Crete · Chania

Excursions to the Samaria Gorge

Walk one of Europe’s longest gorges end to end, from the Omalos plateau down to the Libyan Sea, guided day trips with transfers and an easier alternative if you prefer.

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3Excursions
ChaniaWhite Mountains
★ 4.7Guest rating
Samaria Gorge, Crete ★ Loved by 50k+ travellers
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All excursions to the Samaria Gorge.

40 excursions
Luxury Catamaran Cruise from Chersonissos to Dia Island Crete

Luxury Catamaran Cruise from Chersonissos to Dia Island

6.5 hours · Sea tours

Our crew member will meet you in Hersonissos port.

from €145 View
Sunset Luxury Catamaran Cruise from Hersonissos Crete

Sunset Luxury Catamaran Cruise from Hersonissos

3.5 hours · Sea tours

Our crew member will meet you in Hersonissos port.

from €80 View
Afternoon Luxury Catamaran Cruise from Heraklion to Dia Island Crete

Afternoon Luxury Catamaran Cruise from Heraklion to Dia Island

5 hours · Sea tours

Our crew member will meet you in Heraklion port.

from €125 View
Morning Luxury Catamaran Cruise from Heraklion to Dia Island Crete

Morning Luxury Catamaran Cruise from Heraklion to Dia Island

5 hours · Sea tours

Our crew member will meet you in Heraklion port.

from €125 View
Premium Catamaran Cruise from Rethymno to Georgioupoli Bay Crete

Premium Catamaran Cruise from Rethymno to Georgioupoli Bay

6.5 hours · Sea tours

Our crew member will meet you in Rethymno port.

from €145 View
Sunset Luxury Catamaran Cruise to Skaleta from Rethymno Crete

Sunset Luxury Catamaran Cruise to Skaleta from Rethymno

3.5 hours · Sea tours

Our crew member will meet you in Rethymno port

from €85 View
Legends of Crete Crete

Legends of Crete

6+ hours

Pick-up and drop-off at hotel entrances or meeting points…

from €69 View
From Hersonissos: Half-Day Pirate Boat Trip with Lunch Crete

From Hersonissos: Half-Day Pirate Boat Trip with Lunch

6 hours · Outdoor

Please arrive at the port of Hersonissos 30 minutes…

from €59 View
Jeep Safari, Goat-Keeping & Cheese Making Crete

Jeep Safari, Goat-Keeping & Cheese Making

10+ hours · Outdoor

Pick-up and drop-off at hotel entrances or meeting points…

from €129 View
Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa Island Crete

Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa Island

10+ hours · Outdoor

Pick-up and drop-off will be at the hotel entrance…

from €67 View
Crete: WaterCity Waterpark Crete

Crete: WaterCity Waterpark

6 hours · Outdoor

Pick-up and drop-off will be at the hotel entrance…

from €42.5 View
Anopolis: Cretan Folklore Night Crete

Anopolis: Cretan Folklore Night

3+ hours · Historical

Pick-up and drop-off will be at the hotel entrance…

from €50 View
Book with the operator

Booking Samaria Gorge direct.

The Samaria walk is listed everywhere online. Booking it straight with us changes a few things.

The local team, not a reseller

You book with the Chania team that runs the gorge transfers and the Agia Roumeli ferry itself, not a platform reselling the day.

Real people, quick to answer

A local team on the phone, WhatsApp and Viber daily from 08:00 to 22:00, before you set off and while you are on the trail.

Flexible hotel pick-up

Pick-up is arranged around your hotel across Chania, Sougia and the south-west resorts.

Clear prices, no mark-up

The price you see is ours, coach and ferry included, with no platform fee added on top.

If the gorge closes for heat or flash-flood risk, we move you to another date or refund you in full.

About the area

The gorge & the Libyan Sea.

The Samaria Gorge cuts through the White Mountains of West Crete for around 16 kilometres, from the high Omalos plateau down to the coastal village of Agia Roumeli on the Libyan Sea. It is a national park, home to the wild Cretan goat, dramatic rock walls and the famous narrow “Iron Gates”.

The walk is downhill but long and rocky, so good shoes and water are essential. Trips run one-way, you finish at the sea, cool off, then take a short ferry and coach back, so there is a swim and a rest waiting at the end. It sits within easy reach of Chania, Balos and Elafonisi, with more to explore across the rest of Crete.

Setting16km mountain gorge, national park
Best timeMay to October
RouteGuided, one-way + ferry back
Weather

When to visit Samaria Gorge.

The gorge is open from May to October and closed in winter and for heavy rain. Late spring and September are the kindest for walking.

