Samaria Gorge, located in the rugged terrain of Crete, Greece, is a natural wonder renowned for its stunning beauty and unique ecosystem.Here is what you need to know:
Carved by the flow of the Taras River over millennia, this gorge stretches over 16 kilometers, making it one of Europe's longest gorges. Trekkers flock here to traverse its narrow pathways, towering cliffs, and lush vegetation, encountering endemic flora and fauna along the way. The hike culminates at Agia Roumeli village, where weary adventurers can cool off in the crystal-clear waters of the Libyan Sea. With its breathtaking vistas and challenging terrain, Samaria Gorge offers an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts and hikers alike.
Hiking the whole 16 km route, starting from Xyloskalo and ending to Agia Roumeli. Using the public transfer services “Xyloskalo“ is accessed by the public bus which starts from the central bus station in Chania (KTEL) and ends to “Omalos“. The route lasts ~ 60 minutes and the ticket costs 7,50 euros for one adult. If you wish to avoid the early morning ride, you can arrange to stay the previous night to a hotel at Omalos. Once you have reached Omalos, you will have to obtain your ticket to enter the gorge. Tickets are issued in the courtyard of the Information Center, which it is worth to visit before crossing the gorge, as you will find some useful information about the protected area (natural & man-made environment). The entrance to the Information Center is free. After you have obtained your ticket, you can go to the entrance gate and start descending inside the Gorge. An average walk takes ~ 6-7 hours. If you wish, there is a private small bus at the exit f the gorge, which can take you to the village of Agia Roumeli, to avoid walking the last kilometers of the route.When you reach Agia Roumeli you have three alternative solutions to return to the city of Chania:
- Take the boat for Sfakia (Chora Sfakion) –the boat trip lasts ~1 hour and the costs 12.50 Euros for one adult.
- Take the boat for Sougia–the boat trip lasts ~40 minutes and it costs 11.00 Euros for one adult.
- Take the boat for Paleochora–the boat trip lasts ~90 minutes and it costs 17.20 Euros for one adult.
When you reach your destination, normally there will be a public bus that you can take to return to Chania. -From Sfakia (Chora Sfakion) to Chania– 8.30 Euros – ~1 hour & 40 minutes – From Sougia to Chania– 7.80 Euros – ~1 hour & 50 minutes – From Paleochora to Chania – 8.30 Euros – ~1 hour & 50 minutes Please click here to check the timetables & prices. KTEL CHANION-RETHIMNOU (public bus): http://www.e-ktel.com/en/ ANENDYK (boat trip): http://www.anendyk.gr The Management Body of Samaria National Park is not responsible for any changes in the routes or prices of the transfer services. Visiting the Gorge with an organized tour If you do not wish to use the public bus you can find an organized tour. We cannot suggest particular tourist operators, but you can find easily one, since there are many tourist agencies that organize tours to Samaria. You can either search the web, or find one while walking in the city of Chania (or at the place you stay in Crete), or perhaps you could ask for information at your hotel. Reaching the Gorge of Samaria by your own car If you want to reach Xyloskalo by your car this is also possible, although it is not highly recommended, since you will have to return to Omalos to take it back. For this situation, when you reach Agia Roumeli you must take the boat to Sougia. From Sougia, there is a public bus that returns to Omalos. Please check the timetables here [http://www.e-ktel.com/en/]. The ticket costs 5.30 Euros for one adult. Alternatively, you can arrange to return to Omalos by taxi. Please find the contact to Sougia taxis for further information. Alternative routes
- There are some people who wish to hike the Gorge starting from Agia Roumeli to arrive to Xyloskalo. In this case, it is recommended to have stayed overnight to Agia Roumeli and start your walk early in the morning. Moreover, you must keep in mind that the last kilometers of the walk will be difficult, since you will have to climb on a quite steep path. This choice should be avoided by those who are not physically fit.
- If you do not wish to do the whole route, you can reach Sfakia, Sougia, or Paleochora by bus or your car. Then, you can take the boat ANENDYK to Agia Roumeli, where you will start crossing of the gorge in reverse. The entrance ticket in this case also costs 5€. The most famous sight inside the Gorge, “Portes” is situated ~1.5km from the outpost of Agia Roumeli.
- If you do not wish to do the whole route, you can also enter the Gorge from Xyloscalo for a few kilometers. You can reach Xyloscalo by your own car or by bus or taxi. Again you must keep in mind that the route will be more tiring on your return, since the path is quite steep (higher altitude difference).
Useful advice
- It is recommended that the entrance to the Gorge from Xyloscalo should be done as early as possible.
- The crossing must be done slowly, with many stops and following the instructions of informational placards and rangers.
- The visitors must have appropriate clothing, footwear and sun protection (hat, sunscreen).
- You must have with you something to eat, since there are no shops inside the Gorge of Samaria.
- You must have water with you, but since there are several springs inside the Gorge you can refill your bottle.
- There are toilets in several places along the path.
- You must dispose your litter only in the waste bins that you will find along your way.