Samaria Gorge

Be prepared to be tested physically and to feel calf pain the next day/days; however, the hike is picturesque and worth it.

Our guide was amazing and really helped to make the trip as enjoyable and interesting as possible. She was so encouraging as we found it to be a very difficult hike (and we are experienced and very strong hikers) with the elevation and the smooth slippery rocks along the way that required slow and very careful footing.

The Samaria Gorge is incredibly beautiful and was the highlight of my trip to Crete. Lina was our guide and she was friendly, funny, and very knowledgeable. There were ten people in our group so nice and small, but we still had some slow walkers which meant that I went ahead and didn't stay with the group. Our guide would stay with the last of the group to make sure we all made it through the gorge. The views in the gorge are spectacular. Starting with a views of beautiful mountain ranges, you end up walking between high and sheer cliff faces with a crystal clear stream bubbling beside you. A couple of things to note is that you are going downhill most of the way, and the first 4 to 6 kms are quite steep, so it can't be very tough on your knees. We were recommended to take hiking sticks, and I am so glad to have it. It released some of the pressure on my knees as well as prevented a few slips. Also note that the beach at the end of the gorge has black sand and it burns your feet. It's not just hot, it's searing hot - so it's worth taking your flip flops even if it adds a little weight to your bag. You can save weight by taking less water, as you can fill up bottles at taps on the way. I highly recommend this experience with this company.

Fantastic trip out! Hotel pick up. Masks worn on the bus which wasn’t too busy at all considering it’s August! When we got to the gorge it was a little busy mainly with Greek tourists not practicing social distancing. The trek is so long that eventually your displaced with other walkers and find yourself walking peacefully with no one around. Plenty of rest places and toilets on the way. Most people wearing trainers. It’s a well trodden trail and pathways wide enough to pass slower walkers where needed. The most arduous part I found was leaving the park and walking to the little tourist town by the beach. You can take a bus for €2 if you wish. Highly recommend this trip for the scenery. Warning your leg muscles will ache the next day!