From Heraklion-Full-Day Samaria Gorge Trek Excursion

Exploring Crete’s breathtaking landscapes is an unforgettable adventure, and the Full-Day Samaria Gorge Trek Excursion from Heraklion offers an exceptional opportunity. This 12-hour trek takes hikers through Europe’s longest gorge, with stunning 350 m high rock walls and scenic vistas. Priced at €53 per person, the excursion includes convenient transportation, experienced guides, and a refreshing swim. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or seeking an awe-inspiring outdoor experience, this trek promises to immerse you in Crete’s natural wonders. However, the true allure of this excursion lies in the journey itself, as participants embark on a transformative exploration of the island’s captivating landscapes.

Key Points

• A full-day excursion from Heraklion that includes a 12-hour trek through the 18 km Samaria Gorge, featuring breathtaking 350 m high rock walls and scenic coastal views.
• Opportunity to swim at Ayia Roumeli beach and take a 2-hour coastal cruise as part of the comprehensive excursion.
• Priced at €53.00 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now & pay later option.
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, live tour guide, air-conditioned bus transfers, and entrance fees to the gorge and ferry.
• Suitable for those with proper preparation, such as wearing comfortable shoes and clothes, but not recommended for pregnant women or individuals with mobility issues.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview and Pricing

The Samaria Gorge Trek Excursion is a full-day adventure priced from €53.00 per person, with a duration of 12 hours.

The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve now & pay later option is available.

This excursion takes adventurers on a 5-6 hour hike through Europe’s longest gorge, the Samaria Gorge, spanning 18 km.

Highlights include the breathtaking 350 m high rock walls known as the Iron Gates, scenic views, wildlife, and a refreshing swim at Ayia Roumeli beach.

The itinerary also includes bus transfers and a coastal cruise to Chora Sfakion.

Hike Through Scenic Gorge

Hiking the Samaria Gorge takes trekkers on a breathtaking 5-6 hour journey through Europe’s longest gorge.

Along the way, they’ll witness the 350 m high rock walls known as the Iron Gates and enjoy scenic views, wildlife, and photo opportunities.

The trek offers a chance to swim at Ayia Roumeli beach after the hike.

The excursion includes a 4-hour bus ride to the gorge, 6 hours of hiking and sightseeing, a 1-hour break at Agia Roumeli, and a 2-hour coastal cruise to Chora Sfakion.

Trekkers should come prepared with comfortable shoes and clothes, a camera, and beachwear to make the most of this unique experience.

Highlights Along the Trail

Along the 18 km Samaria Gorge trail, trekkers encounter the breathtaking 350 m high rock walls known as the Iron Gates. This stunning natural marvel offers picturesque photo opportunities.

As hikers continue their descent, they’re rewarded with scenic views of the rugged terrain and a chance to spot local wildlife.

Reaching the beach at Ayia Roumeli provides a refreshing respite, allowing travelers to swim in the tranquil waters before embarking on the coastal cruise to Chora Sfakion.

Throughout the journey, the knowledgeable tour guide shares insights, ensuring participants make the most of this unforgettable experience in the heart of Crete’s wilderness.

Itinerary and Duration

A full-day Samaria Gorge Trek Excursion includes a 4-hour bus ride to the gorge, 6 hours of hiking and sightseeing along the 18 km trail, a 1-hour break at Agia Roumeli beach, and a 2-hour coastal cruise to Chora Sfakion. The itinerary is as follows:

Time	Activity
4 hours	Bus transfer to the gorge
6 hours	Hiking and sightseeing in the gorge
1 hour	Break at Agia Roumeli beach
2 hours	Coastal cruise to Chora Sfakion

The total duration of the excursion is 12 hours, providing ample time to explore the renowned Samaria Gorge, Europe’s longest, and enjoy the stunning scenery along the way.

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Pickup and Drop-off Locations

Covering a wide range of pickup locations, the activity provider contacts guests 24 hours in advance with the specific pickup details.

