From Chania: Samaria Gorge Full-Day Guided Hiking Tour

Exploring the renowned Samaria Gorge in Crete is a must-do for nature enthusiasts visiting the island. This full-day guided hiking tour from Chania takes adventurers on a 16.5-kilometer trek through one of Europe’s deepest and most breathtaking gorges. Priced at just €36 per person, the tour provides a chance to take in Crete’s stunning landscapes, with designated pickup points and free time for swimming and lunch in the charming village of Agia Roumeli. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or seeking a challenge, this guided excursion promises an unforgettable experience that’ll leave you eager to uncover more of Crete’s natural wonders.

Good To Know

• This full-day guided hiking tour from Chania takes visitors through the 16.5 km Samaria Gorge with a professional guide.
• The tour includes hotel pickup, air-conditioned bus transportation, and free time in Agia Roumeli for swimming, lunch, and shopping.
• Participants can opt for an additional boat ride from Agia Roumeli to Chora Sfakion at an extra cost.
• The tour is suitable for active travelers and not recommended for pregnant women or those with certain health conditions.
• Essential gear includes comfortable shoes, breathable clothing, a reusable water bottle, and cash for the optional boat ride.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Samaria Gorge Full-Day Guided Hiking Tour offers an activity-packed day for visitors. Priced from €36 per person, this 15-hour tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later.

Visitors are picked up from select locations in Chania between 5:20 AM and 6:10 AM, then transported by air-conditioned bus to the Samaria Gorge.

After hiking the 16.5 km gorge with a professional guide, they’ll enjoy free time in Agia Roumeli, including swimming, lunch, and shopping.

An optional boat ride from Agia Roumeli to Chora Sfakion is available at an additional cost.

Itinerary and Experience

After being picked up from select locations in Chania between 5:20 AM and 6:10 AM, visitors travel by air-conditioned luxury bus to Samaria Gorge.

They’ll hike through the 16.5 km gorge with a professional guide, stopping at the Church of St. Nicolas, the Portes (Iron Gates), and Agia Roumeli.

In Agia Roumeli, they’ll have 2 hours of free time to swim, have lunch, and shop.

Optionally, they can take a boat ride from Agia Roumeli to Chora Sfakion, though this is at their own expense.

Transportation Details

Eight pickup locations are available throughout Chania, including Chania, Platanias, Stalos, Maleme, Gerani, Kolymvari, Tavronitis, and Agii Apostoli.

The bus journey to the White Mountains Forest Preserve takes 1.5 hours, then it’s a 20-minute drive to the Samaria Gorge National Park.

After the hike, the bus returns to Chania, with a 1.5-hour journey from Chora Sfakion. Participants are dropped off at the same eight locations as the pickup points at the start of the day.

Inclusions and Fees

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional hiking guide, bus transportation, and full liability insurance.

Lunch in Agia Roumeli is also provided. However, there are additional fees to consider.

The Samaria Gorge entrance fee is €5 for adults, but free for EU citizens up to age 18 and aged 65+.

If you wish to take the boat from Agia Roumeli to Chora Sfakion, the ticket costs €13 for adults and €6.50 for children up to 12 years old.

It’s recommended to have cash on hand for the boat ticket, as there may be issues with card payments due to potential signal problems in the area.

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Participant Information

Designed for active travelers, this Samaria Gorge hiking tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, individuals with heart problems, wheelchair users, or those with vertigo or high blood pressure.

The tour operator recommends wearing comfortable shoes, bringing sunscreen, breathable clothing, and a reusable water bottle. Hikers can refill their bottles from natural springs within the gorge.

It’s also a good idea to bring walking sticks and a backpack. Travelers should carry cash for the optional boat ride from Agia Roumeli to Chora Sfakion, as card payments may be unreliable due to potential signal issues.

Recommendations

Comfortable shoes, breathable clothing, and a reusable water bottle are essential for the Samaria Gorge hike.

To make the most of your experience, the tour operator recommends bringing the following:

1. Walking sticks or hiking poles for added stability and support on the rocky terrain.
2. A backpack to carry extra layers, snacks, and any personal items you may need.
3. Cash for the optional boat ride from Agia Roumeli to Chora Sfakion, as card payments may be unreliable due to potential signal issues.
4. Sun protection, such as sunscreen and a hat, to shield yourself from the Mediterranean sun during the hike.

Hydration

Water can be refilled from natural springs throughout the Samaria Gorge, ensuring ample hydration during the hike. Staying hydrated is crucial, as the challenging terrain and hot Mediterranean climate can quickly lead to dehydration. The tour provides an opportunity to reconnect with nature and refresh along the way. To further emphasize the importance of hydration, consider the following table:

Dehydration Level	Symptoms	Impacts
Mild	Thirst, headache, fatigue	Reduced physical and cognitive performance
Moderate	Dizziness, dry mouth, muscle cramps	Increased risk of heat-related illness
Severe	Rapid heartbeat, confusion, unconsciousness	Life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical attention

Maintaining proper hydration allows hikers to fully enjoy the stunning landscapes of the Samaria Gorge.

Additional Tips

Hikers may consider bringing walking sticks to navigate the rocky terrain of the Samaria Gorge more easily. Plus, carrying a lightweight backpack can be useful for storing extra supplies and snacks.

Given potential connectivity issues in the gorge, it’s recommended to carry cash for the optional boat ride from Agia Roumeli to Chora Sfakion. Other useful items include:

1. Sunscreen
2. Hat
3. Insect repellent
4. Extra clothing layers

Preparing with the right gear and supplies can enhance the overall hiking experience and ensure a comfortable and safe journey through the Samaria Gorge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Discounts Available for Group Bookings?

There aren’t any explicit group discounts mentioned. However, the tour provider may offer group rates or discounts for larger parties. It’s best to inquire directly with them about any special pricing for group bookings.

Can I Book This Tour for a Specific Date and Time?

Yes, you can book this Samaria Gorge tour for a specific date and time. The tour offers multiple pickup locations and departure times to accommodate different schedules. Reserving your spot in advance is recommended.

How Many People Are Typically in a Tour Group?

The tour typically accommodates group sizes ranging from 20 to 30 people. The exact number may vary depending on demand and availability on the chosen date. Group size is kept relatively small to ensure a comfortable and personalized hiking experience.

Is There an Option to Extend the Free Time in Agia Roumeli?

There’s no information provided about extending the free time in Agia Roumeli. The tour itinerary states there’s 2 hours of free time in Agia Roumeli, but doesn’t mention any option to extend that duration.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Snacks on the Hike?

Participants are welcome to bring their own food and snacks on the Samaria Gorge hike. There are natural springs along the trail where hikers can refill reusable water bottles. Lunch is included at Agia Roumeli.

The Sum Up

The Samaria Gorge Full-Day Guided Hiking Tour from Chania provides an exhilarating opportunity to explore one of Crete’s most magnificent natural wonders. At €36 per person, the 15-hour tour includes a guided hike through the 16.5 km gorge, free time in Agia Roumeli, and optional boat transportation. With proper gear and ample hydration, participants can enjoy a memorable adventure in this stunning Greek landscape.

You can check availability for your dates here: