From Heraklion,Agia Pelagia,Malia: Samaria Gorge Guided Trip

Exploring the stunning Samaria Gorge is a must for any adventure-seeking traveler in Crete. This guided trip from Heraklion, Agia Pelagia, and Malia promises an unforgettable full-day experience. Hike through breathtaking landscapes, spot native wildlife, and enjoy a peaceful stop in Agia Roumeli. With hotel transfers, a scenic bus ride, and a 4.5-hour trek, this SEK 495 excursion caters to those in good physical condition. What hidden gems might you uncover along the way?

Key Points

• Samaria Gorge Guided Trip offers a full-day adventure from Heraklion, Agia Pelagia, and Malia, priced around SEK 495 per person.
• The itinerary includes a scenic bus ride, breakfast break, 4.5-hour trek through the Samaria Gorge, and a 2-hour exploration stop in Agia Roumeli.
• The 10-mile hike traverses rocky paths and steep, potentially slippery terrain, requiring proper footwear and physical fitness.
• The trip includes hotel pickup and drop-off, knowledgeable guides in English and French, and all necessary entrance and boat tickets.
• The hike is not recommended for children under 6, pregnant women, or individuals with health issues due to the challenging nature of the terrain.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Activity Overview

The Samaria Gorge Guided Trip offers an exhilarating adventure to explore one of Crete’s natural wonders.

An exhilarating adventure to explore one of Crete’s natural wonders – the Samaria Gorge.

Departing from Heraklion, Agia Pelagia, and Malia, this guided trip promises a full-day experience for around SEK 495 per person.

With complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off, and available in English and French, the trip provides a hassle-free way to hike the iconic Samaria Gorge.

Lasting 12-14 hours, the tour includes a scenic bus ride, a breakfast break, and a 4.5-hour trek through the dramatic landscape, followed by a visit to the coastal town of Agia Roumeli and a ferry ride back.

Itinerary Highlights

From the 16 available pickup locations, including Analipsi, Agia Pelagia, Heraklion, and Malia, the guided trip begins with a 2.33-hour bus journey to Omalos.

After a brief 30-minute breakfast break, the group embarks on the 4.5-hour hike through the stunning Samaria Gorge.

Once at Agia Roumeli, there’s a 2-hour stop to explore the picturesque seaside town.

The journey continues with a 1-hour ferry ride and a final 2.33-hour bus transfer back to the starting points.

The main stops along the way include Omalos, Samaria Gorge, and Agia Roumeli.

Trekking Details

Although the Samaria Gorge hike extends for 10 miles (17 kilometers), the terrain is characterized by rocky paths and steep sections that can be potentially slippery.

Fortunately, the tour provides a professional mountain escort to guide participants through the challenging environment.

Along the way, hikers may be rewarded with sightings of native mountain goats and indigenous plant life, adding to the scenic beauty of the gorge.

With proper footwear and preparation, the Samaria Gorge trek offers an exhilarating adventure for those seeking an immersive experience in Crete’s rugged natural landscape.

Included Services

The Samaria Gorge guided trip includes an array of services to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for participants. Travelers will receive hotel pickup and drop-off, knowledgeable guides in English and French, and air-conditioned bus transfers to and from the gorge. The inclusive package also covers the entrance ticket to Samaria Gorge, as well as the boat ticket for the return journey. Specific pricing details for the various age groups are outlined in the table below.

| Entrant | EU Citizens | Other Nationalities |

| ——- | ———– | ——————- |

| 0-4 years | FREE | FREE |

| 5-17 years | FREE | €10 |

| 18-64 years | €10 | €10 |

| 65+ years | FREE | €10 |

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Entrance Fees

As mentioned earlier, the Samaria Gorge guided trip includes entrance fees that vary based on the participant’s age and citizenship status.

For EU citizens, the fees are free for those under 17 and over 65, while adults aged 18-64 pay €10.

For other nationalities, children under 4 get in free, but those aged 5-64 pay €10, with no discounts for seniors.

These entrance fees are paid directly onsite and cover access to the Samaria Gorge.

Knowing the applicable rates ahead of time can help travelers budget appropriately for this iconic hiking experience in Crete.

Who Should Not Participate

Not everyone is suited for the challenging Samaria Gorge hike. The trek isn’t recommended for children under 6, pregnant women, or those with back, mobility, or heart problems. The rocky, steep terrain can be treacherous for these groups.

Hikers need to be in good physical condition and wear proper footwear. Those with concerns about their ability to complete the 10-mile (17 km) hike should consider an alternative activity.

The guided tour ensures safety, but participants must be able to handle the demands of the trail. It’s important to carefully assess one’s fitness level before booking this adventure.

What to Bring

To make the most of the Samaria Gorge hike, hikers should bring comfortable shoes, a hat to shield from the sun, and proper hiking shoes that provide support and traction on the rocky terrain.

Wear comfortable, supportive shoes and a hat to shield from the sun for the Samaria Gorge hike’s rocky terrain.

It’s also important to pack plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the challenging 10-mile trek.

While a guide is provided, hikers should come prepared with snacks, sun protection, and any necessary medications.

Packing light and wearing breathable, layered clothing can help ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience navigating the steep, potentially slippery paths of the iconic Samaria Gorge.

Customer Ratings

The Samaria Gorge guided trip has garnered an impressive overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 194 reviews.

Travelers consistently praise the quality of the guides, who are knowledgeable and adept at navigating the challenging terrain. The trip’s organization also receives high marks, with smooth pickups, efficient transfers, and a well-paced itinerary.

While the hike itself is physically demanding, reviewers note the guide’s support and the stunning natural scenery make for an unforgettable experience.

Things To Know

Is There an Option to Skip the Ferry Ride?

There doesn’t appear to be an option to skip the ferry ride. The itinerary specifically includes a 1-hour ferry ride from Agia Roumeli back to the starting point as one of the main stops of the guided trip.

Can We Extend the Time at Agia Roumeli?

Unfortunately, the itinerary is fixed, and the time allotted at Agia Roumeli can’t be extended. The schedule is designed to ensure a smooth experience and cover the key highlights of the Samaria Gorge hike efficiently.

How Much Time Is Allowed for Lunch During the Trip?

The guided tour includes a 30-minute breakfast break, but doesn’t specify a dedicated lunch break. Travelers can likely grab a quick meal during the 2-hour stop in Agia Roumeli, though the exact time allotted for lunch isn’t clearly stated.

Are There Any Photo Stops Along the Samaria Gorge Hike?

According to the itinerary, there’s no mention of scheduled photo stops during the Samaria Gorge hike. However, hikers will likely have opportunities to take scenic photos along the way during the 4.5-hour trek through the gorge.

Can We Book the Trip With a Private Group Only?

Yes, the Samaria Gorge Guided Trip can be booked for private groups. Customers have the option to arrange a private tour with their own group, which provides more flexibility and a more personalized experience compared to joining a larger group.

Sum Up

The Samaria Gorge Guided Trip offers an unforgettable adventure for travelers departing from Heraklion, Agia Pelagia, and Malia. At SEK 495 per person, this full-day experience includes hotel pickup, a scenic bus ride, and a 4.5-hour hike through stunning landscapes. It’s perfect for those in good physical condition seeking an immersive outdoor experience in Crete.

You can check availability for your dates here: