The Samaria Gorge Hike, Crete | Everything You Need To Know!
When people think of Greece they generally don’t think of hiking. At least I didn’t, anyway. But the Samaria Gorge hike is one of the best day hikes I’ve done.. ever!
(Okay, it’s a long list.. but this is definitely a must-do hike!!)
Not only is the Samaria Gorge one of the most popular treks in Crete – attracting thousands of visitors every year – but it’s also a stunning walk that took me from the high mountains to the sea and through a narrow and spectacular canyon, the second largest in Europe.
In this post, I’ll share with you my experience and tips for hiking the Samaria gorge.
What I Did: I hiked Samaria Gorge a couple of years ago in July (and it was HOT!). I booked a package tour from Chania with Viator which was perfect because it included a bus pickup in the morning from my hotel and a ferry ride back in the evening. It also meant I was with a group of people to chat with along the way!
Table of Contents
Samaria Gorge: The Second Largest Gorge In Europe
The Samaria gorge is a stunning natural wonder that attracts thousands of visitors every year. It’s the second-largest gorge in Europe–after the Verdon Gorge in France–and one of the most impressive in Greece. It’s located in the southwest of Crete–the regional unit of Chania–and it’s part of the White Mountains National Park. The gorge is a World’s Biosphere Reserve and a refuge for many endemic plant and animal species, including the rare kri-kri (Cretan goat).
About The Samaria Gorge Hike
Length
The Samaria Gorge hike is a one-way trek that starts at the Omalos Plateau, at an altitude of 1,230 m and ends at the coastal village of Agia Roumeli, on the Libyan Sea. It’s about 16 km long, of which 13 km are inside the gorge and 3 kilometers are from the exit of the gorge to Agia Roumeli.
Difficulty
Though the path runs mostly downhill, there are some steep and rocky points, making the hike moderately difficult. But the intensity definitely depends on your physical condition and experience. I definitely recommend you train on uphill trails prior to the trip.
Speaking of strenuous, it does get extremely hot at the peak of summer, so make sure you’re well hydrated and wear comfortable loose clothing to make the trip more pleasurable.
Elevation and elevation gain
The total elevation gain is about 755m (as measured on Alltrails – I didn’t have a fancy watch when I did the hike). The trail is mostly downhill, starting from a maximum elevation of 1,230m and ending at sea level. You’ll encounter small sections of uphill along the way.
Time
It usually takes between 4 to 8 hours to hike the gorge. This includes some breaks in between, taking photos, and enjoying the scenery. The average walking speed is about 3 kilometers per hour.
| Trail Section | Approximate Time |
|---|---|
| Xyloskalo to Agios Nikolaos | 1 hour |
| Agios Nikolaos to Samaria Village | 1.5 hours |
| Samaria Village to Christos | 1.5 hours |
| Christos to Iron Gates | 45min |
| Iron Gates to Agia Roumeli | 1 hour |
| Total Time (Approx) | 5hrs 45min |
How To Get to Samaria Gorge
There are two main ways to get to the Samaria Gorge: by bus or car.
Samaria Gorge from Chania by bus
The easiest and cheapest way to get to the Samaria Gorge is by bus. There are buses leaving from Chania central bus station at around 6:15 a.m. on a daily basis and arriving at Xyloskalo– the entrance of the gorge–at 7:45 a.m. From Xyloskalo, you can buy an entrance ticket and start your hike. At the end of your hike, you’ll reach Agia Roumeli, where you can take a boat to either Sougia or Hora Sfakion. The last bus leaves at 6:30 pm from Sougia or 6:45 pm from Hora Sfakion.
Samaria Gorge by car
If you have rented a car in Crete, you can drive to Xyloskalo and park there for free. But, this option has some drawbacks:
- You’ll have to get back to Xyloskalo after your hike. This means you’ll take 2 boats and 2 buses instead of one, which increases your cost.
- Less time to enjoy Agia Roumeli and the beach.
- You’ll drive on winding mountain roads in the dark if you leave late.
- You’ll be exhausted and might not have the energy to drive back.
I don’t recommend this option unless you have a specific reason to do so.
A Word Of Warning About The Ferry
Whether you take the package tours offered or decide to walk it independently, this hike generally only goes one way:
From the top, Xyloskalo, to the bottom, Agia Roumelli.
From Agia Roumelli the only viable option back to the start, or to Chania (the nearest city) is by ferry.
The last ferry of the day leaves at 530 p.m. (weather permitting).
That means you’ll need to work everything backward from this (or an earlier) ferry departure.
For example, if you want to swim at Agia Roumelli (allow 1hr), enjoy a late lunch (another 1hr) and are a conservatively slow walker (7hr) you’ll want to hit the trail no later than 9am.
Don’t get caught out and miss the last boat back!
My Experience Hiking The Samaria Gorge (What To Expect)
An Early Start From Chania
I got picked up from my hotel around 6am in a minivan. This wasn’t THE bus, but a collector bus for the main bus which was much larger, a coach. The Greeks are efficient and before i knew it we were being sheparded off the minivans into the coach and away off towards the hills.
The driver didn’t speak any english but on the bus was our guide who was friendly and us some information and tips about the hike and the return journey. The entire ride took about an hour and a half.
Upon arrival, we were given tickets, filled my water bottle, and by 8 a.m we were ready to start the hike.
Agios Nikolaos
The first part of the hike was the most challenging, as it involved a steep descent on a rocky path with many steps. The path was well-marked and maintained, but you’ll want to be careful not to slip (a walking pole is good here!)
After around an hour, you’ll get to Agios Nikolaos, the first resting point. I was surrounded by a small chapel, a fountain, and some benches. From here the path became less steep and more scenic as I entered a forest of pine and cypress trees.
Samaria
After about two hours, I reached Samaria. I saw some abandoned stone houses and there was a large wooden shelter, a fountain, and a ranger station. Once I felt rested, I stamped my ticket at the ranger station and continued my path through the forest and riverbed, winding up at the Iron Gate.
Iron Gate
This has to be the most spectacular part of the hike! It was also the shortest, as it only took about an hour to complete. It’s also the narrowest point of the gorge, where the walls are only 3 meters apart. I felt seriously dwarfed by the towering cliffs that rose above me on both sides.
(photos don’t do it justice)
The Black Sand Beach
Although this was the longest part of the hike, it was also the easiest and most relaxing. You’ll exit the gorge and walk towards Agia Roumeli, on a flat and wide dirt road.
The scenery changes dramatically as you go from mountains to sea, and was welcomed by the blue water of the Libyan Sea sparkling in front of me. And after 6 hours of hiking, a swim feels like a pretty good idea, righ?
Agia Roumeli Village
I don’t know if everyone experiences this, whenever I swim I always get REALLY hungry..
So off to Agia Roumeli, a small but charming village, with a few taverns, cafes, and shops. I devoured a tasty, traditional Cretan dish at one of the taverns, and after a well-deserved meal and rest, I proceeded to the port to buy a boat ticket to Hora Sfakion. With the boat scheduled to leave at 4 p.m., I had some time to kill. So I explored the village a bit more and bought some souvenirs.
The Boat Ride Back
The boat ride to Hora Sfakion took about an hour. It was pleasant abeit a little choppy and we arrived at Hora Sfakion around 5 p.m.
There was then a bus connection back to Chania all organises, which took about 2 hours. It was dark by then, so I couldn’t see much outside. From the big bus it was onto another minivan to do the hotel drop off
Home by 8pm!
It was a long day but a brilliant one, and with all the logistics taken care for me I got to truly unwind and enjoy the hike.
What to Wear And Bring
If you’re planning to do the Samaria Gorge hike, you should be well prepared for it. I saw a lot of tourists out there completely underprepared and
Here are some things you should wear and bring.
- Comfortable hiking shoes or boots – The trail is dry, dusty, and there are sections of walking over loose rocks and river stones. A good pair of trail shoes are your best option. You may end up slipping around in runners.
- Walking Poles – If you’re not too sure-footed, especially over rocks, a walking pole (I use Black Diamond) is a good idea. I don’t recommend two poles as they can cause more of a hazard than a help, but one will help you navigate the rocks a lot easier.
- Breathable hiking clothes
- Sun Protection – A hat, Sunglasses, Sunscreen – anything you’ll need to stay safe from the elements.
- Backpack
- Water bottle (Or two!) – There are no shops on the hike so make sure you’ve got enough water for the duration. I packed 2L and got through it all, and used my Brita Bottle to fill up along the way too
- Lunch + Snacks – Some tour operators will provide you with a packed lunch, so it pays to check the details. You’ll be out hiking for a minimum of 4.5 hours (possibly 8) so some nourishing hiking food is a must. I’d recommend muesli bars, nuts, chocolate, and a hearty sandwich for lunch.
