Samaria Gorge Excursion
With comfortable transportation, expert guides, and breathtaking scenery, this excursion is perfect for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
- Route
- 07:00 Stop in Skaleta for breakfast & WC
- 07:20 Departure from Skaleta
- 10:00 Omalos Plateau, 15 min. preparation and beginning of hiking
- 10:30 Gorge Entrance
- 17:45 Boat’s departure from AgiaRoumeli to Sfakia
- 18:45 Arrival at Sfakia and boarding on coaches
- 20:30 Stop in Skaleta for snack & WC
- 21:30 Arrival Heraklion
- Highlights
- Hiking the gorge: The main attraction of Samaria Gorge is the hike through the canyon, which is about 16 km long and takes about 4-6 hours to complete. The hike is challenging but rewarding, with stunning views of the rugged landscape and the chance to spot wildlife such as the rare Kri-Kri goat.
- The village of Omalos: The starting point of the hike is the mountain village of Omalos, which is worth exploring on its own. The village is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery and has a few taverns where you can enjoy a traditional Cretan meal.
- The Iron Gates: This narrow section of the gorge is the most dramatic and impressive part of the hike, with towering cliffs on either side and the river rushing through the narrow channel.
- The abandoned village of Samaria: About halfway through the hike, you’ll come across the abandoned village of Samaria, which was abandoned in the 1960s due to its remote location. You can explore the old houses and learn about the history of the village.
- The beach of Agia Roumeli: At the end of the hike, you’ll reach the coastal village of Agia Roumeli, where you can cool off with a swim in the sea or enjoy a drink at one of the beachfront bars. From here, you can take a ferry back to Chania or Sougia.
- The flora and fauna: Samaria Gorge is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including the rare Cretan Wildcat, the Griffon vulture, and the Cretan Ibex. Take some time to appreciate the natural beauty and diversity of the gorge.
- Itinerary
- Our adventure starts very early in the morning and our first stop is in Skaleta for breakfast.
Then we move to Omalos Plateau. There the walk starts from Xiloskalo, where we enter this vast canyon of 18 klm.
We usually need 6-7 hours to cross the gorge. The path follows the route of the ancient river Taras. On the way, we can see the caves that formed a natural shelter for the Cretans in war times and now they are natural habitat of the well-known wild goats or kri-kri. Halfway we come across the village of Santa Maria, which is currently abandoned. Three kilometers prior to our exiting this gorge, we reach the Iron Gates (Sideroportes), the narrowest spot of the route, just a few meters wide but 300 meters high.
A bit later we arrive in the small fishing village of Agia Roumeli, where we have quite a long time to lunch and to get a refreshing swim before boarding the slip that leads us back along the coast to Sfakia. There our coaches wait us to get us back to hotels.
Schedule / Prices
-
- Duration: 17 Hours
- From 01/05/2025 to 30/10/2025
Every Tuesday & Thursday
Adult 55€ / Child 30€
Included
Not Included
Notes
- The timing of the program will be approximate, depending on the traffic and weather conditions as well as the unexpected overcrowding.
In order to forward us your reservation request and for further information and assistance, please, contact us at [email protected] or fill out the following form.
GreeceTours.com – Seretis Travel Ike.
Email 
[email protected]
Athens Office
61 Panepistimiou Ave. (El.Venizelou Ave), Omonoia Sqr., 10564, Athens
Tel +30 210 3241776, +30 210 3251295
Mob./Viber/WhatsApp: (+30) 6974823355
