The Samaria Gorge, located in the stunning Chania region of Crete, is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts. Embarking on a guided hike through this breathtaking 18-kilometer trail promises an unforgettable adventure. With the convenience of pickup from Rethymno and an experienced guide leading the way, adventurers can enjoy the gorge’s remarkable beauty, from the ancient wooden steps to the chance of spotting the elusive Cretan Goat. Concluding with a refreshing swim and a scenic boat ride, this excursion offers a well-rounded experience that showcases the best of Crete’s natural wonders. But the true highlight of this tour might just surprise you.
Good To Know
- 14-hour hiking experience in Samaria Gorge, the second-largest gorge in Europe, with a professional hiking guide.
- Pickup service included from Rethymno accommodations and available in English and German.
- Opportunity to see the endangered Cretan Goat "Kri-Kri" and enjoy a refreshing swim in Agia Roumeli.
- Scenic boat ride to Sfakia after the hike, showcasing stunning views of the Libyan Sea.
- Tour priced at €29 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and required physical fitness.
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Tour Overview and Details
This tour offers a 14-hour experience to hike the second-largest gorge in Europe, the Samaria Gorge. Priced at €29 per person, it features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve-now-pay-later option.
Pickup from your Rethymno accommodation is included, and the tour is available in English and German.
The tour covers highlights such as the endangered Cretan Goat "Kri-Kri", a swim in Agia Roumeli, and a scenic boat ride to Sfakia.
Hikers will descend 600 wooden steps into the gorge, reaching the narrow Iron Gates section, before concluding the hike at Agia Roumeli and taking the boat to Sfakia.
Experience Highlights
The Samaria Gorge hiking tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the second-largest gorge in Europe.
Hikers will have the chance to see the endangered Cretan Goat, known as the "Kri-Kri", which is found only in the White Mountains of Crete.
After the challenging descent, adventurers can cool off by taking a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters of Agia Roumeli.
The tour culminates with a scenic boat ride to the village of Sfakia, providing stunning views of the Libyan Sea.
With an experienced hiking escort for safety and assistance, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Crete’s natural wonders.
Itinerary
The morning begins with pickup from Rethymno, followed by a journey to the Omalos Plateau, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The descent then commences, with 600 wooden steps leading into the Samaria Gorge. Along the way, hikers will reach the Iron Gates, the narrowest part of the gorge, measuring just 4 meters wide. The hike concludes at Agia Roumeli, a beach flowing into the Libyan Sea, where a boat awaits to transport travelers to the village of Sfakia for the return journey around 5:00 PM.
| Time | Location | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Rethymno | Pickup |
| – | Omalos Plateau | Panoramic views |
| – | Samaria Gorge | 600 wooden steps descent |
| – | Iron Gates | Narrowest part (4m) |
| Around 5:00 PM | Agia Roumeli | Boat departure to Sfakia |
Inclusions and Costs
The tour package includes a pickup and drop-off service, as well as an escort to ensure safety and assistance during the hike.
Travelers will also enjoy an air-conditioned luxury bus ride and full liability insurance.
The entrance fee to Samaria Gorge is €5 per person, and the boat ticket from Agia Roumeli to Sfakia costs €13 per person.
These costs are included in the overall tour price, which ranges from €29 per person.
With the free cancellation policy and the option to reserve now and pay later, this Samaria Gorge hiking excursion offers convenience and flexibility for adventurous travelers.
Preparation and Recommendations
Hikers should pack essential items like sunglasses, a sun hat, comfortable hiking shoes, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle to ensure a comfortable and safe experience.
The Samaria Gorge hike is challenging, so it’s not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users.
To prepare, hikers should:
- Wear lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing and sturdy hiking boots with good traction.
- Bring snacks and a packed lunch to refuel during the trek.
- Ensure they’re physically fit and comfortable with hiking long distances over uneven terrain.
Following these recommendations will help hikers fully enjoy the natural beauty and grandeur of the Samaria Gorge.
Pickup and Drop-off Service
The tour package includes a pickup and drop-off service to streamline the experience.
Travelers simply need to provide the name of their accommodation, and the tour operator will arrange for transportation to the starting point in the morning.
At the end of the hike, a boat will take hikers from Agia Roumeli to Sfakia, where they’ll board the return bus.
This convenient service eliminates the need for participants to arrange their own transportation, allowing them to focus on enjoying the stunning natural scenery.
The luxury air-conditioned bus ensures a comfortable journey to and from the Samaria Gorge, contributing to an overall seamless and stress-free experience.
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Customer Reviews
According to the customer reviews, the Samaria Gorge hiking tour has an overall rating of 3.7 out of 5 based on 7 reviews.
While some hikers praised the tour guide’s expertise and the scenic boat ride, others found the hike challenging and the guide’s assistance lacking.
The reviews highlight three key points:
- The hike is physically demanding, with one reviewer describing it as "incredibly tough."
- The quality of the hiking guide’s support was inconsistent, with some noting they "could have used more guidance."
- The boat ride to Sfakia was a highlight, offering "breathtaking views of the coastline."
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The Sum Up
This Samaria Gorge hiking tour from Rethymno offers an unforgettable outdoor adventure. Travelers can witness the breathtaking scenery of the gorge, spot the endangered Cretan Goat, and cap off the experience with a refreshing swim and scenic boat ride. With convenient pickup, a professional guide, and an all-inclusive price, this excursion provides an excellent way to explore one of Crete’s natural wonders.