Heraklion: Samaria Gorge Guided Hiking Day Tour

The Samaria Gorge is a remarkable natural wonder that draws adventurous travelers from around the world. This guided hiking tour offers the chance to explore Europe’s longest gorge, taking visitors on a scenic trek through diverse landscapes teeming with wildlife. With expert guidance and logistical support, participants can enjoy the gorge’s breathtaking beauty and cultural heritage. Whether it’s the iconic kri-kri goats or the awe-inspiring Iron Gates, this tour promises an unforgettable experience for anyone seeking to discover the rugged charm of Crete.

Key Points

• Samaria Gorge is Europe’s longest gorge, offering a 13 km hike from Omalos (1,250m) to Agia Roumeli.
• The guided tour lasts 12-14 hours, with a cost starting from Kč 1,451 per person, and includes hotel pickup and drop-off.
• The hike duration is 5-6 hours and is partially difficult, requiring good hiking shoes to navigate the diverse flora and fauna.
• Highlights include encountering the iconic Cretan kri-kri goats and the breathtaking Iron Gates (300m high).
• The tour includes swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Agia Roumeli and a ferry ride to Chora Sfakion.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Samaria Gorge Guided Hiking Day Tour allows visitors to explore Europe’s longest gorge, stretching 13 km from the starting point at Omalos at an altitude of 1,250m to the seaside town of Agia Roumeli.

The tour lasts 12-14 hours and costs from Kč 1,451 per person. Participants can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour lasts 12-14 hours and costs from Kč 1,451 per person. Participants can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The hike takes 5-6 hours and is partially difficult, requiring good shoes.

Highlights include encountering Cretan kri-kri goats, ancient caves, and the Iron Gates, the narrowest spot of the gorge at 300m high.

Hiking Experience

What does the Samaria Gorge hiking experience entail?

Trekkers will conquer Europe’s longest gorge, a 13 km trail starting at an altitude of 1,250m. The hike takes 5-6 hours, passing through diverse flora and fauna and the abandoned village of Santa Maria.

Hikers will need good shoes, as the trail is partially difficult. Along the way, they’ll encounter the iconic Cretan kri-kri goats and the breathtaking Iron Gates, a narrow 300m-high passage.

At the end, hikers can cool off in the crystal-clear waters of Agia Roumeli before taking a ferry to Chora Sfakion.

Itinerary Details

Pickup from Heraklion starts around 05:30 AM, giving travelers the option of enjoying breakfast at the mountain before embarking on their scenic walk through the gorge’s diverse flora and fauna. The trail passes the abandoned village of Santa Maria, leading hikers to the crystal-clear waters of Agia Roumeli where they can enjoy local tavern meals before taking the ferry to Chora Sfakion.

| Itinerary Details | |

| — | — |

| Start | 05:30 AM |

| Breakfast | Optional |

| Scenic Walk | Diverse flora & fauna |

| Abandoned Village | Santa Maria |

| Swim | Agia Roumeli |

| Meals | Local tavern |

| Ferry | Chora Sfakion |

Inclusions

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned bus transportation, and a live English-speaking guide.

It also provides a boat ticket costing €13.50 per person and an entrance fee of €5 per person. These fees cover the transportation to and from the gorge, as well as access to the hiking trail.

Visitors will need to bring their own supplies like sunglasses, hats, swimwear, sunscreen, and water.

Detailed ticket information, including pickup time and location, will be available one day before the tour on the allcretevoucher.gr website.

More Great Tours Nearby

Preparation and Recommendations

Preparing for the Samaria Gorge hike is essential. Hikers should pack sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, sunscreen, and plenty of water. The tour provides ticket details, including pickup time and location, the day before the tour at allcretevoucher.gr.

| What to Bring | Ticket Details |

| — | — |

| Sunglasses | Pickup time & point |

| Hat | Available 1 day before tour |

| Swimwear | |

| Sunscreen | |

| Water | |

According to customer reviews, the transportation and value for money have been noted. With proper preparation, hikers can enjoy this 13km trek through Europe’s longest gorge.

Customer Reviews

Based on the customer reviews, it appears that most participants have been satisfied with their Samaria Gorge hiking experience.

The overall rating is 3.9 out of 5 stars from 23 reviews. Customers have generally praised the tour, noting the scenic beauty of the gorge and the knowledgeable tour guide.

However, some have commented on issues with the transportation and feeling the tour wasn’t great value for money.

Tour Booking and Cancellation Policy

Customers can reserve the Samaria Gorge hiking tour now and pay later. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

This flexible policy allows travelers to plan their trip with peace of mind. Booking details, including pickup time and location, are available one day before the tour on the allcretevoucher.gr website.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, an English-speaking guide, a boat ticket, and an entrance fee.

With these convenient booking options and inclusive features, the Samaria Gorge hiking tour provides a hassle-free experience for adventurous travelers.

Getting to the Samaria Gorge

The tour begins with early morning pickup from Heraklion, typically around 5:30 AM.

Travelers are transported in an air-conditioned bus to the starting point at Omalos, situated at 1,250 meters above sea level. The scenic drive takes about 2 hours, allowing hikers to enjoy the picturesque countryside of southwest Crete.

Upon arrival, there’s an option to have breakfast at a local mountain hotel before embarking on the hike through the Samaria Gorge.

The guided tour ensures hikers are well-prepared and informed about the trail’s challenges and highlights along the way to Agia Roumeli by the sea.

Since You Asked

How Difficult Is the Hike Compared to Other Gorge Trails?

The Samaria Gorge hike is considered moderately difficult, requiring good physical fitness and suitable footwear. It’s longer and more challenging than many other gorge trails, with a steep descent and terrain that can be rocky and uneven in parts.

What Should I Do if I Encounter Cretan Wildlife on the Trail?

If you encounter Cretan wildlife on the trail, remain calm and observe from a distance. Do not approach or feed the animals, especially the protected Cretan kri-kri goats. Enjoy seeing the wildlife but keep your distance for both your safety and theirs.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Hike?

Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks on the hike. The tour overview suggests bringing water, but doesn’t restrict bringing additional snacks or meals. Packing your own provisions can help fuel your trek through the Samaria Gorge.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities Available Along the Trail?

There are limited restroom facilities available along the Samaria Gorge trail. Hikers can use the basic restrooms at the starting point and the small village of Agia Roumeli at the end of the hike.

What Is the Weather Typically Like During the Hike?

The weather during the Samaria Gorge hike is typically warm and sunny, though temperatures can drop at higher elevations. Hikers should prepare for both warm and cooler conditions by bringing appropriate layers and sun protection.

Final Words

The Heraklion: Samaria Gorge Guided Hiking Day Tour offers an unforgettable adventure through Europe’s longest gorge. Hikers can expect a scenic 5-6 hour trek showcasing diverse flora and fauna, iconic kri-kri goats, and the breathtaking Iron Gates. After the hike, participants can enjoy a refreshing swim in crystal-clear waters before concluding the tour with a ferry ride to Chora Sfakion.

You can check availability for your dates here: