From Chania: Europes Longest Trek Through Samaria Gorge

Embarking from Chania, adventurers can experience one of Europe’s most captivating treks – the Samaria Gorge. Spanning over 16 kilometers, this exhilarating hike promises breathtaking vistas, diverse landscapes, and the chance to spot the elusive kri-kri wild goats. With a total duration of 5.5 hours, the journey offers opportunities to explore iconic landmarks before concluding at the scenic beaches of Agia Roumeli. While the trek may challenge even seasoned hikers, the rewards of this unforgettable adventure just might prove irresistible.

Key Points

• Samaria Gorge is a 16.5-kilometer hike from Xyloskalo to Agia Roumeli, making it Europe’s longest gorge trek.
• The hiking excursion costs €36 per person and takes approximately 15 hours to complete.
• The hike starts with a 1.5-hour bus ride from Chania to the White Mountains Forest Preserve, followed by a 5.5-hour trek through the gorge.
• Highlights of the trek include the iconic Church of St. Nicolas, the Portes (Iron Gates), and the opportunity to spot wild goats.
• The return journey includes a 40-minute ferry ride from Agia Roumeli to Sfakia, followed by bus transport back to the original drop-off locations in Chania.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview and Pricing

Visitors can experience Europe’s longest gorge, Samaria Gorge, which stretches 16.5 kilometers from Xyloskalo to Agia Roumeli on the Libyan Sea, at a price of €36.00 per person.

The hiking excursion lasts 15 hours, providing ample time to explore the stunning scenery.

Travelers can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, as well as the reserve now & pay later option.

This comprehensive package offers exceptional value, ensuring an unforgettable adventure through one of Crete’s most remarkable natural wonders.

Itinerary and Transportation

In an article titled ‘From Chania: Europe’s Longest Trek Through Samaria Gorge’, it’s now time to discuss the CURRENT SUBTOPIC ‘Itinerary and Transportation’.

The tour kicks off with pickup times ranging from 5:20 AM to 6:10 AM from 8 different locations, including Agii Apostoli, Chania, Gerani, Maleme, Tavronitis, Kolymvari, Stalos, and Platanias.

Travelers are then transported by bus or coach (1.5 hours) to the White Mountains Forest Preserve, followed by a 20-minute ride to the Samaria Gorge National Park, where the hiking portion of the excursion begins.

The hike itself takes approximately 5.5 hours, featuring scenic views and breaks, before a ferry ride (40 minutes) from Agia Roumeli to Sfakia and bus transport back to the 8 drop-off locations.

Highlights and Experience

Trekking through Samaria Gorge’s stunning scenery, visitors can’t miss the iconic Church of St. Nicolas and the Portes (Iron Gates) along the way. They may also spot the elusive kri-kri (wild goats) during their hike. After the arduous trek, Agia Roumeli awaits, offering a chance to relax on the beach, indulge in local cuisine, and explore the shops before embarking on a scenic boat ride to Chora Sfakion.

Highlights	Church of St. Nicolas	Portes (Iron Gates)	Kri-kri (Wild Goats)
Agia Roumeli	Beach	Local Cuisine	Shopping
Boat Ride	Scenic	Chora Sfakion

Inclusions and Fees

The package includes pick-up and drop-off service, a knowledgeable hiking escort, air-conditioned bus, professional driver, full liability insurance, and all legal taxes.

Additional fees include:

• Boat ticket: €13 per adult, €6.5 per child (up to 12 years old)

• Samaria Gorge entrance fee: €5, free for EU citizens up to 18 years and seniors over 65

• Cash is recommended for the boat ticket due to potential card payment issues.

While these additional costs are reasonable, it’s essential to factor them into your overall budget for the Samaria Gorge trek.

The experience offers stunning scenery, outdoor adventure, and a chance to explore the charming seaside town of Agia Roumeli.

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Important Information

While the Samaria Gorge trek offers a remarkable outdoor adventure, it’s not suitable for everyone. Pregnant women, individuals with heart problems, wheelchair users, those with vertigo, or high blood pressure shouldn’t attempt the hike.

To ensure a comfortable and safe experience, hikers should come prepared. The following table outlines essential items to bring:

Item	Recommendation
Footwear	Comfortable, sturdy shoes
Clothing	Breathable, lightweight layers
Sun Protection	Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
Hydration	Reusable water bottle
Walking Aids	Optional: trekking poles

The hiking pace varies, and those who finish earlier may have more leisure time in Agia Roumeli. Boat tickets are available on-site, with cash being the recommended payment method.

Pickup and Drop-off Locations

Commencing at various pickup points, the tour collects participants from 8 different locations across the Chania region, including Agii Apostoli, Chania, Gerani, Maleme, Tavronitis, Kolymvari, Stalos, and Platanias.

The pickup times range from 5:20 AM to 6:10 AM, ensuring a prompt start to the day’s adventure.

After the pickup, the tour transports guests via air-conditioned bus to the White Mountains Forest Preserve, setting the stage for the 20-minute journey to the Samaria Gorge National Park entrance.

The return journey includes a scenic ferry ride from Agia Roumeli to Sfakia, followed by bus transport back to the original drop-off locations.

• Pickup times: 5:20 AM to 6:10 AM

• 8 pickup locations across Chania region

• Return journey includes ferry and bus transport

Hiking Duration and Terrain

Hikers traverse the Samaria Gorge over 5.5 hours, taking in the scenic views and making necessary breaks along the way. The trail winds through stunning landscapes, offering glimpses of the Church of St. Nicolas and the iconic Portes (Iron Gates). Trekkers may even spot the elusive kri-kri, a type of wild goat, during their journey. The terrain varies, with some sections being more challenging than others. To help visualize the hike, consider this breakdown:

Terrain	Difficulty	Time
Flat	Easy	2 hours
Incline	Moderate	1.5 hours
Decline	Challenging	1 hour
Rocky	Moderate	0.5 hours
Uneven	Moderate	0.5 hours

The hike culminates in the picturesque town of Agia Roumeli, where hikers can relax, enjoy the beach, savor local cuisine, and explore the shops.

Agia Roumeli and Return Journey

Upon reaching the scenic town of Agia Roumeli, hikers can enjoy a well-deserved respite on the inviting beaches and explore the local shops and cuisine. The return journey includes a 40-minute ferry ride from Agia Roumeli to Sfakia, followed by bus transport back to the original drop-off locations.

The experience in Agia Roumeli offers several highlights:

• Relax on the picturesque beaches and soak up the Mediterranean atmosphere

• Savor the local cuisine, including fresh seafood and traditional Greek dishes

• Browse the shops for unique souvenirs and gifts to commemorate the trek

With the return leg seamlessly integrated, the Samaria Gorge excursion provides a well-rounded adventure for visitors to the Chania region.

Recap

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the stunning Samaria Gorge, Europe’s longest trek.

Witness breathtaking views, diverse terrain, and unique wildlife on this exhilarating 16.5-kilometer hike.

After the trek, unwind at Agia Roumeli’s beautiful beaches before returning via a scenic ferry ride, completing an unforgettable adventure from Chania.

You can check if your dates are available here: