The Samaria Gorge in Crete is one of the island’s most popular destinations. Its spectacular scenery and largely untouched landscape attract hikers and nature lovers alike. In the height of summer, up to 4,000 people set out on this unique hike.
From the White Mountains to the Libyan Sea, you can make your way through one of Europe’s longest gorges in Samaria National Park.
Tom & Ella
In this post, we’ll tell you whether a guided tour of the Samaria Gorge is worth it for you. We’ll also provide you with the most important tips and information for a self-guided hike through the gorge.
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#1 Getting to the Samaria Gorge
If you want to tackle the entire hike, you can drive a rental car or take a public bus to the main entrance at Xyloskalo on the Omalos Plateau and begin your descent into the gorge from there.
If you only want to explore a section of the Samaria Gorge, we recommend starting in Agia Roumeli at the end of the gorge (south entrance). You can only reach this location by ferry from Chora Sfakion, Sougia, or Paleochora. More information on this is available in Chapter #2.
Best time to visit the Samaria Gorge
If you’d rather not navigate the hiking trail through the gorge shoulder-to-shoulder with thousands of other people—especially in the height of summer—you should set out early. When it opens at 7 a.m., it’s still pleasantly quiet, and you’ll have the gorge almost to yourself.
Samaria Gorge by Rental Car
Coming from the highway from Chania, take the exit at Vamvakopoulo; from here, it’s about 50 minutes to the northern entrance of the Samaria Gorge, called Xyloskalo. The first section of the road winds past numerous orange groves and Limni Agias (a great spot for a day trip!).
Shortly after the village of Fournes, the road winds its way up the mountains in a series of switchbacks, offering fantastic views of Chania and the coast at every turn. After about 30 minutes, you’ll pass through the quaint mountain village of Lakkoi, the last major settlement on the way to the Omalos Plateau.
A short time later, you’ll reach the Omalos Plateau at an elevation of 1,100 m, along with the tiny settlement of the same name. Here you’ll find a few supermarkets, taverns, and guesthouses. The road runs along the plateau, and after 5 minutes you’ll arrive at the entrance to the Samaria Gorge. You can find affordable rental cars in Crete at Discover Cars*:
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Distances to Samaria (Xyloskalo)
› Chania – Samaria: 40 km (1 hr)
› Rethymno – Samaria: 100 km (2 hrs)
› Heraklion – Samaria: 180 km (3 hrs)
› Ag. Nikolaos – Samaria: 230 km (3.5 hrs)
› Ierapetra – Samaria: 270 km (4 hrs)
› Sitia – Samaria: 305 km (5 hours)
By bus to the Samaria Gorge
From Chania, KTEL public buses run to the village of Omalos in one hour, and there are even buses all the way to Xyloskalo at the main entrance. Departure times in the morning are at 5:00 a.m. or 7:45 a.m. A one-way ticket costs about €7. The bus stop is located right at the starting point of the gorge.
After hiking through the gorge, you can return to Chania from both Sougia (6:15 PM) and Chora Sfakion (6:30 PM). Both locations are served by ferry from the gorge’s endpoint in Agia Roumeli. From Sougia, the bus takes about 1.5 hours to reach Chania; from Chora Sfakion, it takes just under two hours.
→ You can view current bus schedules at: KTEL Chania
By boat to the Samaria Gorge
You can reach the end of the Samaria Gorge by ferry from the coastal towns of Chora Sfakion, Sougia, or Paleochora. The latter two towns are located west of the Samaria Gorge, so it’s worth traveling here if you’re staying near Kissamos and Chania. Chora Sfakion is recommended for travelers coming from Rethymno and Heraklion.
Traveling by boat to the Samaria Gorge is particularly ideal for a short hike to the famous rock gates of the gorge (see Chapter #2: Easy Hike).
During the season, many small ferries and taxi boats operate to Agia Roumeli. The largest ferry company, ANENDYK, even transports cars. The departure times for ferries to the Samaria Gorge from May through October are as follows:
- Chora Sfakion to Samaria Gorge (Ag. Roumeli): Mon–Sun at 10.30am and 1.00pm, single journey = approx. €17 (approx. €25 with a return ticket)
- Sougia to Samaria Gorge (Ag. Roumeli): Mon–Sun at 9.15 am, Wed 9.15 am and 4.10 pm, and Thu–Sun at 7.50 am and 9.15 am, single journey = approx. €17
- Paleochora to Samaria Gorge (Ag. Roumeli): Mon–Sun at 8.30 am, Wed 8.30 am and 3.20 pm, Thu–Sun at 7.00 am and 8.15 am, single journey = approx. €25
→ You can find current ferry connections to the Samaria Gorge and ferry tickets here: ANENDYK
#2 Samaria Gorge on your own
If you want to hike the entire Samaria Gorge, which is about 13 km long (+ 3 km to the port), starting from the main entrance in Xyloskalo (Omalos), you should plan at least 5–6 hours for the hike alone.
The descent into the Samaria Gorge begins at an altitude of 1,200 m and requires a fair amount of attention and sure-footedness, especially at the start, as the path is very steep.
Once you reach the end of the gorge, in the isolated coastal village of Agia Roumeli, you should plan on at least two more hours for the return trip by ferry and the subsequent bus or taxi ride.
Samaria Gorge Overview
› Hike length: approx. 16 km
› Hiking time: 5–6 hours, depending on pace
› Difficulty: moderate (4 km descent: difficult)
› Starting point: Xyloskalo (Omalos Plateau)
› Destination: Coastal village of Agia Roumeli
› Hours: daily 7 a.m.–4 p.m. (May 1–Oct. 31)
› Admission fee: €10 per hiker, families from €6 per person
› Free admission: May 21 (EU Natura 2000 Day)
› Peak visitor numbers: August and September
Samaria National Park is open from May through October. Depending on weather conditions, the start of the new season may be delayed due to heavy rain in the spring.
Even in summer, the Samaria Gorge may be closed due to poor weather conditions and the risk of landslides. Please check the current weather conditions and possible closures before your trip.
Complete Samaria Hike (Xyloskalo to Agia Roumeli)
Independent travelers can drive a rental car to just before the main entrance of the Samaria Gorge. Parking at the Samaria National Park in Crete costs €5 per day. We recommend arriving early to secure a parking spot.
The hike down into the gorge starts from here. If you’re traveling a long way, we recommend staying overnight in Omalos. A national park fee of €10 per person is charged at the entrance. You must show your admission ticket again at the exit.
The first four kilometers are quite steep along a rocky zigzag path. This section offers fantastic views of individual peaks of the White Mountains of Crete, including Psilafi (1,984 m) and Gingilos (2,080 m). You can take your first break at the stone church of Agios Nikolaos (14th century).
From here on, the hike becomes more pleasant. About an hour after the Agios Nikolaos Church, you’ll reach the old settlement of Samaria. The former residents were forcibly relocated in 1962 as part of the establishment of the national park.
Today, the site houses the national park’s administrative buildings, a first-aid station, as well as drinking water sources and restrooms.
You then follow the riverbed, crossing it repeatedly, and gradually pass through the three large rock gates.
Shortly after the Christos rest area, you’ll reach the last rock gate and the narrowest point of the Samaria Gorge (3 m), the “Sideroporta” (Iron Gates) with its hundred-meter-high cliffs. From here, it takes about an hour (2.5 km) to reach the sea at Agia Roumeli.
→ Current information and opening hours for the Samaria Gorge are available on the official National Park website and on the gorge’s information page
How do I get back to my rental car?
To return to the starting point in Xyloskalo, you must take the ferry from Agia Roumeli to Sougia. From the tranquil coastal town, you can take a taxi (price starting at €50 per taxi, travel time approx. 50 min) or board one of the KTEL buses (price approx. €6, travel time approx. 1.5 hours, departures at 6:18 PM and 8:16 PM).
→ Samaria Taxi Service, our recommendations: Sougiataxi-Meletis or Sougiataxi-Vittorakis
Keep in mind that if you don’t start your five-hour descent from Xylokastro until after 12:00 PM, and the last ferry has already left Agia Roumeli at 5:30 PM, you’ll need to spend the night in the coastal town.
Below are the departure times for the ANENDYK ferry from Agia Roumeli (Samaria Gorge):
- Samaria Gorge (Ag. Roumeli) to Chora Sfakion: Mon–Sun at 08:45, 11:30 and 17:30, single journey approx. €17
- Samaria Gorge (Ag. Roumeli) to Sougia: Mon–Sun at 17:30, single journey approx. €17
- Samaria Gorge (Ag. Roumeli) to Paleochora: Mon–Sun at 17:30, single journey approx. €25
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Easy hike through the Samaria Gorge
Even those who don’t feel confident enough to hike the entire Samaria Gorge can still soak up the atmosphere of the national park. Families with small children and people with knee problems are advised to hike only a portion of the Samaria Gorge starting from the southern entrance.
Due to their proximity to Agia Roumeli, Sougia to the west or Chora Sfakion to the east of the gorge are ideal starting points. Ferries run from here to Agia Roumeli several times a day, taking about an hour.
Once you arrive in Agia Roumeli, you’ll walk against the main hiking direction for about 1.5 hours (approx. 2 km) to the striking Iron Gates, arguably the most famous section of the gorge. You can even cover the first kilometer by shuttle bus (€2 per ride, every 10 minutes).
The short hike is mostly flat and includes only a few challenging sections (including wooden walkways over the spring stream). However, to manage visitor flow, the National Park Administration has imposed time restrictions on hiking in the opposite direction. More details are available on the National Park’s website: Visitor Regulation
If you decide to take the short hike through the Samaria Gorge, you should arrive in Agia Roumeli by ferry no later than 2:00 p.m. and start hiking. Ideally, you should begin the hike in the morning, when there is the least oncoming traffic.
The last ferries leave Agia Roumeli at 5:30 p.m. and are usually packed. If you arrive at the port too late, you’ll need to plan on staying overnight. If you book round-trip ferry tickets in advance, you’ll get a discount compared to the individual fare.
💡 Samaria Hiking Gear: Sturdy shoes with good traction, a hat, sunscreen, a water bottle (can be refilled at springs), snacks, a compact towel, and swimwear (for a beach visit afterward). You can find useful gear for your hike here: View on Amazon*
#3 Guided Tours & Hikes
A hike through the Samaria Gorge is one of the most popular excursions in Crete. From Chania to Heraklion, numerous tour operators advertise guided day trips. In fact, you’ll need to set aside an entire day of your vacation to explore the gorge.
Due to the often long distance to the gorge and the need to pick up participants from various hotels, the Samaria day tours start as early as 6 a.m. The return is often after 8 p.m., sometimes even later.
You have the option to book guided day tours to the Samaria Gorge. The excursions include hotel pickup and transportation to the entrance of the national park and back. Click on the GetYourGuide* links to learn more about the tours and book directly if you wish:
➲ To the guided hike from Chania*
➲ To the guided hike from Rethymno*
➲ To the guided hike from Heraklion*
It’s advisable to research the respective provider in advance of the excursion to avoid being surprised by hidden costs. Portals like TripAdvisor, Expedia, and GetYourGuide, as well as Google Reviews, can be helpful for this.
💡 Samaria Gorge Weather: In May and from September onward, weather conditions in the White Mountains can be quite unpredictable. As a result, the gorge may be temporarily closed to hikers from the main entrance in Xyloskalo in case of bad weather. For guided tours, the provider will inform you of any changes to the excursion. You can find the current weather in the gorge here: Greek Meteorological Service
Samaria Bus Tour from Chania or Rethymnon
Most bus tours start in the early morning hours with the pickup of all participants. The bus then goes along the Lefka Ori mountain range up to the Omalos Plateau, a fertile high plateau at an elevation of 1,100 m. A short stop to purchase snacks and water is usually scheduled.
Around 8:00 a.m., the tour bus reaches the Samaria Gorge’s main entrance at Xyloskalo. This is your last chance to grab a bite to eat for the next 14 km. Depending on your pace, you’ll reach the end of the gorge in Agia Roumeli between 1:00 and 2:30 p.m.
In Agia Roumeli, you can enjoy a leisurely lunch and then relax on the village beach, so be sure to pack a small towel in your hiking gear. The ferry to Chora Sfakion departs at 5:30 p.m. Upon arrival, buses for returning hikers will be waiting just above the harbor.
The guided tours include hotel pickup, return transportation, and a guide (English or German), though the guide does not always hike with the group.
An additional €8 per person (group rate) is charged for the national park. The ferry ticket from Agia Roumeli to Chora Sfakion must also be paid separately.
→ Through our partner GetYourGuide*, you can book a Samaria hike: Guided Day Tour*
#4 Interesting Facts About Samaria National Park
Samaria National Park is located west of the Lefka Ori (White Mountains) range and about 30 km south of the city of Chania. Due to its wild and romantic beauty, it is considered a top hiking destination in Crete. The eponymous gorge, nearly 16 km long, ranks among the longest gorges in Europe alongside the Verdon Gorge in France (20 km) and the Tara Gorge in Montenegro (78 km).
The area began to take shape two million years ago due to tectonic movements. Bit by bit, spring-fed streams and rainwater eroded the landscape, shaping the gorge’s appearance.
Particularly striking are the narrow, almost vertical rock gates, including the famous Iron Gate of the Samaria Gorge in the final section of the hike.
