Samaria Gorge

Not Rated
Duration

06:00 - 20:30

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

50 people

Languages

English, German, Greek

Samaria Gorge: An Unforgettable Experience in Crete’s Nature

Discover the natural beauty of Crete with an organized excursion to the stunning Samaria Gorge.

Your journey starts from Rethymno around 6:30 AM to Omalos where you take a short break to prepare your extraordinary hiking experience in Samaria.

The 16-kilometer trek through the gorge takes approximately five hours .  From the towering cliffs to the narrowest point of the gorge, known as the “Iron Gates,” Samaria provides a captivating natural setting. Our experienced guide will be by your side throughout, offering valuable insights and support.

At the end of the hike, you will arrive at Agia Roumeli, a charming seaside village with crystal-clear waters. Here, you can relax, enjoy a refreshing swim, or savor local flavors at traditional taverns.

The excursion concludes with a scenic boat ride to Sfakia, where our bus will be waiting to take you back to Rethymno, leaving you with unforgettable memories.

“Join us on this unique adventure and experience the Samaria Gorge like never before!”

Highlights

  • Xyloskalo: The starting point at the Omalos Plateau, offering breathtaking views of the gorge and the surrounding mountains.
  • The Gorge's Steep Cliffs: Towering rock walls that rise hundreds of meters, creating a dramatic and awe-inspiring environment.
  • The Church of Agios Nikolaos: A small traditional chapel nestled in the forest, located in a peaceful and serene spot.
  • Samaria Village: An abandoned village that once housed the area's residents. It’s an intriguing place to explore.
  • The Gates (Sideroportes): The narrowest point of the gorge, where the walls are just 3 meters apart. It’s one of the most photographed spots.
  • Rich Flora and Fauna: The gorge is home to unique species like the Cretan wild goat (kri-kri), rare flowers, and lush vegetation.
  • The Exit at Agia Roumeli Village: The final point of the route, where you can relax on the beach and enjoy the Libyan Sea.

6:00 Departure from your hotel by bus. The exact time depends on your hotel’s location.

As soon as you inform us about your hotel, we will send you a voucher with the exact departure time from your hotel or a central point near your hotel.

08:15 Arrival at Omalos, the main entrance of the Samaria Gorge

Arrival at Omalos, at Xyloskalo (the entrance of the Samaria Gorge)

08:20 Hiking through the gorge (16 km in length) with free time for breaks along the way

Wildlife and Flora: The gorge is home to unique species like the endangered Cretan wild goat, known as the kri-kri, and many endemic plants. Natural Springs: Several natural springs throughout the gorge provide fresh water and peaceful resting spots. Stunning Cliffs and Rock Formations: The towering limestone walls and dramatic geological features are a highlight for nature lovers. Forest of Cypress and Pine Trees: The lush forested areas create a serene atmosphere and provide shade during the trek.

15:30 Arrival at Agia Roumeli (the exit of the gorge)

Arrival at Agia Roumeli (the exit of the gorge). Free time for lunch, relaxation, and swimming.

17:00 Boarding the ferry from Agia Roumeli to Chora Sfakion.

After completing the hike and enjoying free time in Agia Roumeli, you will board the ferry for a scenic trip along Crete’s stunning southwestern coastline. Relax on deck and take in the views of the rugged cliffs and turquoise waters.

 

18:00 Arrival at Chora Sfakion. Boarding the bus for the return trip

Once you arrive at Chora Sfakion, our bus will be waiting to take you back. This is the perfect time to grab a quick refreshment or snack before starting the return journey. Sit back and enjoy the ride as we head back to your original pickup point, filled with memories of Crete’s most famous gorge.

20:15 Arrival back to your hotel or to the main place nearby in Rethymno.

The exact time depends on your hotel’s location.

  • Pick up and Return to your hotel or a central point nearby
  • Visit the incredible Samaria and the enchanting Agia Roumeli
  • Comfortable air-conditioned buses
  • Services of experienced and knowledgeable guides and Drivers
  • Samaria Entrance 5€
  • Ag.Roumeli to Sfakia Boat ticket 13€
  • Meals, drinks, and refreshments

English
German
Greek

Tour's Location

Who can participate in the tour?

This tour is suitable for individuals aged 11 to 99 years old. However, it is not recommended for young children, pregnant women, or people with health issues. The hike is a challenge, especially during the summer months due to the heat and the uneven walking paths along the gorge.

When and where does the tour start?

Our tour starts around 6:00 AM from your hotel or a central meeting point nearby. The exact departure time depends on your location and will be confirmed via message. The return is scheduled for around 7:30 PM, but the exact time may vary based on your drop-off location.

What is the difficulty level of the hike? Is it suitable for beginners? How long does the hike through the gorge?

The hike is of medium to high difficulty and requires good physical fitness. It is not ideal for begginers with no hiking experience and takes approximately 5-6 hours (depending on your pace).

What should I bring with me for the tour?

We recommend bringing:

    • Comfortable sport shoes or hiking shoes
    • Lightweight clothing
    • Sunscreen, sunglasses, swimwear and a hat.
    • A bottle of water and snacks
  •  
  •  
Are there resting points, toilets, and water sources available along the trail?

Yes, there are designated resting points throughout the trail where you can take a break. Additionally, toilets and water sources are available at certain locations to ensure your comfort during the hike.

What happens if sb cannot complete the hike or if the weather is bad the day of the tour?

If someone cannot complete the hike, assistance is available along the trail to ensure they are guided to safety or taken to the nearest exit.
In case of bad weather on the day of the tour, there are two options: you can reschedule the tour for another day, or you can receive a full refund. You will be informed in advance about any changes to the schedule.

Are the Scedule pick-up times accurate?

The program times we provide are indicative but generally very close to the exact ones. After you make your booking and inform us about your hotel, we will provide you with the exact details for the first pick-up through your voucher, either directly from your hotel or from a nearby hotel location.

Since some excursions include multiple pick-ups, please note that pick-up times may vary slightly due to the number of participants, traffic at the destinations, or other reason.

For all subsequent pick-ups during the excursion, exact details will be provided directly by our guides.

from 0,00$

Owner

Admin Webright

Member Since 2024

Information Contact

Email

aleo-4@hotmail.com

Phone

00306948175785

You might also like