From Rethymno: Samaria Gorge With Professional Hiking Guide

Explore the captivating Samaria Gorge with a professional hiking guide. This 14-hour excursion from Rethymno promises an unforgettable adventure through Crete’s breathtaking landscapes. Descend the iconic gorge, witness the majestic Iron Gates, and conclude your hike at the serene Agia Roumeli beach. With convenient transportation, full insurance, and expert guidance, this tour ensures an unforgettable experience. But what secrets does the Samaria Gorge hold, waiting to be discovered?

Key Points

• Samaria Gorge hike is a 14-hour excursion from Rethymno, priced at $31.67 per person, and includes pickup, professional guidance, and transportation.
• The hike starts at the Omalos Plateau, descends into the gorge via 600 wooden steps, and concludes at Agia Roumeli beach with a boat ride to Sfakia.
• The tour includes full liability insurance, a boat ticket, and an entrance fee, but not services for pregnant women or wheelchair users.
• Sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection, hydration, and high-energy snacks are recommended for the challenging hike with potential for muscle soreness.
• The hike has an overall rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars, with positive experiences highlighting the beautiful views and well-maintained paths, but concerns about safety during adverse weather conditions.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview and Pricing

The Samaria Gorge hike is a popular activity on the island of Crete, offering visitors a chance to explore one of Europe’s longest and most stunning gorges.

Hike the Samaria Gorge, one of Europe’s longest and most stunning, on the island of Crete.

The 14-hour excursion, priced from $31.67 per person, includes pickup from Rethymno, professional hiking guidance, and transportation.

Participants can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and take advantage of the reserve now, pay later option.

The hike covers the 600 wooden steps down into the gorge and concludes at Agia Roumeli beach, with a boat ride to the village of Sfakia.

Itinerary and Highlights

The excursion typically begins with a pickup from visitors’ accommodations in Rethymno around 8:30 AM.

The group then heads to the Omalos Plateau, where they can enjoy panoramic views before descending into the Samaria Gorge via 600 wooden steps.

Along the way, they’ll visit the Iron Gates, the narrowest part of the gorge measuring just 4 meters wide.

The hike concludes at Agia Roumeli beach on the Libyan Sea, where a boat ride transports the group to the village of Sfakia around 5:00 PM.

• Panoramic views from Omalos Plateau

• Descent via 600 wooden steps into the gorge

• Visit the Iron Gates, the narrowest part (4m wide)

• Conclude the hike at Agia Roumeli beach

Inclusions and Exclusions

This excursion includes pickup and drop-off services, a hiking escort, an air-conditioned luxury bus, full liability insurance, the boat ticket from Agia Roumeli to Sfakia (13 Euros), and the entrance fee (5 Euros). However, it’s not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users. Here’s a breakdown of what’s included and what’s not:

| Included | Not Included |

| —————————– | ————- |

| Pickup and drop-off | Pregnant women |

| Hiking escort | Wheelchair users |

| Air-conditioned luxury bus | – |

| Full liability insurance | – |

| Boat ticket (13 Euros) | – |

| Entrance fee (5 Euros) | – |

Preparation and Recommendations

Hikers should bring a few essential items to ensure a comfortable and safe trek through the Samaria Gorge. These include:

• Sturdy, well-broken-in hiking shoes for ankle support

• Sunglasses, sun hat, and sunscreen to protect against the Cretan sun

• A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during the lengthy hike

• High-energy snacks to maintain stamina and energy levels

Plus, it’s recommended to wear lightweight, breathable clothing that can withstand the elements.

The hike can be physically demanding, so hikers should be prepared with the proper gear and mindset to fully enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the Samaria Gorge.

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Customer Reviews and Feedback

Based on 8 reviews, the overall rating for the Samaria Gorge hike with a professional guide is 3.9 out of 5 stars.

Positive experiences highlight the beautiful views and well-maintained paths.

However, the hike is noted as challenging, with the potential for muscle soreness.

Reviewers have raised concerns about safety during adverse weather conditions, though they’ve praised the guide’s support during incidents.

Exploring the Stunning Samaria Gorge

The Samaria Gorge is a breathtaking natural wonder that draws hikers from around the world to experience its rugged beauty.

Descending the 600 wooden steps into the gorge, hikers are met with awe-inspiring vistas:

• Towering limestone cliffs rise up on either side, casting dramatic shadows.

• A winding trail carved into the rock leads through the dramatic landscape.

• The famous Iron Gates, a narrow 4-meter passage, inspire a sense of adventure.

• Sweeping views of the Libyan Sea await at the end of the challenging 16km hike.

Navigating the Hike With a Professional Guide

When tackling the Samaria Gorge, it’s highly recommended to do so with the guidance of a professional.

A knowledgeable hiking escort ensures a safe and enriching experience. They lead the way through the narrow passages, point out significant landmarks, and provide valuable insights into the gorge’s history and ecology.

A knowledgeable hiking escort ensures a safe and enriching experience, leading the way and providing insights into the gorge’s history and ecology.

With their support, hikers can navigate the challenging terrain with greater confidence, focusing on soaking in the breathtaking scenery without the worry of getting lost or encountering hazards.

A guided hike is the best way to fully take in the grandeur of Samaria Gorge.

Discovering the Beauty of Crete’s Libyan Sea

After completing the challenging hike through Samaria Gorge, hikers are rewarded with the stunning natural beauty of Crete’s Libyan Sea.

The crystal-clear waters of the Libyan Sea await, inviting visitors to:

• Relax on the soft, sandy beach of Agia Roumeli

• Dive into the refreshing waters for a well-deserved swim

• Explore the charming fishing village of Sfakia, accessible by boat

• Admire the dramatic cliffs and rugged coastline that define this picturesque region

This serene finale to the Samaria Gorge adventure leaves hikers with a deep appreciation for the natural wonders of Crete’s southern shore.

Things To Know

What Is the Average Fitness Level Required for the Samaria Gorge Hike?

The Samaria Gorge hike requires an above-average fitness level. It’s a challenging trek spanning 16 km with steep descents and uneven terrain. Hikers should be prepared for muscle soreness and able to navigate the difficult path.

Can the Hike Be Completed as a Solo Traveler?

The Samaria Gorge hike can be completed solo, but it’s not recommended. The challenging terrain and remote location make it safer to join a guided tour with an experienced escort, especially for inexperienced hikers.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants?

There are no age restrictions for the Samaria Gorge hike, but it’s not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users. The hike is challenging, so it’s recommended for healthy adults and children who can complete the 14-hour trek.

How Challenging Is the Terrain Along the Samaria Gorge?

The terrain along the Samaria Gorge is quite challenging, with steep descents, uneven paths, and rocky sections. Hikers will need to be prepared for an arduous hike that may cause muscle soreness, especially in the legs.

What Are the Best Months to Visit Samaria Gorge?

The best months to visit Samaria Gorge are spring and early fall when temperatures are milder. Summers can be quite hot, making the hike more challenging. Avoid visiting during the rainy season from November to February.

Sum Up

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Crete’s Samaria Gorge with this guided adventure from Rethymno. Led by a professional hiking guide, you’ll descend the iconic gorge, explore stunning landscapes, and conclude your journey with a boat ride to Sfakia. With convenient pickup, full insurance, and essential inclusions, this unforgettable experience promises to create lasting memories.

You can check availability for your dates here: