Samaria Gorge
Europe's longest gorge, a 16km trek through dramatic cliffs, streams, and unique wildlife. An unforgettable Cretan adventure.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat & crowds
Samaria Gorge
Best Time
Beat the heat & crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Europe's longest gorge, a 16km trek through dramatic cliffs, streams, and unique wildlife. An unforgettable Cretan adventure.
"Wow wow wow! Amazing place! The gorge was exactly like I imagined - very similar to being in a Minecraft ravine."
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Invest in good hiking boots; the rocky terrain is no joke!
💧 Refill Water Stations
Plenty of drinkable water points along the trail. Bring a reusable bottle!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iron Gates
Narrowest point of the gorge
Towering cliffs create a dramatic, narrow passage. A truly awe-inspiring natural wonder.
Agia Roumeli Beach
End of the gorge
A refreshing black sand beach to relax on after your epic trek. Perfect for a post-hike dip.
Wild Goats (Kri-Kri)
Throughout the gorge
Spot the endemic wild goats roaming freely in their natural habitat. A unique wildlife encounter.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Samaria Gorge Adventure
Logistics & Costs
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Invest in good hiking boots; the rocky terrain is no joke!
💧 Refill Water Stations
Plenty of drinkable water points along the trail. Bring a reusable bottle!
💰 Bring Cash for Extras
Parking, some bus tickets, and small vendors often require cash.
⏰ Start Early!
To avoid crowds and catch your ferry, aim for an early start.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Invest in good hiking boots; the rocky terrain is no joke!
💧 Refill Water Stations
Plenty of drinkable water points along the trail. Bring a reusable bottle!
💰 Bring Cash for Extras
Parking, some bus tickets, and small vendors often require cash.
⏰ Start Early!
To avoid crowds and catch your ferry, aim for an early start.
🥪 Pack Snacks
While there are places to buy food, packing your own can save money.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Samaria Gorge for its breathtaking natural beauty and epic scale, calling it a '10/10 epic place'. The challenging 16km hike is considered worth the effort, with stunning views and unique wildlife encounters. However, some travelers note unexpected costs and the long, tiring journey back.
"We went out of season and didn't research properly so we were unaware of extra costs.
Where you park in the mountains at the start of the Gorge walk you will need to pay for parking €5 cash. We knew this but didn't have cash.
There is a cash machine or you can pay in the cafe by contactless, also you can buy your bus ticket and toilet ticket here €7 & €0.50.
To enter the park contactless at the gate.
The staff are lovely and the Gorge is stunning! We are both physically fit, it took us just under 5 hours, to leisurely walk and admire the beautiful surroundings.
If you are not fit you can still do it but take into account the heat etc.
There are regular toilets and drinkable spring water points.
The route is almost entirely downhill, steeply at the start.
Hang on to your entry ticket as you will need to to exit the park.
Here there is a bar but be aware you still have a little more walking to do to then either get a €2 euro bus or walk another 2k to the boat.
As we were out of season, there was a 3.5 hour wait for the ferry €32.
We had ice cream and drinks, it was very expensive.
The beach and sea were a welcome sight, black sand and pebbles were very pretty. After the ferry, the bus was waiting for us, this took over an hour of switchbacks.
We absolutely loved the Gorge itself and still would have done it knowing all the extra costs but wanted to highlight that for other travellers like us who half arse stuff! 🤣 10/10 epic place!"
Carson's Muscle Clinic
"An amazing experience!
We arrived by car to the begging of the hike, left the car there for 5€ (cash only) and had some coffe and cake before the hike. we also bought there rhe bus tickets
The reserve itself costs an additional 10€ per person.
The hike itself can be difficult at some parts, especially the first 6 km downhill at the begging.
We finished it in 5 hours and enjoyed every second. There's picnic tables and drinking water every few km, so there's no need to bring a lot of water with you. Most of the walk was in the shade except for the end.
At the end we arrived to Agia Roumeli and enjoyed some cold beer and the clear ocean water. The beach is really nice - bring a bathing suit with you and some towels.
We bought the tickets to the ferry there (around 16€ per person - maybe try to buy all the ticket beforehand to save some money), there is only one ferry - at 17:45. Everything is really well scheduled and the ferry dropped us immediately at the bus
We arrived to the car at 19:20.
I hope the info helps - we really recommend it."
Gal Debby
"Awesome hike, pretty unusual, because its standard route is to go all the way down and take ferry+bus to the starting point.
Plan a whole day for this trip.
Parking is 5€, cash only. Samaria Gorge trail is 18-19km long, it took us 5h but it's safe to assume that it will take not more than 6-6.5h, it's quite easy despite the fact it's almost 20km :).
If you want to go back to your car you have to get a ferry ticket for 16€ and bus ticket for another 7€ - all together it will take ~2h.
Anyway, I strongly recommend to give it a try!"
Piotr Almaszy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common ways are by public bus or organized tour. The public bus departs from Chania to Omalos (the starting point) and returns from Agia Roumeli (the endpoint) via ferry and bus. Organized tours often handle all transportation logistics.
You can drive to the starting point in Omalos, but you'll need to arrange transport back to your car from Agia Roumeli, usually involving a ferry and bus. Parking fees apply.
After completing the hike and reaching Agia Roumeli, you'll take a ferry to either Chora Sfakion or Sougia, and then a bus back to Chania or your starting point.
