Samaria Gorge Excursion
The Samaria Gorge Tour is a full-day adventure that offers breathtaking views, unique wildlife, and an unforgettable walk through one of Crete’s most famous natural wonders.
The Samaria Gorge Tour is a full-day adventure that offers breathtaking views, unique wildlife, and an unforgettable walk through one of Crete’s most famous natural wonders.
Join us on an exciting Samaria Gorge Tour, one of the most unforgettable experiences in Crete. This journey takes you through one of the longest and most impressive gorges in Europe.
We begin very early in the morning. First, we stop in Skaleta for breakfast and preparation. After that, we drive to the Omalos Plateau in the White Mountains.
Next, the hike starts at Xiloskalo, the entrance of the gorge. The trail is 18 kilometers long and usually takes 6 to 7 hours to complete. As we walk, we follow the path of the ancient river Taras. Along the way, you will enjoy breathtaking natural scenery.
Soon, you will notice caves along the rocky walls. In the past, local people used them as shelters during wartime. Today, however, they are home to the famous Cretan wild goat, the kri-kri.
About halfway through the hike, we reach the abandoned village of Santa Maria. Here, you can take a short rest and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Later on, we arrive at the Iron Gates, also known as Sideroportes. This is the narrowest point of the gorge. At this spot, the walls rise up to 300 meters high and stand only a few meters apart. As a result, it is one of the most dramatic views of the entire walk.
Finally, we reach the coastal village of Agia Roumeli. There, you can enjoy lunch, swim in the clear waters of the Libyan Sea, or simply relax on the beach.
In the afternoon, we board a boat to Sfakia. From there, our buses take you comfortably back to your hotel.