Samaria Gorge Hiking from Chania with proffesional hiking guide
Overview
Available languages
14 hours
Mobile ticket
Get ready for an unforgettable journey through one of Europe’s longest and most breathtaking gorges!
This is a full-day hiking adventure, ideal for nature lovers and active explorers. You’ll hike approximately 16 kilometers through dramatic landscapes, towering cliffs, ancient forests, and the famous narrow passage known as the “Iron Gates.” Along the way, you might spot the rare Cretan wild goat (Kri-Kri) and enjoy the rich, wild beauty of Crete's national park. The hike typically takes between 5 to 7 hours, depending on your pace, and ends at the peaceful seaside village of Agia Roumeli. Here, you’ll have free time to relax, enjoy a swim in the crystal-clear Libyan Sea, and have lunch at one of the charming seaside tavernas.
After recharging by the sea, we board the ferry-boat to Sougia, cruising along Crete’s rugged southern coastline. At Sougia, our bus will be waiting to comfortably drive you back to Chania after a day full of adventure and natural beauty.
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
Pick up/Drop off is conducted only is select spots in Chania. Depending on your location, you will be advised on the time and place after booking.
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.)
Υou can swim at Agia Roumeli beach just after you exit the gorge so make you have a swimsuit and beach towel with you
Τhe entrance fee to Samaria as well as the boat fee are paid with cash on the spot
Half way down the gorge lies the old village of Samaria, which has a telephone for communication with the police, a pharmacy, and two mules to transport injured persons.
In the village of Samaria, take a quiet walk around and you may catch a glimpse of the endangered kri‐kri. They are usually very friendly towards people!
Upon reservation please advise the exact name of your hotel in order to send you the exact pick up time and place
Τhe trip is not recommended for any person with a history of knee problems, high blood pressure, cardiac and pulmonary problems, pregnant women and for anybody who suffers from vertigo/fear of heights
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Air-Conditioned Luxury Bus
All Fees and Taxes
Full Liability Insurance
Hiking Escort
Personal expenses, extra beverages or meals
• Boat Fare: 14 euros //Up to 12,99 yrs : 7,00 €
Entrance fee: EU CITIZENS: 0-17FREE/ 18-64(10,00 €)/ 65+ (FREE)
Entrance Fee: OTHER NATIONALITIES: 0-4FREE/ 5-64(10,00 €)No discount for 65+ (10,00 €)
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Omalos
Early in the morning, you will be picked up from designated spots around Chania via a luxurious bus and reach the starting point of your tour in Omalos Plateau around 7am. The panoramic view of the gorge from the plateau is a photophile's delight, so after short stop for pictures and/or breakfast, you will hop on the bus and depart for the traditional village of Sougia. It is there that you will hop on a boat and sail along the coast of Crete till you reach Agia Roumeli.
Samaria Gorge National Park
No holiday in Crete is complete without a trip through the 2nd longest gorge in Europe, the Gorge of Samaria. It is the longest and most imposing ravine in the Mediterranean. It is 16.5 kilometers in length from the position of Xyloskalo and terminates at Agia Roumeli in the Libyan Sea. We will arrive around 7 o’clock in the morning and after a short break you will start walking. Descending the 600 wooden steps you will be intrigued by the beauty and serenity of this massive gorge which is shadowed by the white Mountains. You will come across the church of St. Nicolas, built on the ruins of an ancient temple. Afterwards you will reach “Portes” or “Iron Gates”, the narrowest pass of the gorge. The hike ends at Agia Roumeli.
Options
Samaria Gorge Hiking from Chania
Pickup included
Reviews
373 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Mass tourism, but a good experience
Glidepoint,
Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It's a hyped trip, it's a long day, it's physically demanding, it's a good experience. Went with an organized tour (Io Tours) that handled the bus from Chania to the gorge, ferry from end of hike to another bus that took us back to Chania. Having looked at organizing the transport on our own, in the end the tour company was not more than a few euros more (if any?) and was easier and gave peace of mind on the organization. We went at end of season (Oct. 28) so gorge was not too crowded. I can imagine in summer it might be. Also, I can imagine in high heat it would be tough. There is a lot of downhill walking and a lot of dry-but-slippery and wiggly rocks. Demanding, but not a technical difficulty. At end of national park it is still a bit of a walk to the ferry landing, and a small snack shop was offering a mini-bus ride, but I don't believe it is really 2 km to the ferry and if one just hiked the gorge, one can handle walking downhill on a road for 2 km - save the minibus ride and buy an extra beer/soda/ice cream.
