Samaria Gorge

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. Typically, 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 is to join a walking tour from Chania. Tours include hotel pickup, transportation to the trailhead on an air-conditioned bus, and the ride back from Chora Sfakion. Ferry tickets for the trip between the trail’s end and Chora Sfakion are not included in Samaria Gorge tours. You can also arrange an independent day trip if you prefer.

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 Samaria Gorge tickets—expect to pay the national park entrance fee upon arrival.

• 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. However, it is possible to reach the starting point via the towns of Omalos or Agia Roumeli, and to walk at your own pace. Public buses run to the entrance of the gorge at Xyloskalo from Omalos, and Agia Roumeli connects to Hora 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.

Ways to explore

The simplest way to manage the logistics of getting to and from the gorge is to join a walking tour. These usually offer transportation to the trailhead at Xyloskalo and a pickup from Hora Sfakion, which is reached by ferry from Agia Roumeli. Check tour details carefully, as not all include tickets for Samaria Gorge National Park or a guide for your route once there. While Chania is the nearest hub to the gorge, you can also join tours from all major Cretan tourist destinations, including Heraklion and Rethymno. Some travelers opt for private or small-group trips for a more personal feel.

Accessibility

The Samaria Gorge is currently not wheelchair accessible.

Age limits

This is a long hike that’s usually done in hot temperatures, which is likely to be too much for most children under 10.

What to pack

Full water bottle, snacks

What to wear

Sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, sturdy closed-toe shoes

Not allowed

Alcohol, smoking outside designated areas, leaving the path, swimming in rivers or streams within the park, dogs off-leash

Amenities

Restrooms, drinking water from springs

Address 

Most travelers walk down the Samaria Gorge from Xyloskalo, a 26-mile (42-kilometer) drive south of Chania in southwestern Crete. Active travelers can also opt to walk up the gorge from Agia Roumeli, a coastal village accessible by boat.

Driving

Driving is not an easy option if you plan to hike the entire gorge, but you can park in Xyloskalo, take the ferry from Agia Roumeli to Sougia, then catch the public bus from Sougia back to Xyloskalo.

Public transportation

Start early in the morning and take the KTEL public bus from Chania to Xyloskalo. Once you have walked the gorge, take the ferry to Hora Sfakion and the KTEL bus back to Chania. Be sure to check ferry schedules and bus timetables before you set out.

Best times to visit

The park is usually open from 6am to 4pm daily. Travelers who plan the full hike must enter with time to spare—typically before 1pm. Arriving as early as you can lets you beat the crowds and the heat.

Best days to visit

The only bad day to visit the Samaria Gorge is when it’s closed for poor weather, whether heatwaves or heavy rain.

Best months to visit

The national park is open only between May and mid-October. Flash floods can be a risk during spring and fall, while ferries may not run during bad weather in October. June and September are less crowded than July and August.