- Light jacket – Even in summer the wind can become incredibly chilly so a warm layer that doubles as a windbreak is a must.
- Swimwear and a towel – For the black sand beach at the end, or the cold river water along the way – I swam in both!
- Cash – You’ll want a little pocket money. At least 14 euro for the ferry and 10 euro for park entry. Outside of that I’d allow a little bit for drinks and snacks at the end.
- Camera – of course!!
- Power bank – I also took a power bank just to keep my phone alive as you’ll be out and about for about 14hrs. I swear by the Nitecore power banks because they are the lightest on the market which makes them perfect for hiking
Wildlife, Native Plants, and Sights Along the Trail
One of the best things about hiking the Samaria Gorge is that I got to see and encounter various wildlife and flora.
Wildlife:
Though I didn’t spot any, you can hope to see quails, turtle doves, and partridges.There’s also the famous but very rare kri-kri goat.
Plantlife:
But I did see gorgeous endemic plants like the Cretan ebony, pink rockrose, and plum-purple Dragon arum.
Other Attractions:
Other sights along the way include; Ruined castles, deserted farmhouses, disused windmills, and religious monuments in hard to get to places!
The Best Samaria Gorge Hike Tour Company?
Using a tour company for your Samaria gorge hike will 100% make your day more convenient and enjoyable.
You can benefit from their transportation and guides. but most of all, it’s just nice having all the logistics (4 busses and a ferry!) taken care of for you.
I Did The Samaria Gorge Tour with Viator
Viator has two options for Samaria Gorge tours: a small-group hiking day trip from Chania and a tour from Heraklion. I took the trip from Chania and had an absolute blast – the trip ran like clockwork and felt like really good value for money.
With Viator, you adventure kicks off bright and early at 6:00 a.m. There’s time in Omalos to grab some breakfast and soak in the mountain vibes. Then, at around 8:00 a.m., it’s time for the real action to begin.
The trip ends with a swim in the crystal-clear Libyan Sea. Cool off, kick back, and let those post-hike feels sink in. Afterward, it’s time to treat yourself to some traditional Cretan food at a charming tavern Kri Kri. You’ll finish by boarding a boat to Sougia, soaking up those coastal views before hopping back on the bus that will take us straight to your hotel. By 8:00 p.m., you’ll be back in Chania centre or at your hotel.
Key Info
My Final Recommendations
I 100% recommend doing the Samaria Gorge if you’re in Crete for any length of time. It’s incredibly beautiful, surprisingly challenging, and ends in a fun black sand beach and ferry ride home.
The hike can be done on your own agenda if you are confident enough and want to figure out the logistics. You’ll save some money and have more flexibility and freedom to explore the gorge at your own pace.
But, I’d personally recommend you book the packaged tour with one of the companies mentioned in this post (I used Viator, but Get Your Guide are good too). This gives you more convenience and safety, and some social interaction with other hikers. It also takes all the hassle out of worrying about bus times and ferry departures.
I was doing the walk by myself, but quickly made friends with others on the tour – including a polish girl with a drone!
Either way, you’re in for an epic day of exploring nature and nature and creatian history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a ticket to visit the Samaria Gorge?
You need a ticket to enter the gorge. The ticket costs 10 euros per person and can be bought at Xyloskalo or Agia Roumeli before starting the hike. Your guide will make this super easy for you though!
How long does it take to walk the Samaria Gorge?
It usually takes between 4 to 8 hours to walk the Samaria Gorge. I felt like I took my time and was done in around 5 hours, which was great as i got more time to swim at the end.
Is the Samaria Gorge hike hard?
The Samaria Gorge hike is moderately difficult. It’s mostly downhill but there are some uphill sections and many rocky parts. You should be in good physical condition and have some hiking experience before attempting it. Regardless of fitness levels, its a long day on your feet in the hot sun so don’t underestimate it!
Can you hike the Samaria Gorge without a guide?
You can hike the Samaria Gorge without a guide. The path is well-marked and maintained and there are many signs and information boards along the way.
I took a package tour which included a guide, but didn’t end up interacting with her and walked at my own pace.
When can you hike Samaria Gorge?
You can hike Samaria Gorge from May to October when it’s open to the public. The gorge is permanently shut in the winter months due to bad weather and low tourist numbers.
During summer, the gorge is open from 7 am till 1 pm. They won’t let you start after 1 p.m. because there’s no chance you’ll make the last ferry back at 530 p.m.
Can you hike Samaria Gorge in trainers?
I don’t recommend you hike Samaria Gorge in trainers. They do not provide enough grip and support for the rugged terrain. Rather wear comfortable and sturdy hiking shoes.
What level of fitness is Samaria Gorge?
Samaria Gorge is a long and challenging hike that requires a good level of fitness and endurance. You should be able to walk for 6 hours or more on uneven and rocky ground, with some steep sections. You should also be able to carry your own backpack with your essentials.
Is the Samaria Gorge hike worth it?
The Samaria Gorge hike is definitely worth it if you enjoy hiking and nature. It’s a beautiful experience that will reward you with stunning views, diverse flora and fauna, and a sense of accomplishment. It’s also a great way to explore Crete’s culture and history because you’ll see some ancient ruins, traditional villages, and local products along the way.
Greece Travel Planning Cheatsheet
🚑 Should I buy travel insurance for Greece?
100% YES! — Greece has “free” healthcare but it’s only for citizens! Tourists need travel insurance in case anything happens on your visit. Also be aware many policies won’t cover hiking as it’s a high risk activity! (that’s right, check the t&c’s on your complimentary credit card insurance)
I highly recommend World Nomads as you can get specific add-ons for the crazy activities you’re doing – and starts at just $7 a day!
🏩 What’s the best way to book accomodation in Greece?
Your best bet for most accomodation is Booking.com. We stayed in a few Airbnbs on my last trip too but I probably wouldn’t recommend them unless you’re staying with a large group in one place.
If you’re looking for hostels I always go via Hostel World. Sure, the same places are on booking.com too, but I find the reviews on Hostel World do a better job of describing the vibe (and prices are usually slightly cheaper)
💸How do you pay for things in Greece?
Greece (like most European countries) use the Euro which makes travelling really easy. Most places you visit will accept Debit/Credit Cards and Contactless Payments. I also suggest getting out some cash to pay smaller vendors and as a backup if card isn’t accepted
I personally use a Wise debit card for all my international money needs as they only convert the funds when you make payment, plus they offer a much better spread (margin on the true exhange rate) than the banks do. They work in all Greek ATMs I tried.
🚙 Do you need to rent a car in Greece?
Possibly! — Public transport on the mainland is reasonably good. Busses run frequently and take you to most places, but on the islands it’s a whole ‘nother story.
If you’re planning to stay on a greek island, especially outside of the main cities, then renting a car will save you a whole lot of hassle and time. I reccommend using Discover Cars to find the cheapest rental company.
⛴️ What about ferries?
The ferries in Greece are AWESOME, and the easiest way to hop between islands. There are 4 major ferry opperators in Greece so use a aggregator like Direct Ferries to find the cheapest price (and fastest service).
📲 How do I get internet/data/wifi in Greece?
This one needs a whole nother article, but the short version is local SIM cards are cheaper but generally require a fixed term contract, and a passport (ID) to purchase.. its a hassle!
I now use the Saily eSIM. This is a little more expensive but works from the moment you land is is SOOOOO much easier than the in person verification process required for a local sim.
TIP: I used to use Airalo but now find Saily a much better product – you can get 5% off with code SPECIAL5
✈️ What’s the best site to buy flights to Greece?
For finding cheap flights, I recommend Skyscanner. Once you find the flight you’re looking for, I’d then suggest booking directly with the carrier (even if it costs a few $$ more than with one of the agreggators/agencies) as you’ll get more proection if they flight is delayed/cancelled or you need to make changes later.
💧Can you drink the water in Greece?
In some places — The water on mainland Greece is generally safe to drink, but you’ll want to be a bit wary on the islands, especially in smaller towns. It also tasted terrible!! I’d recommend either buying bottled water or using Brita Water Bottle as a more sustainable option.
🎫 Do I need a visa for Greece?
Likely Not — Greece recognises the Schengen agreement which allows visitors from most countries to enter Visa Free for 90 days. The complete list of eligable passports can be found here on the governent website.
