Samaria Gorge Hike: Europe's Largest Canyon Trek

Embark on a thrilling hike through Europe’s largest gorge, the Samaria Gorge, and be captivated by its stunning views, diverse wildlife, and challenging terrain. Experience the beauty of the White Mountains and encounter rare species along the way. Conclude your adventure with a refreshing swim and a delicious lunch at Agia Roumeli beach.

Duration: 12 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Samaria Gorge - The Samaria gorge is located on a height of 1227 meters above sea level. This is the longest gorge in Europe: 18km pathway and width from 3 to 300 meters.
    The walking tour begins in the early morning from Omalos plateau 43 km from the city of Chania. Walking time is about 5-6 hours, so be sure to take some water and something to…
What's Included
  • Transfer with air-conditioned bus
  • Certified tour guide
  • Pick-up from hotels of the HERAKLION region (at the specific bus stops outside of your hotel)
What's Not Included
  • Ticket entrance to Samaria National Park, Child up to 15 years - free of charge
  • Ticket for the boat from Agia Roumeli to Hora Sfakion
Additional Information

A unique walk through the Samaria Gorge, the largest in Europe, with a length of about 18 kilometers, will allow you not only to admire the breathtaking views and the wildlife, but also to test yourself.
Samaria Gorge is located in the heart of the majestic “White Mountains”, south of Omalos plateau. Tourist route begins at an altitude of 1250 meters…

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.2
(25 Ratings)
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Alexandra_l
Sep 21, 2025
Amazing walk! Bring cash... - Amazing walk! Bring cash for the tickets you need to purchase! The host Theodora was great and so helpful.
Review provided by Viator
James_h
Aug 29, 2025
Spectacular. For the fit, best way to see a lot of Crete in one day. - It is a long day. I was picked up a little after 6:00 a.m. and returned to my hotel at close to 10 p.m. or 22:00. The hike itself is demanding. I am an avid hiker and even I was feeling tired and sore at the end. But it's MORE than worth it! If you're lucky, you'll see a bright red sunrise over the Gulf of Heraklion from the bus window. Later, the ascent up to the White Mountains from Chania is epic. The hike is ~13 miles, which takes most about 6 hours, and has several unique and memorable sights. Finally, almost as brilliant as the hike itself, the open-air boat taxi along the southern coast in the Libyan Sea is stunning and also provides new perspective of the island's dramatic geology, including other gorges. The drive back to Heraklion takes a different route so that you see even more new sights of rural Crete. The operators are well-organized and provide detailed instructions in multiple languages while on the bus to ensure everyone knows the logistics.
Review provided by Viator
Patricia
Aug 15, 2025
A worthy challenge, but be prepared. - The 16km hike is a challenge; we brought walking boots as ordinary trainers can be slippery and not provide the support you need over such rocky terrain. Our guide, Marizia, was absolutely smashing; providing knee supports, checking on us to ensure we made it on time to catch the last boat. This was the case with the tour company -accommodating in every way. It is well worth it, but I would advise boots, knee supports, or sticks as the desent into the gorge is an out of the ordinary task. I have never had knee issues, but they were troublesome that day. My teenage son adored it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Deniselz7599xn
Jun 24, 2025
Super tour with great guide - Super Organisation. I got detailed information about the pick up in advance. On the bus ride there were exact details about the tour and the return trip was also super organized.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
An
Jun 17, 2025
Must have done in your life - Very friendly guide. A friend felt her weak due to height differences along the way and fear. They gave her a drink and often asked us how it went along the way. What we didn't know is if you're late you'll miss the boat and have to spend the night there.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rigmor_s
May 20, 2025
Second time in 25 years - Nice walk when you are prepared - 25 years since my last time there! Nice breeze that day. Walking alone make you get in contact with people. Guide Theodora gave good information and guidance.
Review provided by Viator
Brigitte
Aug 23, 2024
Very good reliable travel agent - We have booked the Samaria Gorge activity here. Excellently helped by the Owner. Good information given in advance. On the day itself we had a good Guide who made sure she was the last hiker. She also gave clear instruction and explanations in advance. The gorge itself is nice to walk but also quite tough because you always have to be wary where you put your feet. Our children of 12 and 10 have held up just fine. It is a long day because you will be picked up early (6:15 from our location) and by 21:15 you will be back. Last piece they preferred not to take a big coach through the busy street and there they had arranged a smaller van to drop us off at apartment. We had already rented a car through the travel company, but despite that the Owner also gave good information about beautiful places on Crete to go by car. While he organizes such day trips himself. Great compliment to this man by being so welcoming and helpful!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Laurentc674
Jul 21, 2024
Beautiful hike - Arrival at 08:00 in the morning in Samaria from chania 01:20 drive by rental car. Parking right next to the restaurant Xyloskalos Parking 5 euros Boat from agia roumeli to sougia 15 euros/person. Sugia bus back to Xyloskalos 7 euros/person Entrance to Samaria Park 5 euros / person Hiking Sunday in July 2024 , there were people but made the quiet hike. 13km hike + 2km to reach agia roumeli. Duration hike in 06h30 in total with lots of stop. Provide water and cap and hiking shoe. Several water points on the circuit. Plan enough to regain strength, energy bars or sandwiches. Beautiful landscape and beautiful photos Boat to go to sougia is at 17:30 from agia roumeli. Bus to xyloskalos about 01h journey
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Lisea_plt
Aug 21, 2024
Dry Gorge, Long Hiking - This hike promises to be refreshing, you will not be disappointed! In August, the gorges are dry and water appears from 10km! Anything but refreshing, fleeing the summer. The landscapes are beautiful but we spend our time looking at our feet for fear of falling (slippery stones). Do not go with people dear to you you risk losing them! On the last kilometers it is recommended by signs to run by risk of getting stones on your head. After 5 hours Point of Sale we finally find the water. But do not expect to be able to cool off because you are not allowed to swim. The water remains safe to drink throughout the ride. Leave before 10am otherwise you will miss the Check-out of the last boat.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tinah_y
May 2, 2025
Canceled without notice!!! - There is no experience to tell. Prior to the trip, they told me it was canceled. Then 3 days before my trip, they say it's back on. Then 2 days before the trip, they said we can't do Samaria Gorge but offered Imbros Gorge instead, which i excitedly accepted. After that confirmation (which I have and they charged my card), I didn't hear nothing from them. The day of the excursion, I woke up at 5:30am, went to the meeting spot at 6:10am, pick-up time was 6:20am. I sat for 30 minutes and no one came. I couldn't call because I do not have data. I had to beg a stranger to call for me, only to be told it was canceled. NO ONE CALLED OR CONTACTED ME TO TELL ME THIS. I went to bed early the night before, while all my friends went out, so I missed out on that. I also missed out on booking something else for the day. After that I messaged to ask what happened and I have yet to hear back. They just said we will refund you within 5-7 days. No, I'm sorry for not notifying you. No, im sorryfor your inconvenience. No compensation. NOTHING!!! Its been crickets. DO NOT BOOK with this company if you don't want your holiday/vacation ruin!!!
Review provided by Viator
From $67
up to 10 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).