Samaria Gorge
Chania, Crete

View Samaria Gorge in a larger Google map

Samaria Gorge, one of the largest canyons in Europe, is one of the major attractions on the island of Crete and of course in the prefecture of Chania.

Each year, about 250,000 - 300,000 visitors cross the gorge of Samaria during its operation, from early May to mid October.

The hike in Samaria gorge starts at the southern edge of Omalos plateau, located about 40 km from the city of Chania, and ends, after six to eight hours of hiking, to the south shore of Crete, in the Libyan Sea.

The 16 km trail descends beside cliffs and through dense forests with rare flora and fauna. The path crosses several times the riverbed into the gorge or is matched to it. Passes by the abandoned village of Samaria, and after passes through the narrow and steep walls of the gorge, ends in the seaside village of Agia Roumeli.

One of the most impressive spots in the gorge is the narrowest point of the gorge, the so called "Portes" (which means "Gates"), where the vertical walls come close to each other to 3,5 meters.

View some representative photos of the Samaria Gorge.


Samaria Gorge Virtual Tour

Tour yourself virtually to Samaria Gorge.

  • See how the trail descends from the plateau of Omalos, deep into the gorge.
  • Get an idea of where you are going to find rest areas with water springs and WC, along the route.
  • View more photos of various points in the gorge of Samaria. 


Samaria Gorge Hike
in Fast Motion

In case you are concerned about the condition of the trail, what shoes to wear, etc.

...Watch these three videos. They will give you a good taste of what it's like to walk within the Samaria Gorge.

Furthermore, you already know that you do not have to carry water. Along the way there are sources in the right spots, from where you will be able to fill your bottle.


Full Day Tours to Samaria Gorge
Book Your Excursion!

There is a number of organized excursions taking place from almost all Chania resorts on the North coast of Crete and the rest of Crete. They will pick you up from you hotel and will drop you off back there.


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