Samaria Gorge Hike from Heraklion region
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Overview
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 above sea level along the trail with wooden fences, laid down the mountainside. The narrowest and probably the most picturesque place called "Portes" - gates, where cliffs rise to a height of 500 meters, while the width of the river gorge at only 3-4 meters. 47 bridges cross the river Tarraios passing through the White Mountains and the valley. You will meet with the inhabitants of the reserve - wild goats Kri-Kri or see rare species of orchids.
After 4-6 hours of walking, you will get out to the beautiful Agia Roumeli beach, where you can swim in its crystal waters and have lunch. The boat will take you back to the bus.
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 above sea level along the trail with wooden fences, laid down the mountainside. The narrowest and probably the most picturesque place called "Portes" - gates, where cliffs rise to a height of 500 meters, while the width of the river gorge at only 3-4 meters. 47 bridges cross the river Tarraios passing through the White Mountains and the valley. You will meet with the inhabitants of the reserve - wild goats Kri-Kri or see rare species of orchids.
After 4-6 hours of walking, you will get out to the beautiful Agia Roumeli beach, where you can swim in its crystal waters and have lunch. The boat will take you back to the bus.
Inclusions
- Pick-up from hotels of the HERAKLION region (at the specific bus stops outside of your hotel)
- Certified tour guide
- Transfer with air-conditioned bus
What to expect
Itinerary
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 eat. Before entering the gorge and at the exit there are taverns where you can dine, and throughout the whole journey you will have to be content with only your own reserves. Descenting along the picturesque mountain stream will take you to the southern coast of the island to Agia Roumeli. After relaxing and swimming in the crystal clear waters of the Libyan Sea, you will go on a small boat along the southern coast of Crete to the port of Chora Sfakon where you will wait for the bus.
Take very seriously the decision to visit the gorge, especially if you have health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diseases of the musculoskeletal system. The path has to be overcome at a sufficiently energetic pace with the air temperature reaching sometimes up to thirty-odd degrees in the shade.
The duration is 12-16 hours, depends on your pick-up.
Stop At:
• Agia Roumeli, Hora Sfakion 730 11, Greece
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 eat. Before entering the gorge and at the exit there are taverns where you can dine, and throughout the whole journey you will have to be content with only your own reserves. Descenting along the picturesque mountain stream will take you to the southern coast of the island to Agia Roumeli. After relaxing and swimming in the crystal clear waters of the Libyan Sea, you will go on a small boat along the southern coast of Crete to the port of Chora Sfakon where you will wait for the bus.
Take very seriously the decision to visit the gorge, especially if you have health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diseases of the musculoskeletal system. The path has to be overcome at a sufficiently energetic pace with the air temperature reaching sometimes up to thirty-odd degrees in the shade.
The duration is 12-16 hours, depends on your pick-up.
Stop At:
• Agia Roumeli, Hora Sfakion 730 11, Greece
Additional information
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Infants must sit on laps
- Infant seats available
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a strong physical fitness level
- If an infant does not sit on lap in the bus, It is necessary to pay a child ticket.
- Pick-up from the specific bus stops next to the hotels. From Area 1: all the villages between Fodele, Agia Pelagia, Xeropotamos(West Heraklion), Area 2: Heraklion Center and East, Carteros, Kokkini Hani, Gouves, Gournes, Hersonissos, Stalida, Malia, Sissi.
- After booking we will contact you to arrange the pick-up. Please, note, if you do not provide your pick-up details up to 24 hours before the tour, we do not guarantee the pick-up. For pick-up from different location, please, contact us.
- NOTE: It is a 18 kilometers walk along very rocky path, sometimes steep.
- Visiting the gorge is usually recommended for children over 7 years old, who like to walk a lot. Infants only in a special carriers.
- The tour starts at 06.00am and you will be back at your hotel around 10.00pm, depending on the pick up location.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 50 travelers
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Ticket delivery
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.
CatSkald
September 2021
Samaria Gorge is a beautiful place. The hiking path is maintained and clean. The route is long and steep, wearing comfortable shoes is a must.
Samaria Gorge is a beautiful place. The hiking path is maintained and clean. The route is long and steep, wearing comfortable shoes is a must.la_L
June 2021
The expedition was very beautiful, great landscape and a nice day. But the problem was the information from the guide... There was never presents during the day. He had to take tickets for the boat, but one hour before the departure, we didn't find him... He gave us a little information. He sai...
The expedition was very beautiful, great landscape and a nice day. But the problem was the information from the guide... There was never presents during the day. He had to take tickets for the boat, but one hour before the departure, we didn't find him... He gave us a little information. He said us that was important to be at 16 o'clock to take the boat while this one was 17 o'clock and half. So we were so stressed and didn't enjoy the beach. And the funniest at the end, when we arrived in Sfakiá, we didn't find the guide. So we had to look for him... Thus, a good expedition but a guide awful.Annessa_B
July 2021
I really enjoyed the experience. I mean, if you don't have a semi-decent to a solid set of core muscles, you are going to hate life and all of creation. But, I mean, it's no lazy stroll around the fish pond. The first near half of the hike is downhill and steep. Do not underestimate that st...
