Crete: Samaria Gorge Hike

Crete’s Samaria Gorge offers an unparalleled hiking adventure for nature enthusiasts. This 17-hour guided experience takes trekkers through a stunning landscape, following the ancient Taras River and exploring an abandoned village. With convenient pickups from across the island and a refreshing dip in the Libyan Sea, it’s no wonder this hike is a highlight for visitors. At just $52.28 per person, it’s an affordable way to take in Crete’s breathtaking natural beauty. But there’s more to discover about this exceptional excursion.

Key Points

• The Samaria Gorge hike in Crete costs $52.28 per person and lasts approximately 17 hours, with convenient pickup and drop-off at 24 locations across the island.
• The guided hike follows the ancient Taras River, explores the abandoned village of Samaria, and includes a boat trip along the southern coast.
• Highlights of the experience include stunning scenery, a refreshing dip in the Libyan Sea, and an unforgettable immersion in Crete’s natural wonders.
• The activity is unsuitable for individuals with mobility impairments or children under 5 years old, and proper hiking attire and equipment are recommended.
• The hike has an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from past participants, with praise for the guide quality, transportation, and service.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview and Pricing

Crete: Samaria Gorge Hike

Overview and Pricing

This Samaria Gorge hike activity costs from $52.28 per person and lasts approximately 17 hours.

Visitors can reserve their spot now and pay later, securing their place without any upfront costs.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The guided hike through the vast Samaria Gorge, following the ancient Taras River, allows participants to explore the abandoned village of Samaria and enjoy a boat trip along Crete’s southern coast.

With modern air-conditioned transportation and pickup from designated areas, this experience offers a comprehensive and convenient way to discover one of Crete’s iconic natural wonders.

Highlights of the Experience

Embarking on this guided hike, visitors will explore the vast Samaria Gorge, following the ancient Taras River, and discover the abandoned village of Samaria before enjoying a boat trip along the south coast of Crete.

Trekking through the immense canyon, hikers will be awestruck by the towering cliffs and lush vegetation.

The highlight of the journey is reaching the end of the gorge, where they’ll have the chance to take a refreshing dip in the Libyan Sea.

With stunning scenery, from rugged peaks to the serene coastline, this guided tour offers an unforgettable experience of Crete’s natural wonders.

Detailed Itinerary

The guided tour begins with convenient pickup from 24 locations across Crete, including popular resort areas like Sissi, Malia, and Heraklion.

Travelers then embark on a 1.5-hour bus ride to the trailhead, with optional stops along the way.

Once at the start of the trail, hikers will:

1. Set out on a guided 6.75-hour hike through the vast Samaria Gorge, following the ancient Taras River.

2. Explore the abandoned village of Samaria, a highlight of the journey.

3. Have the opportunity to enjoy a lunch and swim in the Libyan Sea after the hike before taking a 1-hour ferry ride back to Sfakia.

Transportation and Pickup Details

Modern air-conditioned coaches transport travelers to the Samaria Gorge trailhead. Pickup is available from designated areas near hotels across 24 locations, including popular resort towns like Sissi, Malia, and Heraklion. The activity provider will contact participants 24 hours prior with the specific pickup details.

After the guided hike and boat ride, travelers are dropped off at 24 locations, such as Kokkini Hani, Gournes Gouvon, and Agia Pelagia. The transportation is efficient, ensuring a seamless start and end to the day-long adventure.

Participants can relax during the comfortable coach rides and focus on enjoying the stunning natural scenery of Crete’s iconic Samaria Gorge.

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Requirements and Recommendations

Crete: Samaria Gorge Hike

Requirements and Recommendations

Before embarking on the Samaria Gorge hike, there are a few important requirements and recommendations to keep in mind. The activity isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments or children under 5 years old. Participants should wear comfortable shoes, bring water, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a light jacket, as the hike can be both physically demanding and exposed to the elements.

Key requirements and recommendations:

1. Bring proper hiking attire and equipment to ensure a comfortable and safe experience.

2. Prepare for varying weather conditions, including sun exposure and potential changes in temperature.

3. Individuals with mobility limitations or young children should consider alternative activities better suited to their needs.

Visitor Feedback and Ratings

Overwhelmingly positive feedback from past participants highlights the exceptional guided experience and scenic beauty of the Samaria Gorge hike, with an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Ratings across key categories like guide quality, transportation, service, and organization demonstrate strong satisfaction, with standout praise for the knowledgeable guides and breathtaking landscapes. While a few comments noted room for improvement in transportation logistics, the vast majority of reviews describe the hike as a highlight of visitors’ time in Crete. With an average rating of 4.5/5 across 170 reviews, this activity provides an unparalleled opportunity to take in Crete’s stunning natural wonders.

Metric	Rating
Guide	4.5/5
Transportation	4.2/5
Service	4.3/5
Organization	4.4/5
Overall	4.5/5

Additional Fees and Inclusions

Along With the tour price, visitors will need to cover a few additional fees to fully experience the Samaria Gorge hike.

Specifically, there’s an entry fee of €5 to access the Samaria National Park, as well as separate boat ticket costs of €13 for adults and €6.50 for children aged 5-12 years.

The key additional fees include:

1. Samaria National Park entry: €5 per person

2. Adult boat ticket: €13

3. Children (5-12 years) boat ticket: €6.50

These fees aren’t included in the tour price, but cover essential aspects of the experience, such as accessing the protected national park and transportation back from the end of the hike.

Cancellation and Payment Policy

The tour operator offers flexible cancellation policies, allowing customers to cancel their reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This provides peace of mind for travelers, who can book the Samaria Gorge hike without worrying about unexpected changes in their plans.

Plus, the company offers a ‘reserve now, pay later’ option, which means customers can secure their spot on the tour without paying upfront. This convenient payment structure makes it easier for visitors to fit the hike into their Crete itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Difficult Is the Hike Through Samaria Gorge?

The Samaria Gorge hike is considered moderately challenging, requiring a good level of fitness. It involves a 6.75-hour trek through a vast canyon with rocky, uneven terrain and steep descents, making it unsuitable for those with mobility issues or young children.

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Samaria Gorge?

The best time to visit Samaria Gorge is between April and October when the weather is mild and comfortable for hiking. Crowds are smaller in the shoulder seasons of spring and fall.

Can I Bring My Pet on the Samaria Gorge Hike?

Pets are not allowed on the Samaria Gorge hike. The hike involves challenging terrain and environmental conditions that aren’t suitable for pets. Hikers should leave their furry friends at home for this activity.

Are There Any Restrooms or Food Options Along the Hike?

There are a few basic facilities along the Samaria Gorge hike, including restrooms at the start and end points. However, food and drink options are quite limited, so hikers are advised to bring their own provisions.

Can I Extend My Stay in Crete After the Samaria Gorge Tour?

Absolutely, you can extend your stay in Crete after the Samaria Gorge tour. The tour provider can assist you with booking additional accommodations or activities to make the most of your time on the island.

Recap

The Samaria Gorge hike in Crete is a must-do adventure for nature lovers.

Offering stunning landscapes, a refreshing dip in the Libyan Sea, and convenient transportation, this guided experience provides an unforgettable 17-hour journey through the ancient Taras River and the abandoned village of Samaria.

All of this is available at an affordable price of $52.28 per person.

You can check if your dates are available here: