Full-Day Samaria Gorge Chania Guided Tour
Crete, Greece
- 15 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
What's Included
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Guide
- FERRY TICKET SAMARIA GORGE€15.00 per person
- Entrance fee - SAMARIA GORGE ENTRANCE FEE€10.00 per person
- MealsFood & drinks are not included in the price.
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
Operating hours.6:00 am
Itinerary
1
Samaria Gorge National Park
6 hours • Admission Ticket Not Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- After your booking you have to look at the chat of Viator in order to confirm with our reservation department the right pick up point and right pick up time.You cannot change your pick up point at less than 48 hours before the trip. If you want to change your pick up point 48 hours before the trip for some reason you need to contact our reservation department through Viator chat or our reservation department phone number . Working hours of reservation department 9:30-20:30.Last Minute changes to pick up points will not be accepted .
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 50 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Ayanda_T
The hike was nothing short of a beautiful challenging experience. The unrelenting heat, the ever exhausting rocky terrain, and the ongoing trail that made sure you couldn’t guess what came next. As a hiking enthusiast, all these obstacles are exactly what I look for in any hiking trail. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the beauty of all the surrounding nature that kept me intrigued about what was next to come. All in all, this was the most rewarding hike I have been on. Yes, I would do it again.
Reviews
4.5
based on 91 reviews
Tamas_S, Nov 2025
After an early departure at about 6 am we first stopped at Omalos around 8 to have breakfast and then we headed to the entrance of Samaria National Park. Our guide was Christina who is very passionate about Samaria and has hiked the Gorge many times before. It is definitely a very demanding hike, about 15km mostly downhill walking on rocks that can be slippery and therefore dangerous. Once I slipped and fell and also twisted my ankle but got medical treatment (pack of ice, bandage, painkiller) by a licensed doctor at the next rest stop. I also met Christina there who kindly lent me her personal walking sticks that turned out to be very helpful on the remainder of the hike. I definitely recommend the tour if you're fit enough and have good hiking shoes because the scenery is breathtaking. Be aware it's a long hike where accidents can happen but you'll be awarded by the beautiful landscapes and a greek lunch (own cost) in Agia Roumeli. After the lunch we hopped on a ferry to Sougia where our bus was waiting to take us back to Chania. We arrived back around 10 pm, so it's definitely a whole day trip.
Matt_E, Sep 2025
Amazing tour, very well run by the organisers, good communication throughout so it was always very clear about how picked up the tickets for the ferry and where the bus would be waiting.
The gorge is absolutely stunning but it is a long hard walk, very uneven for most of the way.
Q : How was the Gorge?
A: Absolutely incredible !
Q : Would I do it again?
A : No, my legs are killing me!
Paul_M, Sep 2025
A really well organised trip everything ran on time. The walk itself was very rewarding with spectacular scenery to take in along the way. Thank you Christina our guide
Charles_E, Aug 2025
It was a very well planned tour. Note the price does not include the ferry or entrance to the gorge. We were picked up by bus on time, stopped at a cafe to grab brekkie and use the facilities. On arrival at the gorge, son had lost his hiking boots enroute somewhere ! They organised a pair of trainers to be couriered to us within 10 mins (at a premium but understandably so!) the tour guide always stayed behind to ensure everyone got through the gorge in time. Impossible to do this hike in flip flops. Medics and water refills all the way. It’s a hard decent in that it is a very uneven ground with big rocks all the way down. Hard on the knees and ankles. Exhausted at the end but very very worthwhile. The guide was excellent - thank you so much !
Ayanda_T, Jul 2025
The hike was nothing short of a beautiful challenging experience. The unrelenting heat, the ever exhausting rocky terrain, and the ongoing trail that made sure you couldn’t guess what came next. As a hiking enthusiast, all these obstacles are exactly what I look for in any hiking trail. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the beauty of all the surrounding nature that kept me intrigued about what was next to come. All in all, this was the most rewarding hike I have been on. Yes, I would do it again.
