Samaria Gorge Hike: Europe's Largest Canyon Trek

Embark on a thrilling hike through Europe’s largest gorge, the Samaria Gorge, and be captivated by its stunning views, diverse wildlife, and challenging terrain. Experience the beauty of the White Mountains and encounter rare species along the way. Conclude your adventure with a refreshing swim and a delicious lunch at Agia Roumeli beach.

Duration: 12 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Samaria Gorge - The Samaria gorge is located on a height of 1227 meters above sea level. This is the longest gorge in Europe: 18km pathway and width from 3 to 300 meters.
    The walking tour begins in the early morning from Omalos plateau 43 km from the city of Chania. Walking time is about 5-6 hours, so be sure to take some water and something to…
What's Included
  • Transfer with air-conditioned bus
  • Certified tour guide
  • Pick-up from hotels of the HERAKLION region (at the specific bus stops outside of your hotel)
What's Not Included
  • Ticket entrance to Samaria National Park (5 euro)
  • Ticket for the boat from Agia Roumeli (13 euro)
  • Lunch, breakfast, water, any other individual expenses.
Additional Information

A unique walk through the Samaria Gorge, the largest in Europe, with a length of about 18 kilometers, will allow you not only to admire the breathtaking views and the wildlife, but also to test yourself.
Samaria Gorge is located in the heart of the majestic “White Mountains”, south of Omalos plateau. Tourist route begins at an altitude of 1250 meters…

Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.2
(18 Ratings)
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Brigitte
Aug 23, 2024
Very good reliable travel agent - We have booked the Samaria Gorge activity here. Excellently helped by the Owner. Good information given in advance. On the day itself we had a good Guide who made sure she was the last hiker. She also gave clear instruction and explanations in advance. The gorge itself is nice to walk but also quite tough because you always have to be wary where you put your feet. Our children of 12 and 10 have held up just fine. It is a long day because you will be picked up early (6:15 from our location) and by 21:15 you will be back. Last piece they preferred not to take a big coach through the busy street and there they had arranged a smaller van to drop us off at apartment. We had already rented a car through the travel company, but despite that the Owner also gave good information about beautiful places on Crete to go by car. While he organizes such day trips himself. Great compliment to this man by being so welcoming and helpful!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Laurentc674
Jul 21, 2024
Beautiful hike - Arrival at 08:00 in the morning in Samaria from chania 01:20 drive by rental car. Parking right next to the restaurant Xyloskalos Parking 5 euros Boat from agia roumeli to sougia 15 euros/person. Sugia bus back to Xyloskalos 7 euros/person Entrance to Samaria Park 5 euros / person Hiking Sunday in July 2024 , there were people but made the quiet hike. 13km hike + 2km to reach agia roumeli. Duration hike in 06h30 in total with lots of stop. Provide water and cap and hiking shoe. Several water points on the circuit. Plan enough to regain strength, energy bars or sandwiches. Beautiful landscape and beautiful photos Boat to go to sougia is at 17:30 from agia roumeli. Bus to xyloskalos about 01h journey
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Dream28533983990
May 28, 2024
Not to be missed - A wonderful day that will remain in my memories. A must do. Total change of scenery ending in a pretty little village. And a little boat trip for back to school
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Kristi
May 26, 2024
Beautiful but hard on old knees - Really happy to have hiked the Samaria Gorge. Beautiful hike over scrabble, rocks, roots, and boulders alongside crystal blue water. Day was sunny and hot and because we travelled in from Heraklion, we didn’t get on the trail until 11 so we hiked during the hottest part of the day. There were lots of rest stops with toilets, fresh water and ruins along the way.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Colleenll6821uf
Oct 13, 2023
great hike ! - the hike was amazing, for the most part you are going downhill or walking on flat sections, but it is a very rocky hike with some slippery sections. hiking boots would have been preferred for the ankle support, but my friend and i (fit, late 20s), found it was very doable in tennis shoes. the views are stunning, ending with a quick dip in the ocean and then riding the ferry was a great change after being in the gorge all day. there was drinkable water along the way, so being a reusable water bottle. also recommend eating breakfast before or bringing it with you, and pack a lunch. there is some food/drinks available right at the exit of the gorge but more options in the little village along the water (where the ferry picks you up). if you’re up for a long walk, we highly recommend this trip !
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Z7822xfelisad
Sep 7, 2023
Perfect - The person at the agency was really great, very kind, we were made to feel very welcome. I highly recommend this agency!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stephen_b
Jun 23, 2023
Excellent but watch your timings - Fantastic experience. The timings for the trip were wrong so around 18hours including travel. A great experience nevertheless. Challenging- not a casual stroll!
Review provided by Viator
Lisea_plt
Aug 21, 2024
Dry Gorge, Long Hiking - This hike promises to be refreshing, you will not be disappointed! In August, the gorges are dry and water appears from 10km! Anything but refreshing, fleeing the summer. The landscapes are beautiful but we spend our time looking at our feet for fear of falling (slippery stones). Do not go with people dear to you you risk losing them! On the last kilometers it is recommended by signs to run by risk of getting stones on your head. After 5 hours Point of Sale we finally find the water. But do not expect to be able to cool off because you are not allowed to swim. The water remains safe to drink throughout the ride. Leave before 10am otherwise you will miss the Check-out of the last boat.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Laurahl7504to
May 11, 2024
Not to be repeated - The good bits - the driver got us there and back safely and the guide made helpful suggestions about safety . The bad…. Why did we arrive at the site at 11 am - 4.5 hours after we started ? It left us 6 hours to do a walk when the average time taken is 7.5 hours - being told if you don’t get to the boat in time you ll have to stay piled on unnecessary pressure. It ruined the enjoyment of the walk for a number of us - we all made it back in time . we didn’t have any time to eat or go for a swim things we have done on other gorge trips. There was a Ridiculous way of allocating seats, ie first on best choice and not able to sit near family etc was unfair - sell seat numbers rather than a free for all . We were told ‘you can’t eat on the coach - but at 10 at night the bus was full of tired hungry people eating. With such a late start time I m glad that we did it when the temperature was 24 -and not 30+
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Janet_b
May 30, 2024
Too few participants this time of year - The tour operator (not Viator) canceled on us. I assume they did not have enough people sign up although they did not give us a reason.
Review provided by Viator