Samaria Gorge
Why the
Samaria Gorge
is specialThe Samaria Gorge on the Greek Island of Crete offers an unforgettable day hike through a steep-sided stream bed in a stunning mountainous environment.
Samaria Gorge tips and insights
The hike
You walk 16 kilometers (11 miles) while descending 1250 meters (4100 feet). The hike ends on a seashore on the other side of this island. There's nothing but water separating you from Africa.
Top attraction
The highlight of the hike is passing through the Portes (see photo). The opening of the "Iron Gates" (as it is popularly called in English) narrows to about 3.5 meters (12 feet). The steep sides reach higher than a 50-story building. For scale, notice the red-outfitted person in the photo.
When to come
The trail is open only during the normally rainless season, from late April through October. Heavy rains make passage hazardous if not impossible. The trickling stream becomes a torrent and cliff rocks fall.
How to avoid a hoard of people
Samaria Gorge is popular. Some days several thousand tourists come. Because numerous chatting people diminish the serenity of this natural wonder, do what I did. I was at the trail gate at dawn when it opened. This meant that I could take my time but would always be far ahead of the first tour-bus group.
Don't rush
I've seen Type A trekkers dashing down the trail as if the point of being there is to see how fast they can traverse it. Some do it in 2 or so hours. Take your time. Allow 5 to 7 hours so you can stop to appreciate the marvelous gorgescape, unique wildlife, and fresh herbal scents in one the most secluded areas of Greece.
More pointers
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Clothing
Wear comfortable, thick-sole shoes (the trail is pebbly and stony). Put on a hat and sun screen. Tote a snack and some water.
- Be sufficiently fit
The hike can take a painful toll on your legs if you do not regularly take long walks.
- Protect your knees
Be especially wary of the first 2 kilometers (1.5 miles) of the trail. It can cause knee injury because it mainly consists of a long series of stepped inclines that descend rapidly to the stream bed far below. Plant your feet slowly to minimize impact on your knees.
Transportation
Getting to and from the Samaria Gorge takes a little time. Here's the basic itinerary:
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From Hanai town to trailhead
Take a public or tour bus from Hania up a steep mountain to the Samaria Gorge trailhead near Omalos village.
- Down the Samaria Gorge
Hike down the length of its long river bed.
- Agia Roumeli
Your hike ends at this tiny seaside Agia Roumeli village. Rest your feet while eating or sipping a cold drink. You can also relax on the beach.
- Return to Hania
Unfortunately, Agia Roumeli is not connected to the Crete road system. You have two basic options to get back to Hania. You could doubleback by hiking up the trail (very few people have the time or energy left to do it). Or, you could take the quicker, easier and most popular option: Take a 30-minute ferry ride from Agia Roumeli to Hora Sfakion village where you board a waiting nonstop bus to Hania.