The pickup locations include Hersonissos, Leof. Andrea Papandreou 42 in Heraklion, Gouves, Stalida, Malia, and Kokkini Hani.

At the end of the excursion, guests can be dropped off at one of these 7 locations, mirroring the pickup points.

With convenient pickup and drop-off options, the Samaria Gorge trek ensures a seamless start and end to the day’s adventure.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The Samaria Gorge trek excursion includes a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable and seamless experience. The tour package covers hotel pickup and drop-off, a live tour guide, air-conditioned bus transfers, and a snack. Participants also receive the entrance fee to the gorge and a ferry ticket. However, the tour excludes food and drinks during the hike, making it unsuitable for pregnant women, people with mobility issues, or those with recent surgeries.

Inclusions	Exclusions
Hotel pickup and drop-off	Food and drinks during the hike
Live tour guide (English, German, Greek)	Not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, or recent surgeries
Air-conditioned bus transfers
Snack (croissant, water, juice)

Preparation and Recommendations

To prepare for the Samaria Gorge trek, travelers should bring comfortable shoes and clothes, a camera, and biodegradable sunscreen.

Beachwear is also recommended, as the excursion includes a swim at Ayia Roumeli beach.

However, baby strollers, alcohol, drugs, and bare feet aren’t allowed.

The hike isn’t suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, or those who’ve had recent surgeries.

With proper preparation and the right gear, trekkers can enjoy the breathtaking landscapes and scenic views along the 18-km trail, which features the iconic 350 m high rock walls known as the Iron Gates.

Customer Ratings and Reviews

Reviewers have overwhelmingly praised the Samaria Gorge Trek Excursion, with an impressive 4.8/5 rating based on 4 reviews. Participants highlight the excursion’s breathtaking landscapes, professional guides, and seamless organization. The trek offers an unforgettable experience, from hiking the longest gorge in Europe to swimming at the beautiful Ayia Roumeli beach. Here’s a closer look at the customer reviews:

Rating	Reviewer	Feedback
5/5	Jenny	"The views were stunning, and the guides were incredibly knowledgeable."
5/5	Michael	"A challenging but rewarding hike. Highly recommended for active travelers."
4/5	Sarah	"The logistics were well-handled, but the hike was more strenuous than expected."
5/5	David	"An absolute must-do for anyone visiting Crete. Unforgettable experience!"

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Trek Suitable for Children?

The trek is suitable for children, as the package includes a discounted ferry ticket for those under 12. However, parents should consider their child’s fitness level and whether they can complete the 18km hike.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks?

The activity excludes food and drinks during the hike, so hikers can bring their own snacks and beverages. However, a light snack is provided as part of the tour.

What Is the Difficulty Level of the Hike?

The hike through Samaria Gorge is considered moderately difficult, requiring 5-6 hours of hiking over the 18 km trail. It’s not suitable for those with mobility issues or recent surgeries, but fit hikers can enjoy the scenic landscapes.

Are There Any Medical Facilities Along the Trail?

There are no medical facilities along the Samaria Gorge trail. Hikers must be prepared to handle minor injuries or illnesses themselves. The nearest medical assistance is located at the end of the hike in Agia Roumeli.

Can We Extend the Hike or Shorten the Duration?

The duration of the hike cannot be extended or shortened. It’s a fixed 12-hour excursion with a 5-6 hour hike along the Samaria Gorge trail. Any modifications to the itinerary aren’t possible, as it’s a fully organized day trip.

Recap

The Full-Day Samaria Gorge Trek Excursion from Heraklion offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore Europe’s longest gorge. With its stunning rock formations, scenic vistas, and refreshing swim, this 12-hour adventure provides an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts. Knowledgeable guides, convenient pickup locations, and a commitment to customer satisfaction ensure a rewarding and well-organized trek through Crete’s breathtaking landscapes.

You can check availability for your dates here: