Samaria Gorge

Helen was an excellent knowledgeable and friendly guide who made us feel welcomed on our trip to Samaria Gorge. The experience itself was breathtaking with beautiful views all around the gorge. We would highly recommend it for anyone visiting Crete but be warned the walk is not easy and a good pair of walking shoes are essential. We were very happy with the price compared to other providers and would not hesitate to book with Altino Travel again.

Timing was very good and the guide, Nikos, really had our back. Hiking poles for rent €3 each from the guide. I found that a good investment. Hike starts from the plateau and continues down for about 16k to the ocean, where you get a few hours to lounge about by the sea before catching a ferry to your tour bus. The drive back has lots of switchbacks as you traverse the mountains and some good photo moments before the sun sets.

A long a beautiful hike over rugged terrain. Worth the journey. We got some excellent photos and had some good conversations along the way.

Spectacular scenery, the gorge is beautiful. Long walk 12.2 miles great sense of achievement with lovely swim at the end followed by a cold beer

Tough walking Samaria Gorge but the travel company was great. Sonia very knowledgeable about the walk and Crete generally. Air Conditioned Mercedes small coach was luxury. Driver was very good.

Michael the tour guide was awesome. It wasn’t an ordinary trail hike it had many different aspects. Brutal but worth it!

The challenge of a downhill 9 mile hike over rocks then a 1.5 mike walk to a nifty beach and excellent taverna was definitely memorable! Guide Sofia watched over us quite well-worth it all to have comfortable drive down and back with competent driver and fewer people than a horde crammed into a large bus.

I was initially scheduled to do the Imbros Gorge hike. I chose Imbros Gorge because I didn't think my knee would be able to cope with the 5/6 hour Samaria Gorge hike. However, due to bad weather my hike to Imbros was cancelled. I received a call from Ria at the tour company who offered me the alternative hike to Samaria but the easier route. I have to say I am truly grateful for the call from Ria as I booked the hike and had the most amazing day. So for the detail, I was picked up at 6am to join the main tour group. I separated from the group after the morning stop for breakfast. I was driven to Sougia where I took a ferry to Agia Roumelli (18 Euro return) where I walked to the entrance at the bottom of Samaria gorge. There is an entrance here for those that want to hike up the gorge rather than down. This worked out better for me as this was a more manageable route and I could walk as far into the gorge as I wished. It was so beautiful, the scenery was stunning. I hiked for 2 hours into the gorge over rivers through amazing walkways and then hiked 2 hours back. This was great as I got to see the gorge from both directions which you get to see things you didn't see on the way in. As majority of people start the gorge from the top I had the gorge all to myself for the first hour or so which was amazing. The entrance fee to the gorge is 5 Euros. After 4.5 hours walking I was very much looking forward to getting into the sea. I had enough time to spend an hour on the beach, then take a look around the village and have an hour for a meal one of the tavernas (there are a fair few to choose from). I returned back to Chania at 9pm. Overall this was a truly amazing day. I was so happy to have been able to take this option to see the gorge. I travelled on my own, I would recommend this to people of all ages. You still need to wear trainers or walking shoes as you need to keep an eye on where you are place your feet. In my opinion this tour is worth every penny for such a wonderful experience. Finally thank you to Ria who was extremely helpful to me.

Such beautiful scenery! Not for those who aren't physically fit. 16km (10 miles) both up and downhill. Paths are uneven and lots of rocks and boulders too. I felt very accomplished to have finished this hike at the age of 57. Well worth it for sure though, as the Gorge is absolutely breathtaking !

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 gorge is amazing! Hike through several different terrains and scenic views. Allow a full day from departure to return. Transportation to and from was comfortable. If I had to change anything, it would be nice if the guide affixed a flag to the end of her walking stick to use as a visual to gather group at key points like at the ferry departure and coach bus.