Hiking The Samaria Gorge In Crete

Snow capped mountain ranges were not what I was expecting to find in Crete. I was mesmerized from my first day, after seeing them glimmering above the deep blue Aegean Sea. You can see them from most places on the island, a constant reminder of their imposing beauty.

I knew right away that I had to explore them. After asking around, I learned about one of its most popular hikes, the Samaria Gorge. A stunning descent from a peak at about 4,100’ (1,250 m) down to the sea, over 9 miles (15 km). It wasn’t too much later that I was hiking it. This post covers the hike, how to get there, and what to expect.

Samaria Gorge is often called the longest gorge in all of Europe, but there is one that’s longer. The Gorge du Verdon in South France is a few kilometers longer. Regardless, a gorge this long on a Greek island was the last thing I expected. And it’s definitely worth coming to Crete to hike the Samaria Gorge.

Crete’s Majestic White Mountains

The Samaria Gorge is in the Lefka Ori mountain range of Crete, which means White Mountains. They’re called the White Mountains because of its bald limestone peaks, which are off-white in summer, and snow-capped in the winter. You can see the range from most anywhere in Crete. They literally beckon you to come hike and the Samaria Gorge is the perfect place to do so. Like that famous quote from John Muir, “The mountains are calling and I must go.”

This incredible mountain range, located in Western Crete, has 36 summits over 6,500’ (2,000 m) the tallest over 8,000’ (2,453 m), 58 gorges, the longest, Samaria, and many caves. Quite amazing! It’s a World’s Biosphere Reserve, home to over 450 species of plants and animals.

Hiking The Samaria Gorge

The trail starts at 4,100’ (1,250 m) and proceeds over 8 miles (13 km) down the canyon, plus another 1.25 (2 km) miles to the village of Agia Roumeli on the edge of the Libyan sea. Hiking time is about 4-7 hours, depending on your pace and how often you take a break.

At the bottom, when you finish, there are no roads out, so you take the ferry away. More in this and how to arrange transportation here below.

When you’re hiking down the Samaria Gorge, you cross the river 20-30 times, mostly via stepping stones, as you descend. Although sometimes there are small foot bridges (like below). The terrain is rocky in many places, so you need to be fairly agile. On AllTrails, the hike is considered moderate.

You’ll pass sometimes beautiful places, like the waterfall of Samaria Gorge below. It only looks tiny because the rocks are so incredibly large.

There are also many rare or endemic flora and fauna here, including the protected kri-kri (Cretan goat), so look for them as you hike. Unfortunately, I did not see any kri-kri, but as my hike was in May, I did see many lovely spring flowers.

Although 500-1,000 visitors hike here a day, you can set a pace that sets you apart from the group if you don’t want to hike with a large group. I arrived with a group and so although I started with them, I naturally hike pretty fast and quickly found myself ahead of most of them. This meant I was alone on the trail for most of the hike which was absolutely amazing! If you prefer company, just meander with the majority. You will all meet at the bottom, so it’s your choice.

Tips For Hiking The Samaria Gorge

Make sure to bring plenty of water and any snacks you want during your hike. Once you are on the trail, there is no food.

The hike is 99.9% downhill, so can be tough if you have bad knees. Especially the first hour, which is the steepest (and most challenging on the knees). If you’re concerned about this, poles are a really good idea. They help to shift some of the weight from your legs to your upper body and prevent hyperextension of the knee. If you do not have any, there are several sport equipment stores on Crete, where you can buy them inexpensively.

It’s also tough on the toes, as they hit the front of your shoes in the constant downhill motion. A lot. Make sure you wear proper footwear and tie your laces properly to eliminate your feet shifting and getting sore toes. This may seem simple, but, trust, me, bruised toes are no fun.

Your legs may also be sore for a few days after the hike, so plan some beach days following the hike.

“The Gates”

At about the 7 mile mark (11.2 km), you will come upon what are called “The Gates”. This jaw dropping natural formation is a mere 13’ wide, but massive 980’ high (4 m by 298 m). Carved through the centuries by the Tarraios River. This river gets its name from the ancient city of Tarra, which today is called Agia Roumeli (at the bottom of the trail).

Signs near the formation of The Gates warn you not to linger, due to falling rocks, but it’s too stunning not to!!!!

If you zoom in, you can see the teeny tiny people passing through “The Gates” above. No words can describe how majestic is it in real life. Savor your moments though this area as you’ll remember it for the rest of your life.

Abandoned Village of Samaria

There’s also an abandoned village half way down the gorge (you will actually come to this village before the “Gates”).

Sadly, when this became a National Forest (1962), the residents were forced to move out. This remains here are the ruins of their village.

This village got its name from an old church here, called Ossia Maria. Over time, the name was shortened to Sia Maria, then Samaria.

The gorge is considered sacred by locals. This is because many citizens have found refuge here during Greece’s turbulent history. It symbolizes freedom to them, and thus has become sacred.

As this is about half way on your hike, it’s a great place to take a break for snacks (which you need to bring with you). It’s also fun to explore this area a little, so spend to plan about a half an hour here walking around the ruins and the river.

Agia Roumeli Village

The hike stops at Agia Roumeli Village, near the sea. After miles and miles of hiking through raw natural beauty, you’ll find several restaurants and bars eager to feed you some amazing Greek food. It really is an amazing set up.

If you take the local bus, like I did, they really don’t tell you much, so I was very surprised…and very hungry. There are about 8-10 different places to choose from, so you can choose your style.

There’s also a beach for swimming and a small town to explore. If you want to swim while you’re waiting for the ferry to arrive, make sure to bring a towel and a change of clothes.

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The photo above is a picture of Agia Roumeli taken from the ferry after the hike.

How To Get To Samaria Gorge

To get to Samaria Gorge you can take a tour or you can use Crete’s organized transportation for this hike. For tours, Viator offers many great options. For Crete’s organized transportation, you book it directly at the Chania, or Rethymno, main bus station. See the KTEL central bus in Crete for more details.

It’s a one hour drive to the start of the trail from Chania and almost two hours from Rethymno. If your transportation picks up people at various locations, both will take longer. Because of this, transportation usually leaves very early in the morning.

As noted above, once you’ve finished hiking the Samaria Gorge, you must leave by ferry, as there are no direct roads from the end point.

The ferry is usually included in your tour or the ticket at the bus station (make sure you purchase the latter as a round trip ticket). The ferry drops you off at one of two towns, Sfakia or Sougia, where your bus, or tour, will be waiting to take you back to your destination. Make sure to get all the details for whichever option you choose.

Other Options For Hiking Samaria Gorge

If you really want an hiking adventure, you can self-drive, hike down, and then hike back up to your car. There are also pensions (or hotels) in Agia Roumeli, so you can choose to stay down at sea level for the night and hike back up the next day.

You can also “cheat” and just hike up to the spectacular “Gates” from Agia Roumeli and then back down, as they are not that far from the village.

I did not specifically do this, so cannot provide exact details, but you will need to catch the ferry to Agia Roumeli. From there, walk through the village and up towards the southern entrance of the trail and pay the entrance fee to get in.

The hiking distance up the Samaria Gorge from the village to the “Gates” is about 2.2 miles (3.5 km), which is much easier. Round trip, it’s about 4.5 miles (7.24 km). You can also hike up to Samaria Village if you want, but this is up about 5 miles (8 km) from Agia Roumeli.

More Options For Hiking In Crete

If you want specific suggestions on tours, I recommend this one: Samaria Gorge Hiking From Chania. They pick up from designated spots in Chania and offer a guided hike at your own pace, as well as time for food and/or swimming. There’s also this one: Samaria Gorge Trek: Full-Day Excursion from Chania, which does the same but is 12 hours instead of 14. It’s slightly less, but I would choose the first one to maximize time here.

I have also heard that the local mountaineering club organizes a group to hike Samaria Gorge once a year, that includes an overnight camping stay in Samaria village. Locals who used to live here also join, so I’m sure the stories would make it amazing.

I was almost talked into it as my hostel was full the night of the hike and they offered me this as an alternative (LOL). The guy at the front desk even offered me his tent, but I still needed a sleeping bag, backpack, food, etc…before the next morning and I didn’t learn about it until 11PM the night before. I think this would be amazing!

If you want more information on this, try contacting the Hania Mountaineering Club. I visited in May, but I’m not sure if it is always in May. For other options on hiking in Crete, visit https://hikingcreta.com/hiking (neither of these are sponsored links).

Where To Stay In Crete

Chania and Rethymno both make excellent cities to use as a base when exploring Crete. I stayed in both and found each to be lovely for different reasons. Chania felt a little more upscale to me, and is closer to the day trip sites of Samaria Gorge, Balos Bay, and Elafonisi Island, while Rethymno offered more old world charm. Rethymno is also closer to Knossos Palace if that is in your plans. Although I liked them both, if I had to pick one, I would pick Chania for its location.

I’ve noted several options below in each city that get good reviews, look charming, and are within walking distance of the port and main sites.

