Samaria Gorge, Crete, Greece
- Nimrod
- Jul 6
- 6 min read
Updated: Aug 18
May 2025 [All the posts about Greece]
Region: Chania, Southwest Crete, Greece
Difficulty: Moderate || Type: linear
Duration: 5 hours || Distance: 16 km
Total decent: 1100 m || Season: April (Spring)
Content
Samaria Gorge, Crete - Introduction
It almost feels like a school field trip — all the hikers boarding the bus in Chania with their trekking gear, only the singing is missing. The bus climbs through the island’s mountainous center, passing small villages, until it reaches the parking area at the entrance to Samaria National Park, part of the White Mountains Forest Preserve.
The Samaria gorge is named after an ancient village that once stood within it, abandoned in 1962 when the area was declared a national park — primarily to protect the endangered Cretan wild goat, known as the kri-kri (Capra aegagrus cretica).
The most famous section of the trail is the part known as “The Gates” or “Iron Gates,” where the canyon narrows dramatically to just 4 meters wide, with cliffs towering up to 300 meters on either side.
Hiking the Samaria Gorge, crete is a full-day adventure — you'll need at least 12 hours from the moment you board the bus in Chania to your return to the station in the evening.
It’s a stunning hike that not only offers a spectacular walking trail but also breathtaking views of Crete’s southern coastline from the sea, plus scenic drives through the island’s high mountains and picturesque villages along the way.
Map of the Samaria Gorge walking route
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Who is it most suitable for
The trail is considered moderate in difficulty. It’s around 16 km long, but mostly downhill and quite shaded in many parts.
There are several natural springs along the way (though not in summer), basic restrooms, and spots to take breaks.
The hike is suitable for active families who have done a few trails before, as well as for travelers who enjoy walking—even if they’re not hardcore hikers.
It’s a great option for those visiting the western part of Crete who want to combine nature, coastal views, and a taste of local village and city life.
Top Tips for Your Samaria Gorge Hike
Best Time to Hike
The park is open from early May to the end of October. Hiking during peak summer can be less pleasant due to the heat and large crowds.
Note that the park may close on days with heavy rain, storms, or extreme heat — it’s best to check the official website or call +30-28210-45570 before your hike.
The park opens at 07:00, and entry for those planning to complete the full hike is allowed until 13:00.
After 13:00, entry is still allowed, but only for a short walk of up to 2 kilometers before returning to the entrance.
How to Get There
The easiest and most recommended way is by public transportation, since the trail is linear and there’s no simple way to return to your car at the end.
We came from Chania on the 07:45 bus, but you can also reach the trail from other towns in western Crete.
We bought round-trip tickets at the central bus station in Chania, where you can also purchase your ferry ticket — yes, you’ll need to take a ferry at the end of the hike, since there’s no road access to the village of Agia Roumeli, where the trail ends.
You can also get to the trailhead by public transport from Palaiochora or Sougia.
Note: The ferry can take you to either Hora Sfakion or Sougia — you can choose your destination when buying the ticket. Honestly, it doesn’t make a big difference.
We bought our entry tickets to the park in advance on this site, but it’s not really necessary — you can easily purchase them at the entrance. Just make sure to keep the tickets with you, as they may be checked when exiting the park.
Another option is to book a full-day tour through travel agencies in Chania (for example, ATTIOS) or other towns in western Crete. These tours usually include all transportation and hotel pick-up, and cost around €50. If you choose to arrange the transport and tickets on your own, the total cost is about €40 (as of 2025).
Where the Trail Begins
The hike starts at Xyloskalo, at an altitude of 1,250 meters, right at the edge of the parking area. This is where the bus drops you off and the trail begins.
There’s a small café/restaurant here, along with some hiking gear and souvenir T-shirts — perfect for the hungry or the souvenir collectors.
For the adventurous, it's worth noting that the trail can also be done in reverse — ideal for those who enjoy an uphill challenge!
Where the Hike Ends and How to Get Back
The trail ends in the coastal village of Agia Roumeli. The actual hike through the gorge finishes about 3 kilometers before the village, at the exit checkpoint, where you'll need to show your entry ticket. You'll also find a few snack stands there offering fresh orange juice, coffee, and cold drinks — a welcome treat after the hike. From there, you can either walk to the village or take a shuttle for €2.
Agia Roumeli has several restaurants and cafés, and more can be found near the small harbor where ferries dock. You’ll board a ferry either westward to Sougia or eastward to Hora Sfakion, depending on the ticket you purchased in advance.
No worries — the ferries depart at 17:30, so there’s plenty of time to relax before heading out.
The ferries arrive at either Sougia or Hora Sfakion, where buses will be waiting to take you back to Chania.
How Much Does It All Cost? (per adult, as of 2025)
Round-trip bus from Chania: €15
Ferry: €15
Entry to the national park: €10
Timing Overview
Bus from Chania to the trailhead: ~1 hour(departures at 05:00 and 07:45)
Hike through the gorge: 5–6 hours
Ferry ride: ~1 hour (departs 17:30 from Agia Roumeli)
Return bus to Chania: ~1.5 hours (you’ll get back around 20:30)
Gear, Food & Water
At the start of the trail, there’s a small café where you can grab a bite or a drink. Along the hike, you’ll find nine natural springs with safe drinking water, so you generally only need to carry a small bottle per person — except toward the end of summer, when some springs may run dry. In summer, it’s recommended to carry at least 3 liters of water per person.
There’s no food available along the trail, so be sure to bring your own snacks — a sandwich, fruit, or energy bars are great options.
At the end of the hike, in Agia Roumeli, you’ll find plenty of restaurants and cafés to recharge.
Make sure to bring comfortable hiking shoes (no flip-flops or sandals!), sunscreen, and a hat. I also recommend using trekking poles for added support.
A Day Hike Through Samaria Gorge
The hike through Samaria Gorge can be roughly divided into four parts:
Part 1 begins with a relatively steep but well-maintained descent. The trail includes steps and even railings in some sections, making it a comfortable start.
Part 2 flattens out somewhat as you continue walking through the gorge, often shaded by forest. Here, the surrounding cliffs are less visible, and you may cross a few small streams — though these are typically dry in summer.
About halfway, you’ll reach the abandoned village of Samaria, a perfect spot for a rest. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a Cretan wild goat (Kri-Kri) wandering by.
Part 3 is the most dramatic, taking you through the open and exposed section of the gorge. The scenery here is breathtaking, with towering cliffs on both sides. The trail is mostly flat but slightly more challenging due to rocks underfoot — though still clearly marked and manageable.
Part 4 starts as you exit the gorge through its famous "Gates" (the narrowest point). From there, you continue walking toward the southern exit, where you can enjoy a refreshing juice, beer, or coffee at a small stand.
Then it’s a final 3 km walk to the village of Agia Roumeli and its ferry dock.
Samaria gorge navigation file
Hi Nimrod,
Regarding your hike- I assume you started around 9a.m. how did you find the heat level through the day? We were planning on going on the earlier bus, but now contemplating the 0745 bus from chania. Just concerned about hiking during the peak hours of the sun.