Hiking in Samaria Gorge, Crete – The Ultimate Guide

Samaria Gorge is a natural wonder nestled in Crete’s White Mountains and one of Europe’s most iconic hiking destinations. Stretching 16 km from the Omalos Plateau to the coastal village of Agia Roumeli, this amazing gorge is the longest in all of Europe.

Hiking in Samaria Gorge is a challenging and rewarding experience that every outdoor enthusiast must have when visiting the island of Crete. The hiking trail offers a spectacular journey through dramatic cliffs, verdant landscapes, and the renowned Iron Gates—a narrow passage just four meters wide. 

Whether you are planning to embark on an epic Crete road trip or just a short visit to the island, be sure to allow some time for the Samaria Gorge hike! It’s easily accessible via organized tours, public buses, or by car to the starting point in Xyloskalo, Omalos.

To help you plan your hiking day, this guide covers all of the important info you should know about hiking Samaria Gorge in Crete, such as getting there, where to stay, essential items to pack and more. 

Complete Guide to Hiking in Samaria Gorge, Crete

Why Hiking in Samaria Gorge is a Must-Do in Crete

Hiking through the striking landscape of Samaria Gorge offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience for outdoor enthusiasts. This unique hike showcases outstanding scenery, from soaring cliffs and lush terrain to the awe-inspiring Iron Gates—a narrow passage framed by towering rock walls.        

Along the way, you can explore historic sites and spot wild animals in addition to admiring the mesmerizing scenery. Completing this epic hike provides breathtaking views, a rewarding challenge, and an unforgettable connection to Crete’s rugged charm.

While this is not the only gorge on the island of Crete, Samaria Gorge is the biggest and most impressive. Whether you are planning a road trip around Crete or simply looking to take day trips from Chania, the Samaria Gorge hike absolutely deserves a place on your Crete bucket list. 

This hike was a major highlight from my 10 day road trip around Crete and I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a challenging adventure.

How to Get to Samaria Gorge by Bus 

Chania to Samaria Gorge – To reach the starting point of the gorge from Chania, head to the Chania bus station and purchase your bus ticket to Omalos the day before travel. The bus departs early every morning but it’s important to secure your tickets the day before travel, especially during peak season.

Rethymno to Samaria Gorge – Taking the bus to Samaria Gorge from Rethymno is a longer journey that involves changing buses in Chania. It is advisable to leave as early as possible taking the bus to Chania at 6am. Once you arrive at the Chania bus station, you will get on the next available bus to Omalos. 

Sougia to Samaria Gorge – This is the best place to catch the bus to the starting point of the Samaria Gorge hike. Departing every morning at 7am from the bus stop in town, the bus to Omalos costs €7.80 per person. The journey take just under one hour.

View the official website for Crete bus timetables here

How to Get to Samaria Gorge by Car

If you have rented a car and want to drive to the Samaria Gorge hike, I would recommend driving to Sougia and parking your car there. Even better, book a room in Sougia and spend the night after your hike. From Sougia, you can easily catch the 7am bus from the centre of town to the start of the hiking trail in Omalos. 

Organized Samaria Gorge Hiking Tour

Booking an organized tour is the best option for those who prefer a stress-free day of hiking so you can focus on enjoying the experience. For a very reasonable price, you will get hotel pick up/drop off and all transfers included in this full day trip package. The guided tours listed below ensure pick up and drop off in Chania or Rethymno. 

An experienced guide will lead you through the gorge from start to finish, beginning with a breakfast stop in Omalos before starting the hike. Once you complete the hike and arrive in the village of Agia Roumeli, you will have free time to relax on the beach, take a swim in the ocean and eat lunch at one of the tavernas. 

Be sure to bring some cash to purchase Samaria Gorge entry tickets (5€ ) as well as ferry tickets (13€) as these costs are not included in the tour. End the day with a boat trip from Agia Roumeli to Sougia where an air-conditioned bus will be waiting to return you to the starting point. See prices and availability for booking this highly rated tour online below.

From Chania: Book your Samaria Gorge hiking tour here

From Rethymno: Book your Samaria Gorge hiking tour here

Essential info for Hiking in Samaria Gorge

Samaria Gorge Hike Overview

This unique and challenging hike will see you hiking 16km through the centre of Europe’s largest gorge. Beginning in the White Mountains of Crete, the trail ends at the coastal village of Agia Roumeli on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. 

There is no road from the end point of the hike back to the start as Agia Roumeli is only accessible by sea. Therefore you must take a ferry to the nearby town of Sougia and take a bus back to Chania/Rethymno from there. This is why you can’t drive to the starting point of the hike with a car. 

No matter where you begin the journey from, here is a run down of how your day of hiking Samaria Gorge will look. You will leave early in the morning, taking a bus to the starting point of the hike in Xyloskalo.

