Nestled in the rugged terrain of South Crete, the Sarakina Gorge Hiking & Swim Adventure – Jeep Safari offers an unforgettable outdoor experience. This guided tour combines the thrill of a 4WD journey with the natural wonders of the Sarakina Gorge. Guests can look forward to an exhilarating hike, a refreshing swim in seasonal pools, and a delectable local lunch – all while immersed in the stunning Cretan landscape. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking an adventure, this excursion promises to leave you with lasting memories. But what secrets does the Sarakina Gorge hold, and what makes this journey so captivating?
Key Points

- This 5-star rated Jeep safari tour offers a guided hike through the scenic Sarakina Gorge with opportunities to swim in natural pools.
- The tour includes a BBQ lunch with local wine and water, as well as hotel pickup and drop-off for guests in major tourist hubs.
- The hike lasts 40-45 minutes and is suitable for most travelers, with a maximum group size of 15 to ensure a personalized experience.
- The tour is not wheelchair accessible but does allow service animals, and is not recommended for travelers with serious medical conditions.
- Booking can be done easily online or through customer service, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the experience.
Tour Overview

The Sarakina Gorge Hiking & Swim Adventure – Jeep Safari South Crete offers a 5.0-rated experience, with 92% of travelers recommending it.
This tour takes place in Crete, Greece, and includes a BBQ lunch with wine and water, as well as pick-up and return to the hotel.
Travelers are transported in a 4WD vehicle with experienced drivers. The hiking portion lasts 40-45 minutes, and natural pools are available depending on the weather.
The tour has a maximum group size of 15 and isn’t wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed.
Confirmation is subject to availability, and free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours prior to the experience.
You can also read our reviews of more hiking tours in Greece
Inclusions
Featuring a BBQ lunch with wine and water, the Sarakina Gorge Hiking & Swim Adventure – Jeep Safari South Crete includes an array of inclusions to enhance the overall experience.
Travelers can expect:
- Alcoholic beverages: Wine
- Bottled water
- Pick-up and return to hotel, along with a 4WD vehicle and experienced drivers.
These inclusions ensure a comfortable and enjoyable journey through the stunning Sarakina Gorge, allowing participants to fully enjoy the natural beauty of South Crete without having to worry about logistics or amenities.
Pickup Details

Serving a wide range of areas across Crete, the Sarakina Gorge Hiking & Swim Adventure – Jeep Safari South Crete offers convenient pickup options.
The tour serves major tourist hubs like Analipsis, Anissaras, and Chersonissos, as well as nearby towns such as Piskopiano, Koutouloufari, Gouves, and Malia.
Pickup times are scheduled between 7:45 AM and 9:00 AM, with drop-off between 4:30 PM and 5:00 PM. The exact pickup time is confirmed after booking.
For inaccessible locations, nearby meeting points are arranged. This ensures a seamless start and end to the adventurous day exploring Sarakina Gorge and the southern Cretan countryside.
Hiking and Pools

After being picked up at their hotels, participants embark on a scenic drive to the Sarakina Gorge trailhead.
The hike through the gorge lasts 40-45 minutes and offers breathtaking views of the natural surroundings. Along the way, hikers may encounter:
- Dramatic rock formations carved by the elements over time.
- Lush vegetation and native flora thriving in the sheltered canyon.
- Seasonal natural pools, depending on the weather, perfect for cooling off with a refreshing swim.
The hiking portion is moderate in difficulty, making it accessible to most travelers.
Upon reaching the end of the trail, participants can relax and enjoy a well-deserved BBQ lunch with local wine.
Group Size and Accessibility

The tour group size is capped at a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized hiking experience. This small group size allows for greater flexibility, easier navigation, and a more immersive exploration of the Sarakina Gorge.
| Accessibility | Details |
|---|---|
| Wheelchair Access | Not wheelchair accessible |
| Service Animals | Service animals allowed |
| Child Seats | Available upon request |
| Medical Conditions | Not recommended for travelers with serious medical conditions |
While the hike and pools are not wheelchair accessible, the tour does accommodate service animals and can provide child seats upon request. However, it is not recommended for travelers with serious medical conditions, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all participants.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Greece
Additional Information

Confirmation of the booking is received at the time of reservation, subject to availability for last-minute bookings.
This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with serious medical conditions. The tour operator, Safari Experts Crete, reserves the right to change routes or stops for safety reasons.
Customers have the option to:
- Reserve the tour now and pay later.
- Cancel the tour with a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience.
- Expect child seats to be available upon request.
Route and Stops

On this Sarakina Gorge Hiking & Swim Adventure, guests embark on a thrilling Jeep safari through the rugged landscapes of South Crete.
The journey begins with a pickup from their hotel and a scenic drive through the region’s charming villages.
After reaching the trailhead, adventurers set off on a 40-45 minute hike through the Sarakina Gorge, marveling at the towering cliffs and natural pools along the way.
Depending on weather conditions, they’ll have the opportunity to take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters.
The experience culminates with a delectable BBQ lunch, complete with local wine and bottled water, before the group is dropped off back at their hotel.
Booking and Cancellation

Travelers can easily book the Sarakina Gorge Hiking & Swim Adventure through the tour operator’s website or by contacting their customer service.
Bookings are subject to availability, and a confirmation is sent upon successful reservation. Cancellations can be made up to 24 hours before the experience, with a full refund.
For last-minute bookings, availability is confirmed at the time of reservation. The tour operator also offers a "Reserve Now, Pay Later" option, providing flexibility for travelers.
The booking and cancellation process is straightforward, allowing guests to secure their adventure with ease.
Key points:
- Bookings subject to availability, with confirmation sent.
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.
- Reserve Now, Pay Later option available.
The Sum Up
The Sarakina Gorge Hiking & Swim Adventure – Jeep Safari in South Crete offers an unforgettable outdoor experience. Guests can enjoy a scenic drive, a moderate hike, and a refreshing swim in natural pools, all while seeing the stunning natural beauty of the region. With a small group size and a delicious BBQ lunch, this tour provides a personalized and enjoyable way to explore the breathtaking landscapes of South Crete.
More Safari Adventures in Greece
More Hiking & Trekking Tours in Greece
More Tour Reviews in Greece
Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Greece we have reviewed
- Rhodes: Discover the Medieval city on a Segway – 2 hours
- “Private transportation”
- Athens Highlights Private Tour for Seniors with Expert Guide
- Imbros Gorge Tour From Rethymno
- 2-Hour Wine Tasting & Food pairing in Rethymno, Crete, Greece
- Discover Scuba Diving in Naxos, Greece
- The Best of Rhodes & Lindos: Full Island Tour (Small Group)
- Wine tasting in Rhodes, inside the vineyards with the Producer
- Sea Kayak in Tyros Arcadia
- Athens Highlights Private Half-Day Tour
- Private Acropolis Tour
- Mykonos: Find your (queer) god Self-Guided Audio Tour
