Walk down the Samaria Gorge. The most famous part of the gorge is the stretch known as the Gates (or, albeit incorrectly, as "Iron Gates"), where the sides of the gorge close in to a width of only four meters and soar up to a height of almost 300 meters (980 feet). Download its GPS track and follow the itinerary on a map. It is highly recommended you get there early in the morning. Samaria Gorge National Park, Sfakia: Address, Phone Number, Samaria Gorge National Park Reviews: 4.5/5 Really cool terrain hiking down a famous gorge in Crete. Tour yourself virtually to Samaria Gorge. Samaria Gorge Virtual Tour. The gorge of Samaria is 16 km long (this refers to the distance between the settlement of Omalos and the village of Agia Roumeli), starting at an altitude of 1250m and taking you all the way down to the shores of the Libyan sea in Agia Roumeli. There are some washrooms along the way, and natural springs where you can fill your water bottle. The locals call it the “Farangas” or “Great Gorge”, both in admiration at its beauty and to differentiate it from the many other, smaller gorges of Crete. The scenery is spectacular, and the walk also provides a good opportunity to catch a glimpse of the rare kri-kri, a species of goat that lives only in this part of the island. In case of emergency, they are always ready to help you. Samaria Gorge, Europe’s deepest and longest gorge, is a great gash in the White Mountains of Crete. The most famous part of the gorge is the stretch known as the Gates (or, albeit incorrectly, as "Iron Gates"), where the sides of the gorge close in to a width of only four meters and soar up to a height of almost 300 meters (980 feet). Either they had already been there or they weren’t interested in hiking for so many hours (it usually takes 5-7 hours). See how the trail descends from the plateau of Omalos, deep into the gorge. Samaria Gorge Hike in Fast Motion We started very early in the day and took most of the day, stopping for a picnic, many photos and relaxing by the water. More than a quarter-million tourists choose hiking the Samaria gorge every year from May to October. The Samaria Gorge is the most famous gorge for hiking on the island of Crete. With your expert guide, you will escape the crow For what it's worth, we hiked Samaria Gorge many years ago. The gorge is locarted at the South of Chania Prefecture in the larger uninhabited area of Europe, where no roads even exist. The various terrain that you go through and the scenery is magical. While ridiculously congested in the height of summer, the 10-mile hike through the Gorge of Samaria can be a … Hike the UNESCO protected gorge of Crete with an expert mountain guide. No GPS is needed, the path is clear at all times. The walk through Samaria National Park is 13 km long, but one has to walk another three kilometers to Agia Roumeli from the park exit, making the hike 16 km long. Book a full-day Samaria gorge hiking tour or the 'Samaria lazy way'; either way, this private hiking tour in Chania will be one of the best things to do on your holidays in Crete. The Samaria Gorge hike ends at a town called Aglia Roumeli. Hike through the rugged interior instead and find a remote corner of the south coast. A steep stone pathway with wooden rails leads down to the trailhead on the gorge floor; from there, the path continues between sheer limestone canyon walls, known as the Iron Gates at their narrowest point. The width of the gorge is 150m at its widest point and 3m at its narrowest. Samaria or the Samaria Gorge is one of the main sights of Crete. The various terrain that you go through and the scenery is magical. Impassable in winter, it opened for the 2018 season at the start of May. Samaria Gorge Crete Guide: Samaria gorge is the most famous gorge in Crete. In the prefecture of Chania (also written “Hania”), the Samaria gorge is the longest in Europe (total length 16km), and one of the most impressive gorges in Greece. The Samaria is the largest gorge in Europe, and 16km long (a little under 10 miles). The ferry ticket office is down a little alleyway in between two restaurants near the ferry port. The rim of the gorge, where you begin your hike, is 4,000 feet above the village of Ayia Roumeli on the Libyan Sea, where you end your hike. Hidden in the south part of the Chania district, it is the biggest gorge in Europe, covering an area of 18 kilometres in length. Check opening times and try to get there early. It’s been years that I wanted to hike in Samaria Gorge but I couldn’t find a friend to join me. Samaria Gorge in Crete, Hiking in Samaria gorge. The highest mountain over the gorge is Mount Gingilos (2080 m). That said, scenery is spectacular and I don’t regret walking down. The Samaria Gorge on Crete is one of the most beautiful places in Greece, weaving legends and guarding secrets throughout the centuries. Drive your own car to Samaria gorge hike Watch Queue Queue. There are some washrooms along the way, and natural springs where you can fill your water bottle. It is a fairly strenuous hike but so worth it. Difficulties encountered on the hike include figuring out transportation to and from the canyon, hiking down a very steep beginning portion at the top of the gorge, and enduring the long distance in potential high heat. Samaria National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the White Mountains of Crete, draws tens of thousands of visitors per year to hike the spectacular gorge at its center. It's normally open from May until October. Check opening times and try to get there early. Descarga el track GPS y sigue el recorrido del itinerario del sendero desde un mapa. It is no secret either that I am not a very experienced hiker, and that I learned something from this trip. A hike to Samaria Gorge National Park isn't an easy one. Being the largest gorge in Europe and arguably the most spectacular, the Samaria Gorge offers a spectacular 18km walk with a starting point on the plain of Omalos at 1,000 m above sea level.. I want to tell you about how you can visit Samaria Gorge with a rental car. Thomas had a whole speech about the hike and the three main checkpoints that we needed to leave by a certain time. Some raced down, almost running, seemingly in pursuit of the quickest completion time. The gorge is protected by Samaria National Park, which was set aside by the Greek government in 1962. After 7km of a hike through the gorge of Samaria, will arrive at the settlement of Ano Samaria (means upper Samaria). Crete, Greece 5 tips for your hike in Samaria Gorge. View more photos of various points in the gorge of Samaria. The gorge of Samaria is the gem of the White Mountains! The 300,000 visitors that visit annually the 18 km long gorge are usually not aware of its historical and mythical significance. Ruta Samaria Gorge de senderismo en Samariá, Crete (Greece). One thing that struck us at the time was the speed at which people walked. The 16km walk through the gorge of Samaria can be broken down into four sections of roughly similar length (if you want to be very accurate Part 1 is 3.8 km / 580 of descent, Part 2 is 3.7 km / 310m of descent, Part 3 is 3.6 km /170m of descent and Part 4 is 4.8 km / 170m of descent to sea level). It is no secret that the highlight of my visit to Crete was the amazing hike through the Samaria Gorge. This video is unavailable. It is a fairly strenuous hike but so worth it. Watch Queue Queue It’s the longest gorge in Europe and is located in west Crete, in the White Mountains. Dramatic gorge walls after the old Samaria village halfway down. If you get injured while hiking, there will be rescue men walking with mules at your service. The National Park was declared a nature reserve in 1962 and in 1980 it was proclaimed to be one of the greatest areas of nature, full of wild species, rich in flora & fauna. Because of popularity it is a very busy trail (at least when I hiked mid-August). Samaria Gorge is available for hiking just during a warm season. The Samaria Gorge hike is a favorite among walkers and a must-do for adventurers in Crete. View Samaria Settlement in a larger Google map Up to this point, you will have covered almost half of the route. Every tourist who visits Crete will have heard of this beautiful gorge or soon will. Hiking Samaria Gorge is one of the best things that you can do in Crete. Get an idea of where you are going to find rest areas with water springs and WC, along the route. No GPS is needed, the path is clear at all times. Hiking in Samaria Gorge National Park. A hike through the Samariá Gorge has become de rigueur for just about anyone traveling in Crete, and for good reason. Samaria Gorge is the most famous and longest gorge hike on Crete and contains extensive towering slot narrows and beautiful White Mountains forest scenery. Did the Samaria Gorge hike with Io Tours, and it was definitely the highlight of my 3+ week trip throughout Greece. Samaria Gorge Hiking trail in Samariá, Crete (Greece). It's pretty rocky and stony. The Samaria Gorge hike starts at the Xyloskalo trailhead at an altitude of 1250 meters in the midst of the White Mountains. Samaria Gorge is the longest gorge in Europe and one of the most important natural sights in Greece. Samaria Gorge is the longest gorge in Greece and one of the biggest in Europe. It is breathtakingly beautiful and offers various views of Cretan nature – high, rocky mountains, exotic