From Georgioupolis: Samaria Gorge One Day Hike With Guide

Exploring the Samaria Gorge, one of Europe’s most captivating natural wonders, is an exhilarating adventure that shouldn’t be missed. This guided trek from Georgioupolis takes hikers on a 9-hour journey through stunning landscapes, offering a chance to enjoy the rugged beauty of Crete’s White Mountains. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, adventurers can look forward to an unforgettable experience that blends physical challenge with breathtaking scenery.

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Key Points

Guided day hike through Samaria Gorge, one of Europe’s longest and most scenic gorges, departing from Georgioupolis.
9-hour adventure featuring natural wonders like the White Mountains, ancient forests, and encounters with mountain goats.
Includes roundtrip transportation, guided hike, and optional breakfast; entrance fees and boat ticket payable on-site.
Challenging trek suitable for participants in good physical condition; proper hiking gear and hydration are essential.
Post-hike visit to Agia Roumeli for lunch, shopping, and swimming in the crystal-clear Libyan Sea.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Samaria Gorge hike offers a guided tour through one of the longest gorges in Europe, with prices ranging from $37.14 to $34.54 per person, depending on the selected package.

Explore one of Europe’s longest gorges with a guided tour, with prices ranging from $37.14 to $34.54 per person.

This 9-hour adventure allows travelers to explore the natural beauty of the area, including the White Mountains and ancient forests.

Customers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance and the reserve now & pay later option.

This challenging trek isn’t suitable for certain groups, so participants must be in good physical condition to enjoy the full experience.

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Itinerary and Highlights

The itinerary for this guided hike through Samaria Gorge begins with pickup from hotels or accessible points between 6:40 AM and 7:00 AM.

Hikers then drive to Omalos, enjoying breakfast and scenic views for 20 minutes before embarking on the 4-hour trek through the gorge.

Along the way, they’ll be treated to natural wonders, including:

The majestic White Mountains
Ancient forests
Encounters with mountain goats
Breathtaking landscapes

After the hike, the group will visit Agia Roumeli for lunch, shopping, and swimming before taking a ferry and bus back to their starting point.

Inclusions and Fees

Included in the price of this guided hike through Samaria Gorge are transfers with air-conditioned buses, the hiking excursion with English, German, and French-speaking guides, and a mountain escort. Breakfast is optional, while the entrance ticket to Samaria Gorge (€10) and the boat ticket (€14) are payable on-site. Fees for EU citizens are free for those under 18 and over 65, and €10 for ages 18-64. For other nationalities, the fee is free for children under 4, and €10 for ages 5-64.

| Fees | EU Citizens | Other Nationalities |

| — | — | — |

| 0-4 yrs | FREE | FREE |

| 5-17 yrs | FREE | €10 |

| 18-64 yrs | €10 | €10 |

| 65+ yrs | FREE | FREE |

Participant Requirements and Restrictions

Not all hikers are suitable for the Samaria Gorge trek. The hike is challenging and requires participants to be in good physical condition.

Children under 8, pregnant women, those with mobility issues or heart problems, and low-fitness individuals aren’t recommended to join. The 16km trail through the gorge can be strenuous, so hikers must be prepared:

No smoking or feeding animals
No touching plants
Wear proper hiking shoes
Bring sufficient water and snacks

Proper preparation is key to safely enjoying this magnificent natural wonder.

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Preparation and Guidelines

To prepare for the Samaria Gorge hike, hikers should bring comfortable shoes, hiking pants, sunglasses, sun hats, sunscreen, snacks, and plenty of water.

The trail is challenging, so it’s essential to wear suitable walking gear. Smoking, feeding animals, and touching plants aren’t allowed. Hikers should stay hydrated and refuel during the trek.

The hike isn’t suitable for children under 8, pregnant women, those with mobility issues or heart problems, or individuals with low fitness levels.

Following the guidelines will ensure a safe and enjoyable experience through the breathtaking Samaria Gorge.

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Transportation and Pickup

The tour begins with pickup from hotels or accessible points between 6:40 AM and 7:00 AM, ensuring a timely start to the day’s activities.

Travelers will be transported in comfortable, air-conditioned buses for the 75-minute drive to Omalos. This initial stop offers a chance to enjoy a scenic breakfast break and take in the views before embarking on the hike.

The transportation provided throughout the tour is seamless, with a ferry ride and bus transfer back after the hike.

Key transportation highlights include:

Air-conditioned buses for transfers
Pickup from hotels or accessible points
Breakfast stop in Omalos
Ferry ride and bus transfer after the hike

Scenic Highlights of Samaria Gorge

As hikers embark on their journey through Samaria Gorge, they’ll be mesmerized by the stunning natural beauty that unfolds around them.

Towering white mountains rise majestically, creating a dramatic backdrop for the ancient forests that line the gorge. Along the trail, hikers may spot agile mountain goats scaling the rugged terrain.

The sheer, vertical cliffs and cascading streams add to the gorge’s breathtaking scenery. Trekkers will be in awe of the diverse flora and fauna that thrive in this protected national park.

The sheer cliffs and cascading streams create breathtaking scenery, and the diverse flora and fauna will leave trekkers in awe.

The hike through Samaria Gorge promises an unforgettable experience surrounded by Crete’s stunning natural wonders.

Post-Hike Activities in Agia Roumeli

After completing the challenging hike through Samaria Gorge, hikers look forward to arriving at the charming coastal town of Agia Roumeli.

This picturesque village offers a well-deserved respite, with opportunities to:

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the local tavernas, savoring fresh seafood and Greek delicacies.
Browse the quaint shops, perusing handcrafted souvenirs and local artisanal products.
Cool off with a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear Libyan Sea.
Explore the historic ruins and churches that dot the landscape.
Soak up the tranquil atmosphere and stunning views before heading back.

Things To Know

Can I Bring My Pet on the Hike?

No, pets are not allowed on the hike through Samaria Gorge. The hike isn’t suitable for animals as it’s a challenging trek, and participants must be in good physical condition.

What Is the Minimum Group Size for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a minimum group size. Travelers can book the hike individually or as part of a group. The tour operates with a guide regardless of the number of participants.

Are There Any Discounts for Students or Seniors?

The tour offers discounted rates for EU citizens aged 18-64 (€10) and those 65+ (free). Children under 18 from the EU can enter for free. Non-EU citizens aged 5-64 pay €10.

Can I Take a Break During the Hike if Needed?

Yes, you can take breaks during the hike as needed. The tour includes an English-speaking guide who’ll support participants and accommodate resting periods to ensure everyone completes the challenging trek safely.

Is There an Option to Skip the Ferry and Take a Bus Back?

There’s no option to skip the ferry and take a bus back. The tour includes a ferry ride from Agia Roumeli to Sfakia, followed by a bus transfer to return to the starting point.

Sum Up

The "From Georgioupolis: Samaria Gorge One Day Hike With Guide" tour offers an unforgettable adventure through one of Europe’s longest gorges. Expect breathtaking natural beauty, a challenging 4-hour hike, and a chance to relax in Agia Roumeli. This experience promises excitement and tranquility for those in good physical condition, making it an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable day in the stunning Samaria Gorge.