Rethymno to Samaria Gorge: Trekking Europes Longest Gorge

Exploring Samaria Gorge, Europe’s longest and most renowned gorge, is a bucket-list experience for many travelers visiting the island of Crete. Starting from the historic city of Rethymno, this exhilarating day-long adventure takes hikers through a breathtaking landscape of towering cliffs, lush vegetation, and serene streams. With the guidance of experienced professionals and all necessary logistics handled, trekkers can focus on seeing the natural wonders that unfold along the way. However, the journey is not without its challenges, as the 5-6 hour hike demands a certain level of physical fitness and preparation. Those who are up for the task, though, are sure to be rewarded with memories that will last a lifetime.

Contents hide

5 Preparation and Recommendations

6 Customer Feedback

7 Pickup and Drop-off Locations

8 Duration and Pricing

9 The Sum Up

Good To Know

Journey from Rethymno to Samaria Gorge costs $33.51 per person and takes approximately 14 hours with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Tour includes pickups from various locations, a ferry ride to Sfakia, and a 5-6 hour hike through Samaria Gorge, Europe’s longest gorge.
Comprehensive services include roundtrip transportation, national park entrance fees, and boat tickets, allowing trekkers to focus on enjoying the scenery.
Participants are advised to wear comfortable, broken-in shoes, bring sun protection, and carry a reusable water bottle for the trek.
Customer feedback rates the Samaria Gorge trek 4.9/5, praising the excellent organization, professional guides, and the refreshing swim at Agia Roumeli.

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Activity Overview

The journey from Rethymno to Samaria Gorge, Europe’s longest gorge, costs from $33.51 per person and takes approximately 14 hours.

Travelers can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, as well as the option to reserve now and pay later.

The tour includes pickups from various locations, a bus ride to Omalos, a 5-6 hour hike through the gorge, free time in Agia Roumeli, and a ferry ride to Sfakia before the return transfer.

Participants should bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, and a reusable water bottle, as water sources are available along the trail.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Rethymno.

Itinerary Details

Pickup locations for the tour include Rethimno, Skaleta, Adelianos Kampos, and Georgioupoli.

From there, it’s a 2-hour bus/coach ride to Omalos. After a 20-minute break and optional breakfast in Omalos, it’s time to embark on the 5-6 hour hike through the stunning Samaria Gorge, Europe’s longest.

Once at the end in Agia Roumeli, you’ll have 2 hours of free time to enjoy lunch, a refreshing swim, and local snacks.

Then, it’s a 40-minute ferry ride to Sfakia before the bus transfer back to the original drop-off locations.

Included Services

The roundtrip transportation, professional driver, and experienced guide are all part of the included services for this trekking tour.

Plus, the National Park entrance fee of €5 for adults (15+ years) and free for children (5-15 years) is covered.

Travelers will also receive a boat ticket, costing €13 for individuals (12+ years) and €6.5 for children (5-12 years), to complete their journey.

All legal taxes are included in the package price.

With these comprehensive services, trekkers can focus on enjoying the stunning scenery of Samaria Gorge without worrying about additional costs.

Preparation and Recommendations

To make the most of the Samaria Gorge trek, hikers should come prepared.

Wear comfortable, broken-in shoes and bring sun protection like hats and sunscreen. A reusable water bottle is essential, as water sources are available along the trail for refilling.

The trek’s duration varies based on individual fitness levels, so it’s crucial to manage your pace accordingly.

While card payments are possible for the boat ticket, cash is recommended due to inconsistent signal reception.

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Customer Feedback

Travelers have overwhelmingly praised the Samaria Gorge trek, awarding it an impressive 4.9/5 rating based on 7 reviews.

Guests noted the trek’s excellent organization, with professional guides leading the way. The scenic beauty of the gorge also received high marks, with the refreshing swim at Agia Roumeli cited as a highlight.

However, hikers acknowledged the trek’s difficulty, emphasizing the importance of sturdy, broken-in footwear.

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Pickup and Drop-off Locations

Pickup and drop-off locations for the Samaria Gorge trek span several cities in the Rethymno region. The tour includes pickup from Rethimno, Skaleta, Adelianos Kampos, and Georgioupoli.

After the 5-6 hour hike through the gorge, the return journey includes a ferry ride to Sfakia and a bus transfer back to the original drop-off points.

This comprehensive transportation service makes it convenient for travelers to experience the breathtaking Samaria Gorge without the hassle of navigating the logistics themselves.

With pickup and drop-off at multiple locations, the tour caters to visitors across the Rethymno area, ensuring a seamless start and end to their Samaria Gorge adventure.

Duration and Pricing

The Samaria Gorge trekking experience lasts approximately 14 hours from start to finish.

Priced from $33.51 per person, the journey includes round-trip transportation, a professional driver, and an experienced guide.

Plus, the national park entrance fee of €5 for adults and free for children aged 5-15 is covered.

Travelers can take advantage of the reserve now and pay later option, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

With flexibility and value in mind, this excursion offers an opportunity to explore Europe’s longest gorge at a reasonable cost.

The Sum Up

This guided trek through the Samaria Gorge offers an unforgettable adventure. Hikers can expect stunning scenery, a refreshing swim, and a delicious lunch, all while benefiting from the expertise of experienced guides. With convenient pickups, all necessary fees covered, and a focus on safety and comfort, this tour is a must-do for anyone visiting Rethymno and seeking an immersive outdoor experience.