Full-Day Beginners Hiking Route Tour to Samaria Gorge

The Samaria Gorge on the island of Crete is a renowned hiking destination, attracting adventurers from around the world. For those new to the sport, the full-day beginners hiking route tour offers an exceptional opportunity to explore this breathtaking natural wonder. Departing early, you will enjoy comfortable transportation and a scenic boat ride before embarking on a 16-kilometer trail featuring diverse landscapes and wildlife. With an experienced guide leading the way, hikers can enjoy the beauty of Crete while challenging their skills. But what secrets await those who choose to take on this captivating journey?

Key Points

• The tour provides a full-day beginner-friendly hiking experience through the scenic Samaria Gorge, with pickup, boat transportation, and an English-speaking guide.
• While the tour is advertised as suitable for beginners, some reviews suggest it may not be appropriate for true novice hikers due to the challenging terrain.
• The 16-kilometer trail features diverse landscapes, including dramatic white cliffs and lush vegetation, with the option to explore alternative, less strenuous routes.
• Essential items such as comfortable hiking shoes, sunscreen, and water are recommended, and a swimsuit is advised for those who want to swim at the Agia Roumeli beach.
• The tour has a maximum group size of 40 travelers, and booking can be done with a lowest price guarantee and flexible cancellation policy.

Tour Overview and Details

This full-day beginners hiking tour to Samaria Gorge starts from Chania, Greece.

It lasts between 5-7 hours and departs at 7 AM. The tour includes pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned bus, an English-speaking hiking escort, and admission to Samaria Gorge.

Travelers also receive a round-trip boat ticket to the gorge’s exit. Personal expenses and tips aren’t included.

After the drive to Sougia, participants take a boat to Agia Roumeli, the gorge’s end, and then hike through the gorge with options for varying difficulty levels.

There’s an opportunity to swim at Agia Roumeli beach after the hike.

Itinerary and Activities

The tour begins with pickup from a designated spot in Chania, so participants should confirm the departure time with the local provider.

After the pickup, the group will drive to Sougia and take a boat ride to Agia Roumeli, the exit of the Samaria Gorge.

Once at the gorge, hikers can choose from various difficulty levels to navigate the scenic trail. Those who complete the full hike will have an opportunity to swim at the beautiful Agia Roumeli beach after the trek.

The tour provides an English-speaking hiking escort to guide the group throughout the day’s activities.

Preparation and Recommendations

Travelers should wear comfortable hiking shoes to tackle the Samaria Gorge.

Bringing sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat is essential to protect against the sun. Plus, a water bottle that can be refilled along the way is recommended, as well as light snacks to keep energy levels up.

For those who plan to swim at Agia Roumeli beach after the hike, a swimsuit and beach towel are advised.

The maximum group size for this tour is 40 travelers, so it’s important to be prepared for a potentially crowded experience.

Reviews and Feedback

Overall ratings for the Beginners Hiking Tour to Samaria Gorge stand at 3.0 based on 6 reviews.

The experiences reported have been mixed, with some travelers feeling misled about the beginner-friendly nature of the tour.

However, there’s been positive feedback on the availability of alternative routes for those unable to complete the full hike.

Concerns have been raised about the lack of guide support for the shorter hiking options.

The reviews suggest the tour may not be as suitable for true beginners as advertised, though it offers flexibility for hikers of varying skill levels.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Regardless of the mixed reviews, the Beginners Hiking Tour to Samaria Gorge offers a lowest price guarantee starting at $41.94 per person.

Travelers have the flexibility to cancel their booking up to 24 hours before the experience starts, allowing for last-minute changes. The tour also provides a reserve now and pay later option, making it easier to secure a spot.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, infants can accompany their parents, sitting on their laps. Confirmation is received at the time of booking, ensuring travelers have all the necessary details for their Samaria Gorge adventure.

Getting to the Departure Point

The tour begins with pickup from a designated spot in Chania, Greece.

From there, travelers will embark on a drive to Sougia, followed by a boat ride to Agia Roumeli, the exit point of the Samaria Gorge.

The journey includes:

• An air-conditioned luxury bus for the transfer from Chania to Sougia
• A round-trip boat ticket to Agia Roumeli, the starting point of the hike
• An English-speaking hiking escort to guide the group throughout the experience

This seamless transportation setup ensures a hassle-free start to the Samaria Gorge hiking adventure.

Highlights of the Hike

The Samaria Gorge hike offers hikers a chance to enjoy the stunning natural beauty of Crete.

The 16-kilometer trail winds through the dramatic landscape, passing by towering white cliffs, lush vegetation, and crystal-clear streams. Along the way, hikers may spot an array of wildlife, including rare Cretan goats.

The most challenging section is the infamous "Iron Gates," where the path narrows to just four meters wide with walls reaching up to 300 meters high.

Though the full hike can be demanding, the tour offers alternative routes for those seeking a less strenuous experience.

Regardless of the chosen path, the Samaria Gorge promises an unforgettable adventure through one of Crete’s natural wonders.

The Sum Up

The Full-Day Beginners Hiking Route Tour to Samaria Gorge offers an unforgettable adventure. With comfortable transportation, a scenic boat ride, and an experienced guide, hikers of all abilities can explore Crete’s stunning landscapes. The 16-kilometer trail provides breathtaking views and diverse wildlife, while the post-hike relaxation at Agia Roumeli beach makes this a truly memorable experience.