Very impressive but requires mental as well as physical preparation: Do I have suitable material, provisions etc ...
Björn K,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Good preparation mentally and suitable fitness requirement. I would not book through Tripadvisor: Overpriced! On site paid pond organizers who offer this very competently.
Great but also strenuous hike
Petra H,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great hike, but not to be underestimated. We had muscle soreness long after that! In my view - contrary to some trip recommendations- only suitable for older children. The tour is good until the ferry departs at 4.30pm. Along the way there are plenty of rest areas with spring water to drink and well-kept toilets. Solid footwear (no hiking sandals) is recommended. We had booked the tour from the hotel in Agia Marina. Cost: over 30 € per person. There was pickup, entry and drop-off. Ferry costs extra! The “hiking guide” does not follow. Pick up was early in the morning at 6 a.m. by bus, which picked up even more guests. There was a briefing in a restaurant just before 8am (unfortunately I don't remember the name... but the cup of moderate coffee from the warming pot cost 3!! Euro) The ferry takes about 35 minutes. The bus then waits at the pier. There is probably the possibility to be taken back to the starting point by taxi, but I did not inquire about this in more detail.
An amazing long hike with a professional guide.
Nigel J,
Oct 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A long, tough hike (for a 69 year old), but thoroughly worth it. Astonishingly beautiful gorge and remarkably quiet in lake October. Our guide, Nikos was professional, friendly and communicative.
Challenging hike but well worth doing. Awesome
Maggie F,
Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very slick and efficiently organised. It was a long day but well worth the effort as the views were awesome. I would recommend hiring walking poles from the guide if you don’t have your own. Dimitris our guide was excellent providing helpful information and sorting boat tickets etc. The sense of achievement when the hike is completed is amazing
This hike was amazing. ...
Allison M,
Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This hike was amazing. We ended up going with a very large group, however, went at our own pace. Highly recommend Hiking shoes. Bring snacks. Water fills along the way. Multiple checkpoints and if you finish early enough, time for a meal and swim at the end before boarding the ferry. Our calves are sore today. Its just about all downhill, so can be tough on the knees. It was beautiful and SO glad we did it. Recommend doing it towards the end of your stay in Crete due to muscle soreness and just being tired. Its a 10 mile/15 km hike with little flat. Enjoy!
Is the gorge worth it?
R3440NZtheresat,
Oct 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Far too long, there are nicer shorter gorges in Crete. Nice view and cool hike, but not suitable for older people we had with. Previously we were told it would be okay for older people , they are now in very bad pain. For people who hike more often go cool excursion.
Incredible experience but...
marco s,
Oct 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Incredible experience but hard. The scenery and terrain is spectacular it don’t underestimate the length and the focus it takes. Wear good hiking shoes and it will be a worthwhile experience.
Great hike!
499darenk,
Oct 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was well organised and our guide, Niko, was first class. The hike starts at about 1,200m above sea level and ends at the beach over about 16km, although my phone suggested it was longer. The first stage is a deep decent over stone steps and slopes. We had walking shoes and found this worked well for the terrain. Do read up before you go to be prepared for the distance and difficulty. I’d suggest the use of walking poles. This is the day after and we both have sore legs! Some rest, stretching and swimming……then a beer! For context, we’re late 50’s and relatively fit, with a little history of knee pain, we walk regularly and hike, and are accustomed to distances of up to 15km across varied terrain. We use walking poles on the more testing hikes (Dolomites for example) but didn’t have them for this trip.
Fantastic day from mountain to sea.
Dave C,
Oct 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great guide, great nature, a bit crowded due to rain closures for several days before. Sylvia with Kyriakakis was a great guide, who did a great job of explaining the long journey from mountain to sea. I wish I would have know they rent hiking poles - what a knee saver! Recommendations: rent hiking poles, eat breakfast at the taverna on the way (but move fast), bring swim suit for the hours between finish of hike and ferry, and bring some Euros of beers at Agios Roumeli. Also, schedule a massage for the day after your hike. Have fun!
From €43.00
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