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Samaria Gorge
ℹ️Practical info — Samaria Gorge
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Start your hike from Omalos as early as 7 AM to beat both the intense heat and the large tour groups.
- Proper hiking boots are essential; the rocky, uneven terrain will destroy regular sneakers.
- You don't need to carry excessive water; you can safely refill your bottle at the fresh mountain springs along the trail.
- Book your return ferry ticket from Agia Roumeli in advance, especially during the peak summer months.
🍽 Food
A delicious flatbread filled with soft cheese and drizzled with local honey, first-rate after the hike in Agia Roumeli.
Cretan Malotira tea, available at small cafes near the gorge entrance, great for a morning boost.
Slow-cooked, incredibly tender lamb found in traditional tavernas in the broader Sfakia region.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
Dried oregano, thyme, and dictamnus sold at local stalls near the gorge entrance or exit.
Handcrafted hiking sticks available at the start of the trail in Omalos to help with the descent.
A serene resting spot about halfway down, surrounded by massive, ancient cypress trees.
After the long hike, cool off in the refreshing waters of the Libyan Sea while waiting for the ferry.
Water temperature…
The Samaria Gorge is for nature enthusiasts in Crete. The trek begins at the Omalos Plateau at Xyloskalo (1,227m elevation) and descends steeply into the heart of the White Mountains National Park. Along the 16 km route, hikers pass through diverse landscapes and the abandoned village of Samaria. The most dramatic section is the 'Iron Gates' (Sideroportes), where the canyon walls narrow to just 4 meters while soaring to heights of 300 meters. The gorge is the primary habitat for the rare Kri-Kri (Cretan wild goat). The hike concludes in the coastal village of Agia Roumeli on the Libyan Sea, which is only accessible by foot or boat. Due to the rocky and demanding terrain, sturdy hiking boots and good physical fitness are required. The gorge is typically open from May to October, weather permitting.
- Location: Greece
- Nearby: Agia Roumeli (5 km)
- Population: ~125
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 12 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 19 | 23 | 26 | 26 | 24 | 20 | 17 | 13 |
| Rain mm | 98 | 90 | 52 | 27 | 17 | 5 | 3 | 5 | 21 | 57 | 83 | 103 |
Geography
Facts
- 16 km hiking distance
- National Park since 1962
- Home of the Kri-Kri goat
- Starts at 1227m elevation
- Iron Gates narrow point
- Open May to October
- Ends in Agia Roumeli
- UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Samaria Gorge (1)
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Samaria Gorge?
When is the gorge open to visitors?
Do I need special equipment for the hike?
Is there drinking water in the gorge?
How to get back after the hike?
Samaria Gorge: where is it located?
Samaria Gorge: when is the best time to visit?
Samaria Gorge: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