Sophie_E, May 2025
If you’re going to do this trip make sure you give yourself a few days afterwards in case it is cancelled
My partner and I had this trip cancelled twice as it was a bit windy
This occurred after we had gotten on their bus after waking up at 5am to get to the gorge, resulting in a huge amount of wasted time and lost sleep
Another couple we talked to had had the trip cancelled on them three times as well
Both of us now missing out on the opportunity due to minor wind, so be prepared it may not go ahead
Response from Host, May 2025
Dear Mrs Sophie ,
The decision of the cancellation of the tour was firstly not ours to make … You should mention and do your complains on the one responsible which is Necca Samaria gorge . They are deciding last minute and all travel agencies already complain about their last minute cancellations the past week due to firstly earthquake and secondly bad weather . I understand your frustration about waking up early twice but as I said if they informed us earlier we would of course not like to bring you in vain there… So please next time you do your complains do it to the correct recepeints .
Gabi_S, May 2025
Well organized hike through the Samaria Gorge. The bus got us to the Gorge early enough to allow for a comfortable hike. We are not the fastest hikers and had plenty of time to finish and take in the scenery.
Response from Host, May 2025
We appreciate your positive review.
We would be happy to accompany you on another excursion in the future with one of our
professional tour leaders and drivers.
Kind regards
Kris_T, May 2025
Buy entrance ticket online before arrival to avoid queue, there is no mobile service there. Wear good shoes; don’t wear sandals silly. Wear a backpack and have snacks and a water bottle there are spring water fill stations along the route. Rent poles it’s mostly downhill and takes pressure off the knees.
Response from Host, May 2025
We appreciate your positive review as well as your assistance.
We would be happy to accompany you on another excursion in the future with one of our
professional tour leaders and drivers.
Best regards
Anu_R, Jan 2025
This very arduous and difficult hike was amazing but it is for very experienced hikers who have trained for months
My husband struggled who is in a middle age man with -low to normal fitness abilities.
His knees were it best as immediately had problems
My kids -11 yo boys were fine
Me -healthy and good health- toward end t knees were in oan
Murray_C, Oct 2024
Expect a pleasant, challenging hike. If we still had film cameras, you'd have to start saving your money! Flip flops definitely NOT an option for the full hike. 😉 Bring along snacks to get you through the 6 hours of hiking. The 2€ bus shuttle for the final walk into town is money well-spent, as was the 5€ to rent a lounge/umbrella. Gorgeous sunset from the ferry to Sougia. Wish they had the temperature in the not-so-luxurious mini-bus much cooler for the sometimes nauseating ride back to Chania. 🤭
Tamara_P, Oct 2024
They never picked me up. I was meant to get picked up at 6am. I woke up very early and went to the pick-up spot for 5:50am and waited a long time alone in the dark. After 3 hours they finally replied to my message on Viator saying the Gorge is closed, and asking if I wanted to rebook. They said they called me, but unfortunately I’m using an international eSIM and didn’t receive a call. They did not notify me on Viator, or by Viator messages and emails. Instead, Viator sent me emails confirming the trip was happening. And Viator is now emailing me asking me to review the trip. I came all the way to Chania for this tour. This was my first time booking on Viator, and it was a disappointing experience.
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Dear Tamara, we are very sorry for this unfortunate experience. We informed by the authorities for the closer of the gorge the previous day and we contact all of our clients to inform them. I personally called you 3 different times and your telephone was ringing properly and I left you a voice mail that the gorge will be closed and not wake up in vain, and to contact us the soonest if you wish to reschedule or to have a full refund. I also searched for you on What's up application without luck and this is why I texted you from our emergency tel.number. The next day, we also didn't find any missed call from your telephone on our emergency tel.number where we respond 24/7 and we believed you have received my voice message and text. Of course we have done all the appropriate moves to refund you and it is shown in the platform that the excursion has been cancelled. I am truly sorry for this inconvenience and I personally apologize for all this.
