Samaria Gorge Tours and Tickets

Yes, the Samaria Gorge hike is absolutely worth it. This spot is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, a national park, and one of Europe’s longest gorges. At one particularly narrow point, The Gates, the gorge walls are just 13 feet (4 meters) apart—and 1,000 feet (300 meters).

Most people will hike Crete’s Samaria Gorge in roughly 6–7 hours, though you may need more or less time. Technically, you’ll also need to make the 1.2-mile (2-kilometer) walk to Agia Roumeli at the hike’s end—the distance between the end of the gorge and the return ferry departure point

Yes, you can hike the Samaria Gorge without taking a tour. Buses from Chania will take you to the head of the Gorge, aka Xyloskalo (be sure to arrive as early as possible). At the hike’s end, you’ll need to hop on a ferry to Chora Sfakia and—depending on your lodging—take another bus back to Chania.

The Samaria Gorge, located in Crete’s White Mountains, is known for being one of Europe’s longest gorges—and for its wealth of natural beauty. One of the most popular activities locally is trekking down its full length, from the top of the Omalos plateau to Agia Roumeli on the Libyan Sea.

If you’re hiking the Samaria Gorge, dress in layers. Not only are you starting early in the morning—and not wrapping up for another 6–8 hours—you’re descending some 4,101 feet (1,250 meters). You’ll also want sturdy hiking shoes, though hiking boots tend to be cumbersome.

The Samaria Gorge trek—including the walk to Agia Roumeli—is 10 miles (16 kilometers), and it’s all downhill until you hit sea level; the first 2 miles (3 kilometers) are the steepest. While it’s not an easy trek, hikers of all ages, from small children to older adults, can be found on the trail. If you’re a confident hiker, you can handle it.