MonthAir (day)SeaHow busy
May24°C20°CQuiet
June28°C22°CBuilding
July31°C24°CBusy
August31°C26°CBusy
September28°C25°CEasing
October24°C24°CQuiet
Best monthsLate May to June and September, before and after the peak heat.
Warmest seaAugust at the finish beach of Agia Roumeli.
Cool earlyStart early, while the White Mountains are still shaded.
Getting here

Getting to Samaria Gorge.

The Samaria Gorge cuts through the White Mountains of west Crete, walked one way from the top down to the sea.

On a guided trip

Trips leave early by bus to Omalos at the top, then you walk down and take the ferry out from Agia Roumeli.

On your own

Public buses and ferries also serve the route, but the timings are tight, so most walkers join an organised day.

Where to stay

Where to stay for Samaria Gorge.

Most walkers base in Chania for the early bus, or stay at the mountain or coastal ends of the gorge.

Browse hotels nearby
Chania Old Town

The usual base, with early transfers up to the top of the gorge.

Omalos

A small plateau village at the trailhead, for the earliest possible start.

Agia Roumeli

The tiny beach village at the far end, reached only by ferry.

Loutro

A car-free bay along the south coast, a boat ride from Agia Roumeli.

Nearby sights

What’s near Samaria Gorge.

The White Mountains and the wild south coast surround the gorge on every side.

The White Mountains

Crete’s high range of peaks and gorges, snow-capped into spring.

Agia Roumeli

A remote seafront village where the gorge meets the Libyan Sea.

Loutro

A whitewashed car-free bay, reached only by boat or on foot.

The Omalos plateau

A high mountain basin of fields and stone huts above the gorge.

Food & drink

Taste of Samaria Gorge.

This is mountain and south-coast cooking, hearty and simple, built on olive oil, greens, cheese and honey.

Refuel with dakos and graviera at Omalos, fresh fish at Agia Roumeli, and a glass of raki at the finish.

Local specialties to try
DakosGraviera cheeseFresh fishWild greensRakiCretan honey
One trusted partner

Plan your whole Samaria Gorge trip.

Book every part of your trip with one local team: flights, ferries, transfers, a car and your hotel.

FlightsFind flights to CreteFerriesFerry tickets to CreteTransfersAirport & port pick-upCar rentalRent a car in CreteHotelsStays across Crete
Before you go

Good to know for Samaria Gorge.

DistanceAbout 16km, almost all downhill
What to bringGood shoes, water and snacks
SeasonOpen May to October, closed for rain
Time neededAround five to seven hours
Good forReasonably fit walkers of any age
One wayYou leave by ferry, not back through the gorge
Across Crete

More of Crete near Samaria Gorge.

Other stand-out spots worth adding to your Crete trip.

Plan your visit

How long for Samaria Gorge?

Samaria is a long full day. Plan a gentler day around it.

1A full day
  • The 16 km walk down the gorge, the ferry from Agia Roumeli and the coach back, dawn to evening.
+Add more
Before you book

Your Samaria Gorge questions

How hard is the Samaria Gorge hike?

It’s a long downhill walk of about 16km on uneven, rocky ground, doable for anyone reasonably fit with good shoes and water, but not a gentle stroll.

Is there an easier alternative?

Yes, the Imbros Gorge is much shorter and gentler while still beautiful. It’s a great option for families or a relaxed day.

How does the return work?

You finish at Agia Roumeli on the coast, with time to swim, then take a short ferry to Sougia or Chora Sfakion and a coach back to your hotel.

What should I bring?

Sturdy walking shoes, water, sun protection, snacks and swimwear for the sea at the end. There are water springs along the route.

When is the gorge open?

Samaria is typically open from May to October, weather permitting. If it closes for safety, you’re offered another date or a full refund.

How long does the Samaria hike take?

Most walkers take five to seven hours to cover the 16 km down to Agia Roumeli, at their own pace, with plenty of rest stops and water springs along the way.

Do I need hiking boots?

Sturdy trainers or light hiking shoes with grip are enough; the path is rocky in places and crosses the stream several times, so ankle support helps.

A Time 4 Vacation guide with travellers in Greece
Simple & secure

Booking Samaria Gorge, step by step.

1

Search & compare

Compare Samaria Gorge excursions by type, date and budget, and pick the day that suits you.

2

Book securely

Reserve your Samaria Gorge day out online in minutes, with instant confirmation and a voucher by email.

3

Meet your guide

On the day a licensed local guide meets you and takes care of the rest, so you can just enjoy Samaria Gorge.

Ready to explore Samaria?

Tell us your dates and what you have in mind. A local expert will put together the excursions, transfers and stays that fit, usually within a day.