Crete · SAMARIA GORGE TOURS
Sixteen kilometres downhill from Omalos to the sea, then a boat and a coach to get home. That logistics chain is why almost nobody walks Samaria independently. These 15 treks are compared on pickup point, start time, group size and price, plus the shorter gorges to take instead if the full day is too much.
Guided Samaria Gorge trek from Chania to Agia Roumeli, with a ferry to Sougia. Challenging 17 km hike, big scenery, smooth logistics.
“The adventure through the gorge and our awesome guide”
Guided Samaria Gorge trek from Rethymno with Omalos breakfast, Agia Roumeli swim, and ferry back to Sfakia, all for $37.
“Good. Pia was awesome, she kept a lookout for us. We were slow because I don’t like people following closely behind me so I kept letting them pass. We were stiff for days!”
Guided Samariá Gorge hike with pickup from Chania or Rethymno, Iron Gates cliffs, Agia Roumeli swim, ferry to Sougia.
“We had a fantastic day. 4.5 hours from the top to the sea in a good pace. Wonderful scenery. Nice time at the beach before the ferry ride.”
Guided Samaria Gorge hike from Chania with transport, Kri-Kri sightings, and a Libyan Sea swim in Agia Roumeli, plus boat return.
“The views from the Gorge were spectacular. It’s the most beautiful walk we’ve ever been on and an amazing place, but don’t be fooled, it’s not easy. We went in mid October so low 20s was perfect temperature. Most of it was in the shade and ALL downhill but the later part of the trek was not shaded at all. The terrain was very rocky and slippery at times and very physically demanding on the knees. It’s also a 17km trek where you get picked up at 6am and dropped off at 8pm so you’ll be tired. There are water springs/refill stations everywhere so just bring 1 bottle per person.…”
From Heraklion, hike Samaria Gorge, swim in Agia Roumeli, then ferry back to Sfakia. Long day, big views, real hiking.
“The experience was great, I had the chance to explore a part of Crete that is completely different and the guide, Maria, was really helpful during this trip.”
Full-day Samaria Gorge hike from Chania with Omalos views, Sougia boat ride, gorge descent and Iron Gates, then a swim at Agia Roumeli.
“It was hard but good - left me feeling very satisfied . I hiked 16 kms and it was an eye opener. I loved this hike and hated it all at the same time!!!! Crazy - if you need a reality check this trip is for you”
Challenge through Samaria Gorge with a guided trek, White Mountains views, and a seaside finish in Agia Roumeli, plus ferry and bus back.
“If like walking around new places and beautiful landscapes, then this trip it's a must. I have to admit it not easy and you should pack a lot of patience and good shoes to get through the gorge, but in the end it will all be worth it. The guide was very friendly and walked with us until the end (actually he started a bit later to be able to check on travelers who maybe had issues, but caught us close to the finish line). You shouldn't forget your sunscreen and some bottles of water. There are springs at resting spots so you can refill the bottles. You finish at…”
Guided Samaria Gorge hike in Crete: 17-hour day through Europe’s longest canyon, Kri-Kri goats, Iron Gates, and a beach swim.
“Mostly there’s not much thing we had to take care due our tour guide’s absolutely reliable professionalism. Also, pro tip to not bring many water bottle, ‘cause you can find fountains at certain rest areas and refill. Backpack, sportshoes recommended. Pay attention to the given map carefully! Have cash by yourself for tickets later!!”
Full-day Samaria Gorge hike from Chania/Kalyves with guide, transfers, and time to swim in Agia Roumeli plus ferry return.
“Fabulous trip, booked via GYG and delivered locally with Io Tours. Our guide Pari was exceptional, really knew her stuff and organised us all with ease. Reasonable challenging hike - pole(s) a very good idea, can be bought at the cafe stop 5 mins before the gorge entrance. Stunning scenery - early October and very hot (though initially a light layer needed at high altitude start). So glad we did this - highlight of the holiday!”
Hike Europe’s longest gorge from Omalos to Agia Roumeli, swim in the Libyan Sea, and ride south by bus and ferry.
Hike Crete's Samaria Gorge with expert first-aid guides, transfer, Agia Roumeli swim, and a south coast boat ride to Hora Sfakion.
“Marcos was a great guide. I was traveling alone through Greece and wanted to do this hike but did not want to do it alone for safety reasons. This tour gave me the best of both worlds. The guide follows slowly behind everyone in the group and you can hike alone (or with the people you came with) but if something happens the guide will be able to help you when he catches up to you. The hike itself is beautiful but challenging, mostly because it it downhill most of the way and very rocky. But I loved it. The bus picks you up at a central location and takes…”
Guided 16 km Samaria Gorge hike from Chania with early pickup, swim at the Libyan Sea, boat back to Sougia, and return transport.
“Such a beautiful gorge. You get lots of information about the gorge on the route to the starting point. Breakfast at the plateau, toilet break and then you commence the downwards hike. It's so convenient having the coach drop you off and pick you up. The end point isn't accessible by car so this is the only real way to do it unless you want to spend 5 hours walking back up at the hottest part of the day.”
Full-day Samaria Gorge trek from Chania with pickup, guided logistics, and free time in Agia Roumeli before the 17:30 ferry.
“Really nice--and long day of hiking. This excursion is really just for someone to facilitate the transportation for you. You don't see the guide and you do the hike at your own pace. One thing I wish I had known was that they say you are going to stop in a town to have breakfast and it's really just a location that has premade eggs, packaged croissants and some flat sandwiches (I don't even know what was in them they were so thin). Would have gotten something while I was waiting at our pick-up spot in the city if I had known.”
Hike Samariá Gorge from Chania with an English guide. Tough terrain, UNESCO setting, and a boat return to Sougia. Value tips included.
“Pick-up, transport, and return transport all went very smoothly. The tour guide, Pari, was knowledgeable and very friendly. We arrived at the sea after about four hours, at around 12:15 p.m. The meeting point for the whole group was at 4:00 p.m. at Rousios to get the ferry tickets. So we had something to eat and then went swimming in the sea. After this meeting at 4:00 p.m., everyone was informed that they had the next 1.5 hours free until the ferry departed. So we had to wait again. Then there was the return trip to the starting point by bus. We just want to say that if you are…”
Full-day guided Samaria Gorge trek from Rethymno, with transfers, entrance and boat fees handled by your escort, Agia Roumeli swim time.
“Amazing day. Beautiful scenery. Enjoyed v much, though legs rather stiff the next day. Should have had a 10 min stretch before the descent! V friendly and helpful guide, called George”
Every kind of day out on the island, and the best of each.