The only national park on Crete is strikingly green for the southern part of the island; many giant conifers (including pines and cypresses) grow here, and magnificent plane trees and maples thrive along the riverbank.
A visit to Samaria National Park is especially worthwhile in May and June, when the river is still full of water and flowers bloom beautifully along the trail. 14 endemic plant species are found in the gorge.
It is not uncommon to see griffon vultures and, occasionally, bearded vultures circling above the Samaria Gorge; with a wingspan of over 2.5 meters, they are among the largest birds of prey in Europe.
The so-called Kri-Kri, the Cretan wild goat, also finds its last natural refuge in the Samaria Gorge. This is a key reason why the region was designated a national park by law as early as 1962 and has been recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1981.
The Samaria Gorge Then and Now
For the Cretans, the region holds great historical significance. During the 19th-century struggles for liberation against the Ottoman occupiers, the remote gorge served as an impregnable stronghold for Greek partisans.
Even during World War II, the German Wehrmacht failed to track down the Greek resistance fighters here. In fact, the then Prime Minister and King George II fled to Egypt via the Samaria Gorge.
Today, the national park is a major attraction for hikers from all over the world. Despite its isolated location, the tourist infrastructure is very well developed. There are dining options and accommodations at the entrance and exit of the gorge.
Several drinking water sources are available along the route. Ferries to Agia Roumeli (the gorge’s exit) and to other coastal towns operate year-round. However, depending on weather conditions, the gorge is only accessible from May 1 to October 31.
Restaurant Recommendations Near the Samaria Gorge
Several restaurants are in Agia Roumeli at the end of the gorge. Due to its isolated location, many food items must be delivered by ferry at considerable cost. It is advisable to check reviews on Google Maps and TripAdvisor beforehand.
Calypso in Agia Roumeli
Family-run tavern with a lovely outdoor atmosphere. You can sit comfortably on wooden benches under mulberry trees with a view of the sea. Traditional home-style cooking is served. Friendly owner family; the young owner even speaks German.
Anchorage in Sougia
Tavern with an idyllic outdoor area and generous portions. They serve Greek snacks and many other Mediterranean dishes. The hosts also rent out rooms (Pension Santa Irene).
Akrogiali Cafe in Chora Sfakion
Trendy café on the harbor promenade. In addition to delicious coffee and sweet snacks, they also serve hearty daily specials. Friendly staff, cocktails starting at €6.
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#5 Hotels near the Samaria Gorge
Depending on how you want to plan your Samaria trip, there are several places to stay. If you have a long journey (e.g., from eastern Crete) to the gorge, it’s worth staying on the Omalos Plateau (Xyloskalo) and starting your hike the next morning.
If, after your trek, you’d like to soak up the atmosphere of the remote coastal villages and chat with fellow hikers about other beautiful gorges in Crete, spend a night or more in Sougia, Chora Sfakion, or Agia Roumeli. Loutro, accessible only by boat or on foot, is also worth a visit.
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Accommodations at the Xyloskalo main entrance (Omalos Plateau)
Omalos Village (formerly Samaria Village)
Spacious stone houses (up to 4 people) including a washing machine for self-catering guests at the end of the Omalos Plateau. About a 15-minute walk to the starting point of the Samaria hike, making it the closest accommodation.
Neos Omalos Hotel
2-star hotel with simple rooms in the village of Omalos. Reasonable prices, delicious breakfast (starting at 6:30 a.m.), and friendly staff. Ideal for mountaineers and hikers exploring the Sfakia region. Free shuttle to the Samaria Gorge entrance.
Staying in Agia Roumeli (end of the gorge)
Calypso Hotel
Family-run hotel in a quiet location on the western edge of town near the village beach. The compact rooms were modernized in 2021. Good value for money and friendly owners. The Calypso family tavern is located on the ground floor.
Paralia Guest House
Guesthouse with simple and clean rooms at fair prices right on the water. Good breakfast and warm hosts. Guests can use the guesthouse’s sea kayaks. The reliable Paralia Café is located on the ground floor.
Staying in Sougia
Syia Hotel
A good 3-star hotel with spacious studios and functional apartments on the northern edge of the village. Host Markos has plenty of tips for the region around Sougia.
Idomeneas Apartments
Compact apartment complex with large rooms featuring balconies or terraces in a quiet location in Sougia. Helpful and attentive hosts.
Staying in Chora Sfakion
The Authentic Village
Modern and tastefully furnished rooms with ocean views and comfortable beds, ideal for relaxing after a long day of hiking through the Samaria Gorge. A delicious breakfast is available at the bakery next door.
