🥾 SAMARIA GORGE – THE FULL HIKE
Experience one of Crete’s most impressive natural wonders with a complete crossing of the magnificent Samaria Gorge. This challenging 18 km hike combines dramatic mountain scenery, extraordinary rock formations, rare plants and wildlife, and a refreshing swim in the Libyan Sea.
The hike begins at Xyloskalo, on the Omalos Plateau, at an altitude of approximately 1,227 metres. From there, the trail descends through the White Mountains, passes through the famous narrow Iron Gates and finishes at the coastal village of Agia Roumeli.
Along the way, you may encounter the famous Cretan wild goat, the Kri-Kri, while enjoying the gorge’s remarkable landscape and unique natural environment. After completing the hike, you will have time to relax, swim and enjoy food or refreshments in Agia Roumeli before returning by boat.
🕒 Indicative programme
05:15–06:30: Pick-up from your accommodation or a nearby meeting point
07:40: Arrival at Omalos Plateau and optional breakfast
08:15: Arrival at Xyloskalo and start of the hike
14:00–15:00: Recommended time to exit the gorge
16:00: Meeting with the guide and distribution of boat tickets
17:30: Boat departure from Agia Roumeli to Sougia or Sfakia
18:30: Arrival at the port and boarding the bus
20:00–21:00: Return to Chania
The programme may be subject to change depending on weather, ferry schedules and operational conditions.
📅 Departure days by area
Chania Area: Every day
Kissamos Area: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
Akrotiri Area: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
Kalyves–Almyrida Area: Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
💶 Excursion price
Adults aged 13 and over: €34
Children aged 4–12: €17
🎟️ Additional tickets
The entrance and boat tickets are not included in the excursion price and are paid separately in cash:
Samaria Gorge entrance: Adults €10
Boat ticket: Adults €15
Boat ticket for children aged 5–12: €7
Certain visitors may qualify for free entrance, including students of universities within the European Union, EU citizens under 18 and non-EU children under 5. Valid identification or supporting documents may be required.
🎒 What to bring
Proper hiking shoes and comfortable socks
A hat and sunglasses
Sunscreen
A light jumper for the morning
A refillable bottle of water
A light snack
A swimsuit and beach towel
Water bottles can be refilled at natural springs located along the route.
⚠️ Important information
This is a demanding full-day excursion lasting approximately 15–16 hours and requiring a good level of physical fitness. The excursion is rated Fitness Level 4.
It is not recommended for people with serious health conditions, mobility difficulties or problems affecting the lower limbs, pregnant women or elderly visitors who are not accustomed to long and demanding hikes.
The trail is clearly marked and equipped with rest points, toilets, water springs, first-aid facilities and communication points.
Discover the wild beauty of the White Mountains, cross the legendary Samaria Gorge and finish your adventure with a well-deserved swim in the crystal-clear waters of Agia Roumeli.
🌿 SAMARIA GORGE – THE EASY WAY
Discover the magnificent Samaria Gorge without completing the demanding full crossing. The Easy Way excursion is ideal for visitors who wish to admire the beauty of the White Mountains, explore the gorge at their own pace and combine the experience with a relaxing boat journey and time by the sea.
Following an early pick-up, the excursion travels through the beautiful Cretan countryside to the Omalos Plateau, where you can see the traditional entrance to Samaria National Park. The journey then continues by coach to Sougia.
From Sougia, you will travel by boat along Crete’s spectacular southern coastline to the remote coastal village of Agia Roumeli. This charming village, located at the exit of the Samaria Gorge, can only be reached on foot or by sea.
From Agia Roumeli, you can walk inside the gorge for as long and as far as you wish. The distance from the village to the entrance of the gorge is approximately 3 km, followed by another 1.5 km to the famous Iron Gates. You are free to choose your walking distance before returning along the same route to Agia Roumeli.
After your walk, you will have plenty of time to swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Libyan Sea, relax on the beach or enjoy traditional Cretan food at one of the local tavernas.
🕒 Indicative programme
05:15–06:30: Pick-up from your accommodation or a nearby meeting point
07:40: Arrival at Omalos Plateau and optional breakfast
08:15: Visit to Xyloskalo, the traditional entrance to Samaria Gorge
09:00: Arrival at Sougia and boarding the boat
09:45–10:00: Arrival at Agia Roumeli
Free time to walk inside the gorge, swim and explore the village
17:30: Boat departure from Agia Roumeli
18:15: Arrival at Sougia and departure by coach
20:00–20:30: Return to Chania
The programme may be subject to change depending on weather, ferry schedules and operational conditions.
📅 Departure days by area
Chania Area: Monday and Tuesday
Kissamos Area: Tuesday
Akrotiri Area: Tuesday
Kalyves–Almyrida Area: Monday
💶 Excursion price
Adults aged 13 and over: €34
Children aged 4–12: €17
🎟️ Additional tickets
The entrance and boat tickets are not included in the excursion price and are paid separately in cash:
Samaria Gorge entrance: Adults €10
Boat ticket for the route Sougia–Agia Roumeli–Sougia: Adults €20
Boat ticket for children aged 5–12: €10
Certain visitors may qualify for free entrance, including students of universities within the European Union, EU citizens under 18 and non-EU children under 5. Valid identification or supporting documents may be required.
🎒 What to bring
Comfortable walking shoes and suitable socks
A hat and sunglasses
Sunscreen
A light jumper for the early morning
A bottle of water and a light snack
A swimsuit and beach towel
⚠️ Important information
The Easy Way is rated **Fitness Level 1–2** and does not require completing the full Samaria Gorge crossing. However, the route still includes rocky and uneven paths, and visitors should choose a walking distance suitable for their physical condition.
The excursion is not recommended for visitors with serious health conditions, significant mobility difficulties or problems affecting the lower limbs, or for pregnant women.
Enjoy the spectacular scenery of the White Mountains, walk through the legendary entrance of Samaria Gorge, relax beside the Libyan Sea and experience one of Crete’s most beautiful coastal journeys.