Yes, public buses run from Chania to Omalos, the starting point of the Samaria Gorge hike. Check local schedules for departure times.
The bus journey from Chania to Omalos typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the route and stops.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for Samaria Gorge is typically €5 per person. It's advisable to have cash, though some payment methods might be available.
Tickets can usually be purchased at the entrance to the gorge. It's also sometimes possible to buy them in advance or as part of an organized tour.
Samaria Gorge is typically open from May 1st to October 31st, from around 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM. It's best to check the official park website for the most up-to-date information.
No, Samaria Gorge is generally closed during the winter months due to safety concerns and weather conditions. It typically reopens in May.
While not always mandatory, booking in advance, especially for organized tours, can save time and ensure your spot. For individual entry, purchasing at the gate is common.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The Samaria Gorge hike is considered moderately difficult. It's a long downhill trek (16km), with the initial part being quite steep. Proper footwear and fitness are recommended.
The hike typically takes between 5 to 7 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how often you stop.
Pack plenty of water (or a reusable bottle to refill), snacks, sunscreen, a hat, sturdy hiking boots, and a swimsuit for the beach at the end.
Yes, there are regular toilet facilities and potable water spring stations throughout the gorge, so you don't need to carry excessive amounts of water.
The main Samaria Gorge trail is the full 16km. There isn't a designated 'short hike' within the national park itself, as the experience is about traversing the entire length.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are limited options within the gorge itself, primarily at the start and end points. It's recommended to pack snacks or a picnic lunch.
Agia Roumeli has several tavernas and cafes where you can get refreshments and meals after your hike. Prices can be a bit high.
Yes, there are usually cafes or bakeries near the entrance in Omalos where you can purchase snacks, drinks, and even sandwiches for your hike.
Food and drinks at Agia Roumeli can be more expensive than elsewhere due to its remote location and being the only stop after the long hike.
It's highly recommended to bring your own snacks and a packed lunch to save money and ensure you have sustenance throughout the long hike.
📸 📸 Photography
Every turn offers stunning views! Capture the towering cliffs, the crystal-clear streams, the unique flora, and the dramatic Iron Gates. Don't forget the wild goats! +1
The trail can be uneven, so be mindful of your footing. However, there are many spots to pause safely and capture the scenery.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the gorge. A camera with good low-light performance can be useful in shaded areas.
The entire gorge is a viewpoint! Key spots include the entrance, the Iron Gates, and any clearings offering expansive views of the canyon walls.
Drone usage is typically prohibited in national parks to protect wildlife and the natural environment. Always check local regulations before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If you decide to proceed, ensure children have appropriate footwear and plenty of snacks and water. The beautiful scenery and the chance to see wild goats might keep them engaged. However, be prepared for potential meltdowns and the need for frequent breaks. For families with very young children, exploring parts of the gorge or opting for shorter, less demanding hikes in Crete might be a better alternative.
💰 Budget Travelers
Look for opportunities to buy bus and ferry tickets in advance, as this can sometimes offer better rates. Be prepared for the entrance fee and parking costs if driving. While the experience is incredible, being mindful of these expenses will make it more budget-friendly.
🚶♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts
Consider timing your hike to push your pace, aiming for a faster completion time to enjoy more of the day at Agia Roumeli beach. Ensure you have proper hiking gear to maximize performance and comfort. The varied terrain will test your endurance and agility.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Samaria Gorge Hike: A Comprehensive Guide
Preparation is key for this adventure. Sturdy hiking boots are essential due to the rocky and uneven terrain. You'll need to carry sufficient water, though there are several potable spring water stations along the trail where you can refill your bottles. Packing snacks or a picnic lunch is also highly recommended, as food options within the gorge are limited and can be expensive. The hike typically takes between 5 to 7 hours, depending on your fitness level and how often you stop to admire the views or rest.
Upon reaching Agia Roumeli, you'll be greeted by a beautiful black sand beach. From here, you'll need to catch a ferry to either Chora Sfakion or Sougia, followed by a bus back to Chania or your starting point. This entire process can take several hours, so be sure to factor this into your day. Many visitors underestimate the time required for the ferry and bus connections, leading to potential stress.
Navigating Samaria Gorge: Transport and Logistics
Organized tours are a convenient option as they usually include transportation from your accommodation to Omalos and back from Agia Roumeli. Alternatively, you can use the public bus system. Buses run from Chania to Omalos in the morning and from Agia Roumeli back to Chania in the late afternoon/evening. This return journey involves a ferry ride followed by a bus.
When planning your Samaria Gorge day trip, remember to account for the entire journey. The bus ride to Omalos can take 1.5-2 hours, the hike 5-7 hours, the ferry ride about an hour, and the bus ride back to Chania another 1.5-2 hours. This makes it a full-day commitment, often starting very early and finishing late.
Understanding Samaria Gorge Costs
Additional costs include parking fees if you drive to Omalos, which are usually around €5 and often require cash. If you opt for the public bus system, you'll need to purchase tickets for the bus to Omalos, the ferry from Agia Roumeli, and the bus back to Chania. These can add up, with the ferry costing around €16 and the bus another €7.
Be aware that food and drinks at the end of the gorge in Agia Roumeli can be quite expensive. Bringing your own snacks and water is a smart way to manage your budget. While some vendors accept contactless payments, having cash on hand is always a good idea for smaller purchases or in case of technical issues.
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