The gorge of Samaria is one of the largest gorges in Europe, covering an area of 16 kilometers in length. The Samaria Gorge is 13 km long from the north entrance to the south exit. Visitors set out from Xyloskalo, on the edge of the Omalos Plateau, cross the Cretan countryside vertically, and end up at the village of Agia Roumeli on the Libyan Sea.
Throughout the hiking trail the scenery changes as you pass from a pine and oak forest, streams and steep cliffs. Observe the untouched scenery and watch for wildlife such as the mountain goat “kri-kri” or “Agrimi”, a Cretan endemic species of goat once considered sacred.
Samaria Gorge was added to the World Network of Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO in 1981 and has been under Greek National Park protection status since 1962.
The Gorge is accessible from the 1st of May until the 15th of October.
Duration: 5 – 6 trekking.
Trip Grade: Medium
Getting there:
• You can take the public bus from Chania that goes to Omalos in the morning. The journey time is approximately 1 hour.
• It is not feasible to take your hire car to the gorge if you plan to walk the entire length as to get back, you would have to make the return 16km hike.
• We recommend that you request a transfer from us for your own convenience. All your transport arrangements will be taken care of.
