From Chania: Imbros Gorge and Sfakia Experience Hike & Swim

Overview

Available languages

English

Mobile ticket

Join us for a beautiful day as we depart from Chania and head toward the scenic Imbros Gorge — a hidden gem perfect for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts. Before we begin our adventure, we’ll treat you to a taste of tradition with a delicious Sfakiani pie. Around 10:00 AM, we’ll enter the gorge and start our hike.The walk through Imbros Gorge takes approximately 2.5 hours (depending on your pace) along a stunning, easy-to-moderate trail surrounded by breathtaking rock formations, wild nature, and serene landscapes. Our hike ends at the charming Komitades village, where time seems to slow down. After the hike, we continue to Sfakia village, where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear sea and enjoy a traditional Cretan lunch by the water !After a day full of discovery and experiences, relax and enjoy a peaceful ride back to Chania aboard our comfortable bus, taking with you memories of Crete’s incredible beauty.

Additional Info

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Be sure to wear comfortable hiking shoes for the trek through the gorge

It is advisable to bring the following items with you: sunscreen, sunglasses and hat

It is important to stay hydrated, so bring a bottle of water (you can refill it in the gorge's springs) and a light snack (fruits etc.)

Please note that the following are prohibited inside the gorge: radios, singing, excessive noise, disposal of rubbish in places other than those provided, smoking anywhere other than the rest points, consumption of alcohol.

In Sfakia you have the option to take a swim so make you have a swimsuit and beach towel with you

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Pickup/Drop-off with air-conditioned luxury bus from select spots in Chania

All taxes, VAT (value-added tax) inclusive

English Speaking guide

Admission to Imbros (2.5 € per person, free of charge for children under 14)

Personal expenses, extra beverages or meals

Customary tips to your driver and escort

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

What To Expect

Imbros Gorge

The place has a great historical significance as the gorge witnessed an evacuation of several thousands of British soldiers during World War II before heading to Egypt. Back then, the Imbros Gorge mule trail was the only connection between Chania and Sfakia, before the road was built. Remains of this trail can be still seen today.

3 hours • Admission Not Included

Sfakia

Chora Sfakion is the capital of the remote and mountainous region of Sfakia. The untamed landscape is combined with the quiet. Charming seaside settlement. The sandy beach with the crystal clear blue waters is suitable for relaxation after hiking. A few coffee shops and taverns are located within and around the villages. In its northern neighbourhood, you will find the ruins of the venetian "Fortress of Sfakia” or “Castel di Sfacia or Sfachia” where you can get a panoramic view of Sfakia and admire the wilderness of the nature.

3 hours • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Imbros Gorge and Sfakia Full-Day Hiking Tour from Chania

Pickup included

Reviews

4.54

28 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

A perfect combination of physical activity, great nature and swimming in the sea!
Nicholas R,
Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
A great tour into the wilderness of Crete, a spectacular walk down Imbros Gorge, combined with a visit to a picturesque sea resort. Good that the guide prolonged the deadlines as the moning traffic was terrible!
Great Trip with Beautiful Views
Jezyk P,
Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
We had a wonderful experience on this hike. Although it’s officially rated as “easy,” it didn’t feel that way for everyone in our group. Our guide, Nikos, explained that the difficulty rating comes from the official mountain authorities, not the travel agencies. Personally, I found it easy, but some people did struggle a bit. The trail is downhill all the way, so if you have knee problems, it might not be as easy as advertised. The scenery is absolutely beautiful, but you do need to keep your eyes on the path while walking, so make sure to stop now and then to enjoy the views. Regular trainers were fine for me, but walking boots might be a better choice for extra support. Our guide, Nikos, was fantastic - informative, funny and very attentive. After the hike, we even went for a refreshing swim while Nikos kindly went back to help struggling hikers. Overall, it was a great experience. Everything was well organised, clearly explained and we felt very well looked after. Highly recommend!
Great day trip
Monika M,
Oct 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
It was very interesting trip to Imbros Gorge. The hike was easy enough and the views were definitely worth it. Please ensure to have cash to pay for the entrance and keep the ticket as it will be needed at the exit. The transport was comfortable and we had a small group which was nice. We also had some time to explore Sfakia, which was very beautiful seaside town.
Well worth booking Imbros
libstu,
Sep 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
We recommend this day trip. Host Ingrid and Driver Nikos were wonderful. We are a couple in our 50’s, moderate fitness. Walking/hike sticks available for hire was of help. My legs were sore the next day as I wasn’t use to continuous downhill over rocks for 8kmns. If I’d stretched prior to the descent that would’ve helped! lol. Great day out.
Enjoy beautiful nature walk
Ilse D,
Jul 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
Very beautiful nature! Really need proper footwear and often take care not to wrap your feet around the stones. Halfway you can buy drinks from a friendly man with a donkey. At the end you can go back to the car park at the start for just 5€/pers by taxi.
Walk in the Park
Scenic16023513078,
Jun 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A very easy hike, suitable for families. Views are excellent, and my guide Nikos demonstrated great care to his customers.
Great day!
Pauline K,
Jun 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00
Great hike, morning started a little chilly and warmed up nicely. Make sure to wear good walking shoes - some loose and slippery rocks.
Great trip to Imbros Gorge
JSTN22,
Jun 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A very nice and enthusiastic tour guide. Pickup was easy from hotel. The gorge was fairly easy to walk down, plenty of time allowed. Beautiful scenery and a great experience walking through it. Taverna at the start and at the end of the trail, also a small hut half way if you really need it. Then a short trip to a village by the sea in the coach. Quick swim (you will need to change on the beach) and more tavernas to have another drink/snack.
Great alternative to Samaria!!!
Jane G,
Jun 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our guide Ingrid was fantastic! The bus driver was also wonderful! The journey is exactly as described! Would recommend highly! 10/10!
Great hike and beach combination
Inspiration742398,
Jun 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great value for money. Gorge is amazing but you do tend to spend most time looking at your feet so you don't trip over. Beautiful views and experience though. I was worried I might get lost as I went alone, however it is literally impossible to get lost in the gorge. Plenty of time is allowed for the walk, and the guide acts as tailwalker so no-one gets left behind. Lots of people in full walking boots and poles, but I went in converse type pumps and was perfectly fine. Ingrid was amazing and so knowledgeable! The second location is a very lovely cove with great swimming, so take beachwear and flip-flops. You could leave all your beach stuff on the coach whilst you did the first hike. Bit of a long transfer time but as expected for the type of trip. Would recommend 😊