Eleana Nature & Art
A new aparthotel with stylish rooms and apartments in a quiet location above the village, offering stunning views of the sea. The warm and welcoming owner, Eleana, has plenty of tips for the Sfakia region.
Staying in Loutro
Villa Niki
Small guesthouse with functional studios and traditional apartments in the car-free coastal village of Loutro. Helpful hosts and beautiful sea views thanks to the hillside location above the village.
#6 Places of interest around the Samaria Gorge
Hiking enthusiasts and outdoor fans in particular will find plenty to enjoy in the Sfakia region and the area surrounding the Lefka Ori. Many of the mountain villages, some of which are quite remote, still feature a quaint kafeneion or a traditional tavern, inviting you to take a leisurely break. Here, you can still experience the unique Cretan hospitality.
→ Find out everything there is to discover in western Crete in our separate article on Western Crete
Imbros & Aradena: Alternatives to the Samaria Gorge
Throughout Crete, there are many interesting alternatives to the Samaria Gorge, including the 8-km-long Imbros Gorge. A hike here is especially recommended in the summer if you want to avoid the crowds in the Samaria Gorge. The trail leads from the village of Imbros (650 m above sea level) to the Libyan Sea.
The Imbros Gorge is much easier to hike than the Samaria Gorge, rarely has water flowing through it, and also features magnificent rock formations and arches. Allow 2–3 hours for the entire hike. An entrance fee applies during the season.
Another spectacular gorge not far from Samaria National Park is the Aradena Gorge. The exit is just a few kilometers from Loutro, and a hike can be wonderfully combined with a visit to the picturesque coastal village. Small taxi boats also run from Loutro to the exit of the gorge.
The trek begins in the now nearly uninhabited mountain village of Aradena, with its magnificent Church of St. Michael the Archangel perched on a rocky outcrop. From here, it takes about 3 hours to reach the sea. At the Aradena Bridge, bungee-jumping enthusiasts can put their courage to the test.
Site of Lissos
To get in the mood for Samaria National Park, a hike through the Lissos Gorge followed by a visit to the ancient site of the same name is well worth it. The 2-km-long hiking trail (2.5 hours round trip) begins at the port of Sougia and leads along the lush green gorge.
After about 15 minutes, you’ll reach an impressive overhanging rock face called the Lissos Rainbow Wall, which could easily be found in Australia. Shortly after, the trail leaves the gorge and climbs quite steeply up to a plateau.
From up here, a magnificent panorama of Lissos Beach unfolds. In the green valley, you can already make out individual buildings of the ancient city of Lissos. The descent to Lissos is short (15 min), but requires a bit of climbing skill.
Once you reach the bottom, you’ll find a rest area with a mountain spring beneath towering carob trees, as well as the ruins of an Asclepieion and a Roman theater (both fenced off).
Nearby are ancient tombs, as well as the Byzantine churches of Naos Panagias and Agios Kirikos. The return trip to Sougia follows the same path back or, alternatively, a roughly 5 km loop trail. If you prefer, you can also take a taxi boat directly to Sougia. Phone: +306934078684, €25 for 2 people.
Coastal village of Loutro
The picturesque coastal village of Loutro lies at the foot of the White Mountains. No road leads to the former fishing village; Loutro can only be reached on foot or by boat. On other islands, such a place would have been abandoned long ago, but in Crete, hiking tourism in the Samaria Gorge has been driving a veritable boom since the 1960s.
The white houses stand out like splashes of color against the barren landscape of southern Crete. In winter, Loutro is virtually uninhabited; life returns in May, and by summer, this village of 80 souls is bustling with activity. The taverns and accommodations are then filled with hiking tourists and lovers of its secluded charm.
The beach with its crystal-clear water is the perfect place to unwind. Only when the ferries from Chora Sfakion dock is the paradisiacal tranquility completely disrupted. Above the village stand the remains of Venetian and Ottoman fortifications, from which you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Libyan Sea.
The European long-distance hiking trail E4 runs through the village, so hiking enthusiasts can choose Loutro as the starting point for various hiking tours. In addition to the beautiful beaches of Glyka Nera (Sweet Water Beach) (1 hour one way) and Marmara Beach (30 minutes one way), you can also hike up to the secluded mountain village of Anopoli at an elevation of 700 meters (2 hours one way).
→ Find more articles and numerous Crete travel tips at:
- Crete Travel Tips
- Crete Holiday Resorts
- Crete Highlights
- Crete Excursions
- Best Hotels in Crete
- Crete with Kids
- Crete Holiday
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