Filio-Elafonissos Travel
Emily_P, Oct 2024
My husband and I had a great time hiking the Samaria Gorge. It was definitely more challenging than I expected it to be but not impossible. Make sure you load up on snacks, water, and have good hiking shoes on. It was also quite cold in the morning so I was thankful to have had a sweatshirt. The only reason I didn’t give 5 stars was due to a miscommunication with the pick up meeting point. I had entered my hotel and on all of my confirmation emails the address of my hotel was listed as the pick up meeting point, however the day of at the pick up time I received a call from the tour operator asking if we were still coming as we were not at the pick up location. My husband and I had to rush to get from our hotel down a several blocks to where the bus was- luckily we were the second to last stop so we were able to still make it in time. Overall it was a good experience but I would just contact the tour operators prior to pick up to ensure you’re in the correct location.
Joss_H, Oct 2024
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.
Theodore_W, Oct 2024
The gorge was beautiful! The trip was so well organized and loaded with a ton of great information. Communication was great and all the guides were wonderful
Sumitra_A, Oct 2024
Amazing time
Our guide Sara was amazing. She makes sure that we are ok throughout the hike .
She went thru whole day itinerary in great details and answered all of our questions. She gave us confidence.
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Thank you so much for your review! We are glad to hear that you enjoyed the trip!
We wish you a good day!
Kathryn_H, Sep 2024
I didn’t get to participate in this experience, although Viator claims I did. Unbeknownst to me, there was a serious incident in the gorge on September 18 after which the government closed the gorge for an investigation involving multiple domestic and international parties. I had booked for September 23, and rebooked for September 24 and then 25 with local operator advising of continuing closure. On the advice of the local operator, I cancelled through Viator and requested a refund in light of the continuing closure to all parties and the advice of the local operator. Imagine my surprise when iatrogenic denied my refund request, saying that I had been picked up and taken the tour with the local operator and expressed satisfaction (during the enforced government shutdown of the venue).
I’ve been a fan of Biator in. The past, but can’t in good conscience recommend them going forward.
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Dear Kathryn,
Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We understand your concern and the inconvenience caused by this incident. We have reviewed the situation and can confirm that the refund was processed on our end. In fact we have a screenshot as proof.
However it is important to note that once a refund is processed, the time it takes to reflect in your account may vary depending on your bank. This delay is unfortunately beyond our control, but we recommend checking with your bank to confirm when the amound will be available.
If you need any further assistance, feel free to reach out. We're here to help!
Kind regards,
Elafonissos Travel
Dennis_S, Sep 2024
Fantastic trip and experience that I would highly recommend! Cannot say enough good words about our bus driver (Manulas) and our guide (Dimitris). Our trip was very well run and they were very helpful and pleasant to work with.
On the hike Dimitris was very visible and constantly checking on us and providing helpful information. Which means we were the last members of his group but with the beauty of the gorge it was not our intent to rush our hike!
Actually the whole process from booking to now was exemplary and we were impressed with the support staff as we had many questions and confusion on our part regarding the process, so a huge thank you to all the back office support team!
Now we are on to our next adventure Balos for the day! Thank you!
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Thank you for taking your time to leave a review. It means a lot to us!
Have a good day!
Janis_A, Aug 2024
Full day of experience and memorable sightseeing and unforgettable moments. Every sight will give You an impression.
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Thank you very much for your kind words and informative feedback of the tour . Have a
wonderful day !
Peter_D, Aug 2024
This company has less reviews than some but was 30% cheaper so we decided to give them a try.
I have to say, everything went perfectly throughout the tour. From a call the night before to confirm details, timely pickup, clear explanation of what to expect right through to boat trip and collection at the end, very slick.
I think we were the 2nd caoch to arrive in the morning and the first to leave at night = avoid all the other walkers and crowds of which there are many.
Highly recommended.
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Thank you very much for your kind words and informative feedback of the tour . Have a
wonderful day !
max_g, Aug 2024
Walk was fantastic. Nikos our tour guide was invaluable. Costas the bus driver was incredible. Recommend to all, even 66 year old men like myself. Walking sticks provided by Nikos were absolutely a life-saver. Not for faint of heart.
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Thank you very much for your kind words and informative feedback of the tour . Have a
wonderful day !
Marc_D, Jul 2024
Great excursion, entertaining guide, beautiful gorges, it's not easy as it seems so consider to be physically challenged while looking at some breathtaking views
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Thank you very much for your kind words and informative feedback of the tour . Have a
wonderful day !
Sharon_B, Jul 2024
Beautiful hike. We had a blast. Not going to lie we are not in shape and we only got about 3 hours of sleep the night before so our legs were pretty sore for the next two days! But I would definitely do this again, my sister said once was enough though.
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Thank you very much for your kind words and informative feedback of the tour . Have a
wonderful day !
Joshua_N, Jul 2024
for SURE the burn we felt in our legs after the hike, we slept like babies. The hike put our love for walking to the test but we conquered it graciously!
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Thank you so much for your review! We are glad to hear that you enjoyed the trip!
We wish you a good day!
Simon_G, Jun 2024
The gorge was absolutely stunning and the driver very professional and Thomas so kind and helpful. Only thing i didn't like was that the hike took me 3-4 hours and the activity took 6.00-20.00 and there were no ferries to leave earlier but that's just my lazy reading.
Valery_W, Jun 2024
Thomas was a great guide and the tour ran efficiently. The hike was beautiful but exhausting. Such a reward to swim in the ocean at the end!
Diane_S, Jun 2024
This trek is truly spectacular! A once in a lifetime experience for anyone willing to put in the effort. It is shady and cool breezes pamper you throughout most of the trek. There are rwgukar toilet and water stations along the way. The streams offer the cleanest , thirst-quenching water I have tasted anywhere. And tbe track is a photographer's delight too. A cool swim at the beach at the end.
Go! You'll be glad you did 🤠👍
Jac_C, Jun 2024
We were hesitant to do the hike because we had heard it gets crowded with people. However, we learned of Elifinissos (spelling?) Travel. We were picked up at our hotel, brought to breakfast on the way up and started on the trail early. We made it past the two bus loads of people and then didn’t see many people until the end. The hike was gorgeous, mostly in the shade because of how early we started. The beach was beautiful with blackish sand and beautiful blue water. Fairy ride was nice to relax after the long hike and then attempted to sleep on the bus back to our hotel. Wonderful experience and our tour guides, Sara and Petros (I think that was our drivers name), were absolutely incredible. Thorough instructions, stellar driving skills thru the winding mountains in a huge bus and friendly staff.
Francesca_M, May 2024
This is a great day trip - Samaria gorge is beautiful. It's a difficult level hike, so you must be fit and prepared but is worth it for the views. You hike at your own pace, not with the guide.
The trip was well organised - clear instructions, not too many stops to collect people, a comfy coach, Costas was a great driver, Nikos was a brilliant guide and we were picked up and dropped off on time. There is free time (too much free time I think) in Ayia Roumeli waiting for the 5.30pm ferry. Most of our group had finished hiking by 1.30. There are some tavernas and a small beach.
Would happily book another excursion with Elafonissis Travel.
Kaisa_L, May 2024
I had a great time on this unforgettable day trip to the Samaria Gorge! Thank you to the Elafonissos Travel for giving clear instructions beforehand and for the end of the tour in Agia Roumeli. I felt looked after so that I could spend the day enjoying 100%! Our expert guide Sara was helpful and friendly with any questions and I want to say a special thanks to Jorgos our bus driver for taking us safely up and down the mountain. Next time I'll be sure to book any Crete day trip with Elafonissos Travel.
About Samaria: Breathtaking scenery. The 4h+ hike is doable with good shoes. I was undecisive between hiking boots and trainers. I decided to go with trainers WITH GOOD TRACTION. It was perfect on those slippery and angled stones. Wouldn't recommend too cushioned/ high heel shoes because of the risk on your ankles. Stick to the ground. Keep your eyes on the path and be sure to stop walking to enjoy the view or to take pictures. Unforgettable!
Isabel_v, May 2024
This tour was seamless and worth it rather than driving ourselves, as from what I understand it’s a hassle to organize a bus back to the starting point to collect the car. Sara was a great guide and made sure everyone was on the bus etc. I thought the early start time was totally unnecessary, but actually it meant we were quite alone on the walk ahead of the crowds which was really nice, and we had a decent lunch at the end and beach time so didn’t feel like we were annoyingly hanging around.
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