Samaria Gorge Tour from Chania - The Longest Gorge in Europe

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.

We did not realize that we would be doing the hike entirely on our own (i.e. the guide was only there to buy our tickets and check in prior to boarding the boat and bus. The hike was gorgeous but entry to the park and the boat (only way to get back to bus) was not included in the price. There are bathrooms along the way but are really just holes in the ground. There are plenty of fountains for water but no where to buy food until the end of the trek. Once the park ended, it was another 2km to the town to board the boat. There are some shops and restaurants there but not much and not all places take credit card. Young/fit individuals may want to consider a different tour (if offered) because this hike can be done in 4 hours and the tour allots ~8 hours before meeting to get on the boat. If there is one that starts later or if there are boats that leave earlier it would have suited better. The boat ride is long and the bus ride back is longer - it is nice since the switchbacks provide a good view of the coastline

Understand that this tour is a hiking tour. Now, I'm a fit person, I go to the gym 3-4 times a week, and I'm in relatively good shape. However, I'm not an experienced hiker, and on previous treks I've been given the nickname of twinkletoes due to the amount of times I have fallen over. The terrain on this hike is rocky and slippery, I wish I had worn better shoes walking boots even. I was not too proud to hire a walking pole from the guide for 2.50 which I felt really helped in some of the areas. Honestly, after looking at your feet for so long it felt like playing an ankle destroying game of Tetris. I did roll my ankles a couple of times, and I saw others do this also. Ouch. The guide was quite repetitive stating to always be looking at your feet and that this is a long and challenging walk - but in fairness, I think this advice was spot on. Although it was a walk in the park, figuratively it was not in my opinion!. The weather on the day we went was hot, so dress appropriately and sunscreen/hat etc. The entrance to the park and the boat ticket cost 15 euros which was taken from each passenger in the morning on the coach trip to the park. For those who prefer premium toilet roll I would recommend trying to backup - your nice toilet stops will be in the cafe/shop stop before you get to the park, and then toilets at the village/town where you take the ferry at the end of the 5 hour walk. Otherwise you'll be stuck with the toilets on the walk, which are squat style, and you'll have to put up with whatever mess the lines of tourists have left for you. At the bottom of the park you will be advertised/offered a 2 euro bus to the village/town of Agia Roumeli. At this point the walking is easy, downhill, less rocky, and really only another 15-20 mins to the town. So you can save yourself 2 euros but after a long hike I can understand why people take it. One thing to be aware of. The guide gives times of being at / leaving checkpoints. These are: 1st checkpoint : Aga Nikalous : 9:30 Samaria 2nd checkpoint: 11:00 3rd checkpoint: 13:15 which is the bottom of the national park 20 mins walk to town... 16:45 be at the restaurant to take the boat tickets 17:30 the ferry leaves Agia Roumeli As you can see with those timings, you can actually take more time in the park. The guide setting those timings made it somewhat rushed. But on a hot day I can understand why you'd want to be out of the park when the sun is at its hottest. Overall, really good - just wish I took better shoes.

Amazing experience. Although it meant getting up early in the morning you can sleep on the bus ride there. Just made sure you are prepared with food,snacks and water through the gorge.

Excellent tour, highly organized and a great guide! The only thing I would change is adding an uphill option for a more challenging hike.

This was an amazing day. I would highly recommend this trip if you are good shape and prepared for a very long day. I was picked up at 6:15 AM, the hike began at 8:00 AM and lasted approximately 4.5 hours, I then walked to the village of Samaria and spent the afternoon in tavernas and on a beautiful beach. The only ferries out of the village come at 5:30 PM and take you one village over. The ferry is approximately 45 minutes long. Upon exiting the ferry you get back onto the bus for a hour and a half bus ride. Returning to Chania around 8:30 PM. The day was a lot longer than I anticipated. If you are considering this hike, know there is no where to purchase food along the hike. In order to be prepared I would suggest packing snacks, bring a water bottle there is fountains to fill up, packing a bathing suit for the beach, and bringing along a camera to take pictures of the scenery.

You can find the exact same trip locally at less than half of the Viator price. Same bus, same guides, ... However, the Gorge is absolutely worth the visit. The walk is tough, but feasible, even for the not very well trained. Put on good shoes, however. There is a small local bus that runs from the exit of the park to the seaside, which is a good option if you feel you have walked enough as you probably will.

The pick up was right on time. Thomas was very informative on the way to the gorge and after the entire hike. He got us to the gorge earlier than a lot of buses get there so you beat the crowds w this tour. The hike was absolutely gorgeous. A mix of Grand Canyon and Zion national park. Recommend it!

The Gorge was wonderful. Thomas was an excellent guide and very helpful. It was definitely an experience I will always remember.