Samaria Gorge

The Samaria Gorge is the most famous hiking gorge in Europe, and it forms part of the European path E4. Thousands of tourists visit it every summer to admire its wild and vast beauty. For many, this is the main reason they visit Crete. The gorge stretches over 15 km, and it takes about 5-7 hours to hike from Omalos to Agia Roumeli.

The gorge became a national park in 1962. “The purpose of its establishment is to protect the significant and unique elements that constitute the natural and cultural heritage of the area, serving as a refuge for the endangered Cretan wild goat (Kri-Kri).” There are many species of flora and fauna that are endemic to the gorge and the surrounding area.

Excursion Program:
Pick-up from your hotel or a nearby location early in the morning. The guide will collect the payment for the entrance to the gorge and the ferry ticket (Ag. Roumeli – Sougia) and will provide you with your tickets later. Upon arriving at Omalos, we will make a stop at a traditional taverna, where you can buy breakfast or a coffee (optional). Shortly after, the hike begins. Our guide will always be behind you, ensuring your safety and helping if needed. At the end of the gorge, you will reach the village of Agia Roumeli. There, you will receive your ferry tickets from our guide.

In Agia Roumeli, you will have free time to swim at the beach and have lunch (optional) at one of the tavernas. You will board the boat at 17:30, heading to Sougia or Sfakia (usually Sougia). Once you arrive at the port, our bus will be waiting to take you back to the pick-up point.

• The hike takes about 5 hours, and you will need good shoes, socks, sunscreen, and a hat. For the beach at Agia Roumeli, you will need to bring a swimsuit.
• You must bring a bottle of water (there are drinking water springs inside the gorge) and a light snack.
• Camping, staying overnight, making fires, smoking (only at designated stations), uprooting plants, and swimming in the river are prohibited in the gorge.
• We maintain the cleanliness of the toilets for our health and ask that you do not throw paper inside them.
• The ticket you buy at the entrance to the gorge must be kept until the end for a check at the exit.

Duration of the excursion: Approximately 14 hours.

Included:

• Transport by air-conditioned bus
• Guide – gorge escort (Greek-speaking, English-speaking)

Not Included:

• Gorge entrance fee: Adults: €5, Children up to 15 years old: Free
• Ferry ticket (Ag. Roumeli – Sougia):
  • Adults: €10
  • Children (6-12 years): €5.50
  • Infants (1-5 years): Free

Boat ticket price: €13