Samaria Gorge Tours and Activities
64 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.
The Basics
The Samaria Gorge hike is a favorite among walkers and a must-do for adventurers in Crete. A steep stone pathway with wooden rails leads down to the trailhead on the gorge floor; from there, the path continues between sheer limestone canyon walls, known as the Iron Gates at their narrowest point. Often more than 1,000 hikers hit the trail each day in summer, so it’s best to start early in the morning before the crowds arrive. The simplest way to manage the logistics of getting to and from the gorge by far is to join a walking tour from Chania, which includes hotel pickup, transportation to the trailhead on air-conditioned bus, and the ride back from Chora Sfakion. Ferry tickets for the trip between where the trail ends and Chora Sfakion are not included in Samaria Gorge tours.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Take sturdy footwear, a sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, a full water bottle, and food to complete the 4- to 6-hour hike safely.
- Stick to the trail! If the going gets too tough, there are park wardens on donkeys to rescue you.
- Overnight camping is not permitted in the gorge; this is a day hike only.
- Some walking tours from Chania do not include the national park entrance fee..
- Because of the rough terrain and length, this hike is not recommended for young kids or those who are not in good physical condition.
How to Get There
Most visitors join an organized Samaria Gorge tour, though it’s possible to reach the trailhead independently via the towns of Omalos or Agia Roumeli. Public buses run to the head of the gorge at Xyloskalo from Omalos, and Agia Roumeli connects to Chora Sfakion by ferry.
When to Get There
The shallow stream on the valley floor runs with clear water in spring; in summer the riverbed rocks become stepping stones, and hikers can revive with a refreshing dip at the Agia Roumeli beach at the end of the trail. In any season, the hike takes most of the day, so hit the trail in the morning.
Flora and Fauna in the Samaria Gorge
The Samaria Gorge is known for its lush wildflowers in spring and summer. And hikers may catch glimpses of rare kri-kri—wild goats—perched on the cliff tops and birds of prey circling in the sky above.
Address: Sfakia, Crete, Greece
Admission: € 5 for adults
5 Tours and Activities to Experience Samaria Gorge
Sort by:Featured

Full Day Tour to Samaria Gorge
61
Pull on your walking shoes for a full-day Samaria Gorge hike in Crete. Traveling by air-conditioned coach, head into Crete’s White Mountains to the entrance to the spectacular gorge, one of Europe’s longest. Ogle the awe-inspiring views as you hike down into, and along, the gorge floor past streams, wild goats, deserted settlements and steep cliffs. Walk at your own pace and finish your Samaria Gorge hike at the beachside village of Aghios Roumeli. Ride a boat from here back to your coach for your return journey.
…More
From
$87.42
From
$87.42

Full Day Samaria Gorge 10-Mile Walking Tour
18
With its sheer walls and tight passageways, the Samaria Gorge is one of Crete’s most striking natural wonders. With this tour, all the logistics are taken care of so all you need do is complete the challenging 10-mile (18-kilometer) hike. Set off from Chania in early morning and arrive at the trailhead ahead of the crowds. After the guided hike, board a boat back to Chora Sfakion, then a bus back to Chania.
…More
From
$49.19
From
$49.19
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Learn More

Walk through Samaria Gorge
6
Join an escorted tour, enjoying a morning bus trip towards the west Crete, followed by a stop to Omalos plateau. Begin your walk with the group into Samaria gorge and enjoy its unique morphology on your way to the longest gorge hike in Europe. Reach Agia Roumeli south coast, where your sailing trip will bring you to Sfakia.
…More
From
$59.03
From
$59.03
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

SAMARIA from Malia-Heraklion
Explore the most majestic gorge in Europe and get ready to live a unique experience. Follow the route of the ancient river Taras and discover the longest and hottest trek on Crete the SAMARIA GORGE
…More
From
$75.67
From
$75.67
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More

Samaria gorge hiking tour
We will pick you up early in the morning. After a small stop to Xyloskalo we start hiking. You can walk with your pace, our guide will follow the last one of the group. At the end of the gorge we will have time to swim in the Lybian sea. Later we will take a boat to Sougia, where our airconditioned bus will drive you at the pick up point.
…More
From
$76.24
From
$76.24
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Learn More
Things to do near Heraklion
- Things to do in Crete
- Things to do in Santorini
- Things to do in Ios
- Things to do in Kos
- Things to do in Bodrum
- Things to do in Rhodes
- Things to do in Athens
- Things to do in Marmaris
- Things to do in Kusadasi
- Things to do in Selçuk
- Things to do in Sarigerme
- Things to do in Muğla
- Things to do in Katakolo
- Things to do in Cyclades Islands
- Things to do in Dodecanese