (€12–18), salads, or souvlaki; vegetarian options abound. Guides recommend spots and reserve tables for groups. Bring €30–40 cash (some accept cards). Energy bars advised for mid-hike. Water refill stations are free inside the gorge.
What happens in case of bad weather?
Tours operate rain or shine except when the park service closes the gorge for safety (rare flash floods or snow). In such cases, full refunds or rescheduling apply within 24 hours. Light rain is common in spring—bring a packable jacket. Summer heat reaches 35°C; start hydrated and use sun protection. Guides carry satellite phones and first aid. If you feel unwell mid-hike, evacuation by mule (€50) or helicopter (insurance-covered) is available. Daily weather checks ensure go/no-go decisions by 5 AM.
Can I bring my own hiking poles or rent them?
Yes—personal collapsible poles are welcome and recommended. Alternatively, rent sturdy wooden poles from your guide at Omalos for €5 (cash); returned at Agia Roumeli. Rental includes rubber tips to protect trail stones. Over 80% of hikers use poles to reduce knee strain on the steep 4-km initial descent. Guides demonstrate proper technique. No metal spikes allowed inside the park. Storage on bus and ferry provided for non-hikers in your group.
How does pickup and drop-off work with 42 locations?
Your exact pickup time (5:30–6:30 AM) and nearest stop are confirmed via email/SMS 24 hours prior. The luxury coach follows an efficient route covering all 42 points from Kolymvari to Chania. Wait outside your hotel or designated spot 5 minutes early. Drop-off mirrors pickup in reverse order, ending around 8:00 PM. Track the bus live via WhatsApp group created by the guide. If your hotel isn’t listed, the closest stop is assigned (max 500 m walk). Private transfers available for extra fee.