Accommodation In Chania

Budget

• Cocoon City Hostel is where I stayed in Chania. Close to Mitropoleos square. A little removed from the Old Venetian Harbor, it’s a 10-minute walk away. It’s also a 5-minute walk to the central bus station. There’s a shared kitchen and I found the staff to be very polite and helpful. They offer dorms and private rooms with a shared bath. 

Affordable 

• Located a short walk to the Old Venetian Harbor, Agave Suites offers cozy suites with balconies. It’s also close to Koum Kapi and Nea Chora Beach.

Moderate

• Emeli Suites is located a short walk to the Old Venetian Harbor. It’s also a 3-minute walk from Koum Kapi Beach, and 1.2 miles from Nea Chora Beach. The units offer a terrace or balcony with a city view and has a unit with a jacuzzi.

Splurge

• Located on the edge of the Old Venetian Harbor, Riviera Suites is a 5-star hotel offering suites with amazing sea views. It’s close to Koum Kapi and Nea Chora Beach and gets great reviews for location, view, and staff.
• Located east of the Old Venetian Harbor, a few steps from Nea Chora Beach, the Chania Flair Deluxe Boutique Hotel – Adults Only provides accommodations with a shared lounge and a terrace, a fitness center, restaurant, and bar, as well as a sauna and a hot tub. 
• Set on the Old Venetian Harbor with views of the port and lighthouse, Domus Renier Boutique Hotel – Historic Hotels Worldwide is in a renovated historic mansion where Reniers, one of Venice’s leading noble families, once lived. Some suites offer sea views and jacuzzis. 

Accommodation In Rethymno

Budget

• Studio Lefaki, centrally located in the old city of Rethymno, offers self-catered studios with kitchenettes that open out to a communal terrace 

Affordable

• Archontissa House in the Old Town, located a 14-minute walk from Rethymno Beach, gets very high reviews. Each charming unit has a terrace with city views, and a kitchen.  

Moderate

• AC Homes Alice is a traditionally built split-level home with stone walls and beam ceilings offers self-catering accommodations in Old Town Rethymno. There is also a hot tub on the rooftop terrace overlooking the town.

Splurge

• Anne Apartment, is a 14-minute walk from the Rethymno Beach, at the Venetian Port of Rethimno. It offers 2 bedrooms, living room, kitchen, and balcony with views of the port. 

Want More Of Greece?

Mainland Greece

• Top 20 Things To Do In Amazing Athens | A Complete Guide
• Visiting The Clifftop Monasteries Of Meteora
• Teaching Yoga At A Refugee Camp In Serres Greece

Corfu Island

• Best Things To Do In Corfu Old Town
• Things To Do In Sidari: Must-See Canal d’ Amour and More
• Enchanting Cape Drastis, How To Get There And What To Expect
• Top Things To Do In Pretty Paleokastrista Top 12 Things To Do In Captivating Corfu

Crete Island

• Top Things To Do In Crete
• Balos Bay Beach And Gramvousa Island, Crete
• Day Trip To Elafonisi Island, Crete
• Hiking Samaria Gorge, Crete

Ios Island

• Top 15 Things To Do On Ios Island 

Kefalonia Island

• Exploring Enchanting Myrtos Beach & It’s Stunning Viewpoints
• How To Get To Melissani Cave & What To Expect
• Complete Guide To Charming Fiskardo
• Colorful Assos Village, It’s Castle & Turquoise Bay
• The Enigmatic Sinkholes Of Argostoli
• Best Things To Do In Argostoli | Top Attractions & Hidden Gems
• Ultimate Guide To The Best Things To Do In Kefalonia

Milos Island

• What To Do On The Cool Island Of Milos

Naxos Island

• Top 20 Things To Do In Naxos  

Paros Island

• 15 Fun Things To Do On Enchanting Paros 

Santorini Island

• Hiking From Fira To Oia On Santorini

Zakynthos Island

• How To Get To Stunning Shipwreck Beach on Zakynthos
• Spotting Turtles in Zakynthos And Visiting Turtle Island
• Viewpoint & Beach | Hidden Gem of Zakynthos
• Visiting Zakynthos | What To Do & Where To Stay

Other

• Philotimo, The Highest Greek Virtue
• Gorgeous Old Doors Of Greece

For an overview of all the best places in Greece, as well as how to get around, safety, tips, and more, see my Greece Travel Guide.

If you’ve been hiking in the Samaria Gorge in Crete, I’d love to hear from you. Drop me a note below.

Safe Travels!

Julie

Want to learn more about me? See my About Me page to understand why I love traveling so much and my philosophies on travel.