You can purchase some food and water for the day in a small shop near the trailhead. It’s best to buy all the food items you want for the hike at this point as there are no shops selling food on the trail.

At the start of the trail, you will purchase a ticket to enter the park and you must keep it safe until you exit the trail at the end (someone will be there to check our ticket on the way out). There are several rest stops along the hike where you can use the toilet (bring toilet paper) and refill your water bottle at fountains fed by natural springs. 

Keep in mind that buying food is not possible until you reach the end so you must bring food in your day pack. When you arrive at the end of the gorge trail, there is a small cafe selling refreshing drinks and snacks. At this point there is still 2km left to reach the ferry dock in Agia Roumeli but for those feeling tired, you can catch a minibus for this final stretch.

There is only one ferry that departs daily at 5:30pm from Agia Roumeli to Sougia and you should have plenty of time to relax in town before its departure. You can purchase your ferry ticket at a small kiosk in town on completion of the hike. 

Depending on fitness levels it takes around 5-7 hours for most people to complete the hike. I finished the hike in 6 hours, arriving at Agia Roumeli at around 2pm and was able to have lunch in one of the local restaurants and swim at the beautiful beach while waiting to catch the ferry. 

Once the ferry drops you off in Sougia you will then catch a bus back to your starting point of Chania or Rethymno. Perhaps you have chosen to book your accommodation in Sougia which will make for an easier day with less travel time. 

Samaria Gorge Hiking Info

• Entry fee: €5 (free for children under 15)
• Start Point: Xyloskalo (Omalos Plateau)
• Agia Roumeli – Sougia boat ticket: €15
• End Point: Agia Roumeli village on the Mediterranean Sea (no road access)
• Seasonal Access: Open May–October (closed in winter due to weather conditions)
• Opening Time: Typically 7:00 AM; earlier start = cooler weather and fewer crowds
• Footwear: Sturdy hiking shoes or trail runners are a must
• Facilities: Limited – toilets and water refill points available at a few stops
• Wildlife: Home to kri-kri goats, eagles, and rare flora
• Exit Plan: Ferry from Agia Roumeli to Sougia + return bus 

How Long is the Samaria Gorge Hike?

The Samaria Gorge trail stretches 16 kilometers (10 miles), beginning in Xyloskalo and ending in the coastal village of Agia Roumeli. Most hikers complete the route in 5 to 7 hours, depending on their fitness level and pace. The hike is considered moderate to challenging, primarily descending through rocky terrain.

What to Expect on the Samaria Gorge Trail

Hiking the Samaria Gorge is an epic journey through one of Europe’s most impressive natural landscapes. The trail begins with steep switchbacks that descend rapidly into the heart of the gorge. The terrain is rugged and uneven for most of the hike, you can expect rocky paths, loose stones, and occasional water crossings, so sturdy footwear is essential.

As you hike, you’ll pass through shaded pine forests, abandoned villages like Samaria Village, and ancient chapels. One of the most iconic highlights is the Iron Gates, a narrow passage where the gorge squeezes to just 3–4 meters wide, with towering 300-meter-high cliffs on either side.

Along the way, you may spot kri-kri goats, vultures, and rare plants endemic to Crete. The trail ends at the seaside village of Agia Roumeli, where a refreshing dip in the Mediterranean Sea and a cold drink await after your rewarding trek.

Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Hike

To ensure a safe and enjoyable hike through the Samaria Gorge, preparation is key. First and foremost, wear sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes with good grip, as the terrain is rocky, uneven, and can be tough on your knees and ankles. Staying hydrated is crucial, especially in the warmer months, so bring at least 1.5 to 2 liters of water. While there are a few springs along the route, it’s best not to rely on them entirely.

Starting your hike early in the morning around 7 – 8am will help you avoid both the heat and the crowds. Trekking poles can be very helpful, especially for easing the strain on your knees during the long descent. Pack smart by bringing sunscreen, a hat, high-energy snacks, band-aids for blisters, and a light jacket for the cooler early hours.

Take your time, pace yourself, and enjoy the stunning surroundings. Watch your step on the rocky trail, particularly in shaded or slippery sections. Lastly, make sure you’ve planned your exit from Agia Roumeli in advance, as the village is only accessible by boat, and connections back to your accommodation may require coordination.

Best time of Year to Hike in Samaria Gorge

The best time of year to hike the Samaria Gorge in Crete is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to early October). With thinner crowds and milder temperatures compared to peak summer season, spring and summer offer the best hiking experience in the gorge. 

During the winter months of November to March, the gorge is closed to the public. During the summer months of July and August, the high temperatures make hiking in Samaria Gorge uncomfortable. 

I completed the Samaria Gorge hike in the beginning of June and the weather was already pretty hot but it was manageable when starting the hike early in the day. Plan your hike during spring or autumn for the best combination of comfortable weather, stunning scenery, and less crowded trails.

Things to Pack for Hiking Samaria Gorge in Crete

• Good walking shoes or hiking boots – Hiking boots are obviously the better choice but if luggage space is an issue, then a pair of sturdy walking shoes is sufficient. 
• Sun hat/Sunglasses/Sunscreen – While the hike begins by winding through a shaded forest, the trail eventually opens up inside the gorge with little to no shade. You will definitely need all of these items to protect yourself from the harsh sun. 
• Collapsible water bottle – Bring a water bottle to ensure you stay hydrated throughout the day. There are several rest areas with fountains to refill along the way.
• Light layers – Keep warm as you hike through the shaded area in the morning. 
• Walking stick – This will come in handy during the descent into the gorge. 
• Swimsuit – This is a must for cooling off in the ocean after the hike. 
• Fast-drying beach towel – These towels are lightweight, compact and easy to throw in the bag for your hiking day. 
• Travel tripod– Don’t rely on others to take your travel photos, always pack a tripod in your day bag!
• Portable phone charger – If you’re anything like me, you’ll be taking photos from start to finish so this is a must-have.
• Day pack – A good day pack is a necessity for carrying water, snacks and essentials on your full day of hiking Samaria Gorge.
• Snacks/water
• Toilet paper/hand sanitizer
• Cash for entrance/food/ferry

Where to Stay for Hiking Samaria Gorge

The main areas to stay for hiking in Crete’s Samaria Gorge are Chania, Rethymno and Sougia. I chose to stay in Sougia as I was road tripping around Crete and noticed that it’s a convenient location to access the start and end point of the hike.

Staying in Sougia cuts off the extra travel time back to Chania or Rethymno when you’re tired at the end of a long hiking day. This means you can go straight for a well deserved shower at your accommodation once you get off the ferry. 

Sougia is a small seaside village that I highly recommend spending a few nights at while you’re hiking the gorge. Not only is it near the Samaria Gorge, staying here gives you a chance to experience a more authentic side of Greek culture outside of the tourist hot-spots.

The waterfront is lined with cute tavernas, bars and guest houses and there’s a lovely beach to relax and swim at. I thought Sougia was such a nice place and I was glad I spent a few nights there on my 10 day Crete road trip!

Chania

Centro Storico – Centrally located in the heart of the old town, these cozy apartments are reasonably priced and well equipped for the perfect stay in Chania. A delicious breakfast is included in your stay.

►Browse more accommodation options in Chania◄

Rethymno

Studio Lefaki – This cozy studio tucked within Rethymno’s charming Old Town makes for a perfect base. I especially appreciated the small kitchenette—it’s great for saving money on meals and enjoying a quiet breakfast before heading out for the day.

There’s a peaceful garden and patio area where you can unwind, and the location is truly unbeatable. The host is incredibly welcoming and happy to assist with anything you need. Just a heads-up: this spot is in high demand and tends to fill up fast, especially during peak season!

►Browse more accommodation options in Rethymno◄

Sougia

Santa Irene – Sougia is a small seaside town with a handful of hotels/guesthouses that offer easy access to bus that departs for Samaria Gorge. Santa Irene is a lovely accommodation located right on the beachfront of Sougia, steps from the restaurants and bars in town. The rooms are clean and well-equipped with a kitchenette and balcony, everything you need for a comfortable stay. 

►Browse more accommodation options in Sougia◄

How to Rent a Car in Crete

If you’re planning to rent a car during your trip to Crete, you’ll want to arrange it before you go. To do this I would highly recommend checking out this search tool that I use to find car rentals in every country that I travel to. Picking up your car at the airport is the best way to go.

This site is hassle free and always has plenty of providers to choose from with reasonable prices. Keep in mind that if you want to pick up/drop off in different cities, there may be an extra fee for returning the car in another location.

→Browse car rentals in Crete here←

The Best Travel Insurance for Greece

Are you travelling to Greece from overseas? If you are, then you’ll need to get travel insurance before you go.

Travelling to any country without insurance is never a good idea. The reality of travelling overseas is that unexpected things can happen at anytime so the best thing you can do is be prepared.

For peace of mind while abroad, Heymondo is one of the most reputable companies that will provide you with simple and flexible coverage. Whether you are into adventurous activities or simply looking for trip cancellation and medical insurance, Heymondo has you covered!

As a reader of The Road Is Life, you get 5% off your Heymondo travel insurance by using the link below!

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Read More Crete Travel Guides

• A Magical 10 Day Crete Road Trip Itinerary
• How to Get to Balos Beach – The Best Day Trip from Chania

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