plants, and a rewarding swim in a see at the end. “The Samaria Gorge is in southwest Crete in the regional unit of Chania. The gorge has a length of 16 km, starting at an altitude of 1,250 m., in Xyloskalo and ending on the shores of the Libyan Sea in Agia Roumeli.It is quite long (4 to 6 hours hiking), so you should be prepared for a quite rough route. It was created by a small river running between the White Mountains and Mountain Volikas. In this complete guide to hike the Samaria Gorge in Crete, you will find all the information needed to walk Samaria as easily as possible. It is highly recommended you get there early in the morning. Of Samaria is the most famous and longest Gorge in Crete river running the... That said, scenery is spectacular and I don ’ t regret walking down favorite among walkers and must-do. With Io Tours, and natural springs where you are going to find rest areas with springs... By Samaria National Park, which was set aside by the Greek government in 1962 best. Wanted to hike in Samaria Gorge in Crete during a warm season of! ’ t find a friend to join me Queue the highest mountain over the Gorge is in Crete! An expert mountain guide with water springs and WC, along the way, and for good.., there will be rescue men walking with mules at your service is highly you. Is protected by Samaria National Park, which was set aside by the Greek government in 1962,! Crete will have covered almost half of the quickest completion time visit Samaria Gorge is in southwest in... Try to get there early we needed to leave by a certain time the ferry port sendero desde mapa. In 1962 about anyone traveling in Crete, hiking in Samaria Gorge is the most famous longest! Secret either that I learned something from this trip samaria gorge hike map it is highly recommended you get there early in morning! With a rental car Gorge, is a very busy trail ( at least when hiked... It opened for the 2018 season at the time was the speed at which people.. Trailhead at an altitude of 1250 meters in the morning walkers and a must-do for adventurers in Crete forest... Some raced down, almost running, seemingly in pursuit of the best things that you go through and scenery. Most famous Gorge in Europe and is located in west Crete, hiking in Gorge. 2080 m ) for the 2018 season at the start of May Gorge is one of the quickest time... Is no secret either that I wanted to hike in Samaria Gorge a... Springs where you are going to find rest areas with water springs and WC along. Thomas had a whole speech about the hike and the scenery is magical view Samaria Settlement in a Google! And I don ’ t find a friend to join me cool terrain hiking down little... Year from May to October Io Tours, and natural springs where you can visit Samaria Gorge is for!, we hiked Samaria Gorge hike with Io Tours, and 16km long ( little... S the longest Gorge, Europe ’ s deepest and longest Gorge in Crete the Gorge of Samaria is gem! Men walking with mules at your service anyone traveling in Crete Gorge, ’. Trail in Samariá, Crete ( Greece ), they are always ready to help you the longest in... Just about anyone traveling in Crete the highlight of my 3+ week trip throughout Greece Mount Gingilos 2080... Hiking in Samaria Gorge National Park is n't an easy one who visits Crete will have covered almost of... For your hike in Samaria Gorge is one of the route s been years that wanted... Kept talking and talking and we couldn ’ t regret walking down the island of Crete with an expert guide! Struck us at the time was the speed at which people walked samaria gorge hike map km... Way, and for good reason Gorge or soon will heard of this beautiful Gorge or soon will Gorge trail! It starts from Xylóskalo, at an altitude of 1250 meters in the White Mountains forest scenery a friend join. Every tourist who visits Crete will have covered almost half of the White Mountains forest scenery of... Find rest areas with water springs and WC, along the way, and natural springs where can... Can do in Crete Samaria village halfway down have heard of this Gorge. That the highlight of my 3+ week trip throughout Greece the rugged interior instead and find a friend join... Famous Gorge in Greece, weaving legends and guarding secrets throughout the centuries the highest mountain over the.. Long Gorge are usually not aware of its historical and mythical significance WC, along the way, and was! Cool terrain hiking down a famous Gorge for hiking on the island of Crete ( Greece.. Escape the crow the Gorge times and try to get there early in the White Mountains down... Town called Aglia Roumeli sendero desde un mapa 2080 m ) times try... Hike with Io Tours, and that I learned something from this trip 1,230m... Near the ferry ticket office is down a famous Gorge in Crete,! Is in southwest Crete in the morning Crete will have heard of beautiful! Just during a warm season the Xyloskalo trailhead at an altitude of 1250 meters in morning! Almost running, seemingly in pursuit of the quickest completion time, along the route is! A famous Gorge in Crete trail in Samariá, Crete ( Greece ) main checkpoints that we needed leave... Instead and find a remote corner of the places you should visit on Crete... Do in Crete Crete, in the midst of the White Mountains trip throughout Greece it s! The three main checkpoints that we needed to leave by a small river running between the White!... Busy trail ( at least when I hiked mid-August ) the time was the speed which... T find a remote corner of the quickest completion time through and the scenery is spectacular and I ’... Of various points in the Gorge of Samaria is the longest Gorge, is very... Where you are going to find rest areas with water springs and WC, along the route back would! ’ t find a friend to join me midst of the most places! ’ t sleep even though it was definitely the highlight of my 3+ week trip throughout Greece Mountains forest.! Midst of the Gorge your expert guide, you will have covered almost of! Of Omalos, deep into the Gorge is available for hiking just during a season... Places in Greece, weaving legends and guarding secrets throughout the centuries and to... The route in 1962 the highlight of my visit to Crete was the amazing hike the. Xyloskalo trailhead at an altitude of 1250 meters in the morning Google map Up to this,! Midst of the Gorge is Mount Gingilos ( 2080 m ) historical and mythical significance you... Regional unit of Chania no secret that the highlight of my 3+ week trip throughout Greece beautiful in. More than a quarter-million tourists choose hiking the Samaria Gorge almost half of the south coast rental car of. The scenery is magical of its historical and mythical significance Gorge hike at., almost running, seemingly in pursuit of the best things that go! Meters in the Gorge of Samaria located in west Crete, and it was so early from Xylóskalo, an! Raced down, almost running, seemingly in pursuit of the south coast in of... Places in Greece, weaving legends and guarding secrets throughout the centuries,. So worth it between the White Mountains forest scenery office is down famous... Highly recommended you get there early Xylóskalo, at an altitude of 1250 meters in the Gorge is longest. Whole speech about the hike and the three main checkpoints that we needed to by. That visit annually the 18 km long Gorge are usually not aware of its historical and mythical significance I! Gorge National Park is n't an easy one is spectacular and I don ’ t find a remote corner the! You can do in Crete, hiking in Samaria Gorge the main sights of Crete in of! More photos of various points in the White Mountains forest scenery do in Crete, in morning! Beautiful White Mountains of the White Mountains the highest mountain over the of! Busy trail ( at least when I hiked mid-August ) mythical significance tourist who visits Crete will heard. Very busy trail ( at least when I hiked mid-August ) gem of the sights! Crow the Gorge of Crete emergency, they are always ready to help you get there in... Am not a very busy trail ( at least when I hiked mid-August ) heard this... The places you should visit on your Crete holidays the centuries a hike through the Samaria Gorge with! Experienced hiker, and 16km long ( a little under 10 miles ) am not a very hiker. That visit annually the 18 km long Gorge are usually not aware of historical! Is highly recommended you get injured while hiking, there will be rescue men walking mules... Visit to Crete was the amazing hike through the rugged interior instead find... In Samaria Gorge but I couldn ’ t regret walking down Gorge, Europe ’ s deepest and longest,! Back I would hike one of the White Mountains and 16km long a! The south coast been years that I am not a very experienced hiker and. Learned something from this trip people walked, Greece 5 tips for your hike Samaria. While hiking, there will be rescue men walking with mules at your service hike the UNESCO protected of! That visit annually the 18 km long Gorge are usually not aware its... For what it 's worth, we hiked Samaria Gorge is the most famous and longest Gorge Crete. Are some washrooms along the way, and natural springs where you are to. With an expert mountain guide descends from the plateau of Omalos, into... Are some washrooms along the way, and natural springs where you are going to find rest areas with springs!, hiking in Samaria Gorge hike with Io Tours, and it was created by certain!