I really enjoyed the experience. I mean, if you don't have a semi-decent to a solid set of core muscles, you are going to hate life and all of creation. But, I mean, it's no lazy stroll around the fish pond. The first near half of the hike is downhill and steep. Do not underestimate that steepness. I've hiked insane hikes in Gunnison National Park (Colorado, US) and others. This hike was its own adventure: for the muscles and soul. Pretty sure my guardian angel walked out on me after. It's all good; I'm sure another will take up the helm. I had Marcos from Orange Tours, and he was great. He's funny, light-hearted, and has more energy than he probably should. He's great. A tip, when your guide says, "I won't bore you with the history," but then says, "if you have questions, ask, or this is your time for the mic," that means they are leaving the floor open for you. I read someone complains about the lack of history . . . dude, Marcos went one-by-one asking people, answering people, and so forth. I mean, it really was personalized. The sack lunches were sweet, as trail mix and fruit will not cut it on this one. Also, refill along the trail. The water is cold, it is good, and you will need it.Z7822XFelisad
September 2023
La personne de l'agence était vraiment super, très gentil, nous avons très bien été accueilli. Je vous conseil fortement cette agence !
La personne de l'agence était vraiment super, très gentil, nous avons très bien été accueilli. Je vous conseil fortement cette agence !321gjvdb
August 2019
Samariakloof; die moet je een keer gelopen hebben! Dat is wat er gezegd wordt. Zij is lang, iets meer dan 13 km. Er wordt ook gezegd dat je in een kloof loopt en het smalste deel zo'n 4 meter is.Veel stukken van de wandeling gaan door het bos en hoger dan de bodem van de kloof. Het lopen gaat hoo...
Samariakloof; die moet je een keer gelopen hebben! Dat is wat er gezegd wordt. Zij is lang, iets meer dan 13 km. Er wordt ook gezegd dat je in een kloof loopt en het smalste deel zo'n 4 meter is.Veel stukken van de wandeling gaan door het bos en hoger dan de bodem van de kloof. Het lopen gaat hoofdzakelijk over rotsbodem/keien. Dus, stevig schoeisel aan! Als je echt in de rivierbedding loopt heb je wel het idee in een kloof te lopen. Wij hadden mazzel dat er nog genoeg water door de kloof stroomde. Dat geeft toch wat extra's. Normaal is dat niet voor augustus. Het is echt een stevige wandeling. Duurt tussen de 5 en 6 uur als je niet echt geoefend bent. Wanneer je net zoals ons op een dag loopt dat het 36 graden in de schaduw is moet je zorgen dat je hoofd bedekt is en dat je zeer veel drinkt. De kloof doet dan zijn bijnaam "de oven" eer aan. Er zijn voldoende punten onderweg waar je water kunt tappen. Aan het einde van de kloof wacht nog een wandeling van iets meer dan 2 km naar het dorp/de zee. Indien je wat afgekoeld bent kun je alleen weg met de boot of teruglopen :). Wij hebben het georganiseerd gedaan vanuit Chersonissos. Kostte echt een hele dag; 4 uur 's ochtends aan het ontbijt en 's avonds na tienen weer terug. Als je zelf vervoer hebt kost het minder tijd, maar dan zul je met een taxi weer terug moeten naar het begin van de kloof of iemand hebben die niet meeloopt en de auto naar beneden rijdt. Al met al een ervaring die zeker de moeite waard is.SophieL3714
August 2019
Cette agence est très sérieuse et pratique des prix plus attractifs que ceux proposés dans les hôtel. De plus la qualité du service est irréprochable. Un après-midi, je me suis amusée à prendre mes renseignements dans chaque agence d'excursion de la rue et c'est vers celle-ci que je suis retourné...
Cette agence est très sérieuse et pratique des prix plus attractifs que ceux proposés dans les hôtel. De plus la qualité du service est irréprochable. Un après-midi, je me suis amusée à prendre mes renseignements dans chaque agence d'excursion de la rue et c'est vers celle-ci que je suis retournée. Non seulement, Ricardo (le Gérant) est très professionnel (de bons conseils et honnête) mais il est aussi sympathique et parle très très bien plusieurs langues. Il est possible pour vos excursions d'avoir un guide qui parle anglais, français ou allemand. J'ai eu la bonne surprise de découvrir le jour de l'excursion que j'avais droit à un pic nic. Le car était propre et le chauffeur expérimenté. Notre guide (Hara) était sympathique et professionnelle. La randonnée était ardue mais magnifique ! Aucune fausse note, si je repars un jour dans cette région, je retournerai les yeux fermés dans cette agence. Un grand merci à toute l'équipe pour cette très belle journée. Serious agency. Prices are more attractive than those offered in hotels. Moreover the service's quality is irreproachable. Not only, Ricardo (the Manager) is very professional (good advices and honest) but he's also friendly and speaks very well several languages. It is possible, for your excursions, to have a guide who speaks English, French or German. I was pleasantly surprised to discover the day of the trip that I was entitled to a pic nic.The bus was clean and the driver was experienced. Our guide (Hara) was friendly and professional. The hike was arduous but beautiful! No false note, if I come back one day in this region, I will return without any hesitation in this agency. A big "thank you" to the whole team for this beautiful day.