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14 hours
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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.
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
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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 €)
Select a pickup point
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.
Pickup included
361 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Will P,
Sep 24, 2025
- Viator
Not sure if it’s really fair to give a 1 Star review as I’m just upset we did not get to do the hike but just a warning to others out there. Be sure to contact the tour company directly to get your pickup location. I messaged with the company through Viator and never got a response on where pickup location or time would be. The company called me at pick up time asking where I was but by then it was too late. My frustration is if they had my number to call me 3 minutes before the bus was going to leave the pickup location I had no idea about, why couldn’t they have left me a message telling me where the pickup time was the day before? I also have had no issues contacting other tours through the Viator app during this trip. Only this company. We ended up having to cancel because our options were to get a taxi and take us to a location where the bus would be waiting for 15 minutes which at 6am would likely be impossible, reschedule (we couldn’t), or cancel.
Bryan Z,
Sep 24, 2025
- Viator
It was hard but good - left me feeling very satisfied . I hiked 16 kms and it was an eye opener. I loved this hike and hated it all at the same time!!!! Crazy - if you need a reality check this trip is for you
Natalie K,
Sep 16, 2025
- Viator
The bus ride home was terrible! We both got car sick, the driver was taking turn uncomfortably fast. The hike was EPIC!! Glad we did it
Simon O,
Sep 2, 2025
- Viator
Amazing and challenging hike. As advertised. Amazing views and stunning scenery. The whole thing was well-organized. Prompt bus pickup at my hotel at 6am, and safe transportation to the start and from the ferry drop off. Amazing guide. You are at the whim Of the ferry schedule to start the return so it is a full day (back to my hotel at 9:00pm). Not for the feint of heart. The first 4km is a steep downward hike - stone stairs, uneven and rocky footing. The descent was less steep for the rest. But you need to maintain focus for footing.
John B,
Aug 29, 2025
- Viator
Very well organized and professional staff. Great communication. This is me and I think I am in pretty good shape for my late 70’s. I had trained before hand but was not prepared for the difficult of the decent into the gorge. The views are spectacular but the rocks are slippery. A decision was made not to continue after reaching the stream. I can’t say enough good things about the tour company and the support staff and crew of the Samaria Gorge park. I felt safe and protected and secure at all times. I tried. My legs just wouldn’t cooperate this year. But Go for it.
Operated by Fantasy Travel