From Chania/Rethymno: Samaria Gorge Easy Way

Exploring the captivating Samaria Gorge has never been easier. This guided tour from Chania/Rethymno whisks travelers through Crete’s mesmerizing landscapes, ensuring a hassle-free adventure. With convenient transfers, a scenic ferry ride, and expert-led hiking, the ‘Samaria Gorge Easy Way’ offers an unforgettable opportunity to take in nature’s grandeur. From traversing dramatic cliffs to witnessing the iconic Iron Gates, this tour caters to outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. But what truly sets this experience apart? The answer lies in the details that define an exceptional day in the heart of Crete.

Key Points

• The Samaria Gorge Easy Way tour offers a day trip from Chania/Rethymno to the Samaria Gorge, priced at €28.40 per person with English-guided transportation and boat rides.
• The tour includes a 110-minute bus transfer to Omalos, followed by a ferry ride to Agia Roumeli, where the 16km gorge hike begins.
• The hike through the gorge takes approximately 4-7 hours and features dramatic cliffs, the famous Iron Gates, and opportunities for swimming in the Libyan Sea.
• The tour package covers round-trip transportation, live guide, boat tickets, and entrance fees, providing a hassle-free exploration of the Samaria Gorge.
• The tour is suitable for adults and children aged 4 and up, but proper footwear and mobility are recommended for the hiking portion.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of Samaria Gorge Easy Way

This day trip offers an easy and convenient way for visitors to explore the renowned Samaria Gorge in Crete. Priced from €28.40 per person, the tour lasts 9 hours to 1 day and is guided in English.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, travellers can explore this natural wonder without worrying about logistics. The tour includes bus transfers, a ferry ride, and admission fees.

Participants can expect to hike through the gorge, visit the Iron Gate, and enjoy a dip in the sea. Suitable for adults and children aged 4 and up, this excursion is perfect for those seeking an effortless way to experience Samaria Gorge’s stunning landscapes.

Pickup and Drop-off Locations

The tour offers pickup locations at 17 different spots, including popular destinations like Chania, Rethimno, Gerani, and Agia Marina. This makes it convenient for travelers to join the tour from a location close to their accommodation.

After the bus transfer to Omalos, the group will then take a ferry to Agia Roumeli to begin the hike through Samaria Gorge.

At the end of the day, the ferry will bring the group back to the bus for the transfer to their original pickup point or a nearby location.

With these flexible pickup and drop-off options, the Samaria Gorge Easy Way tour provides a hassle-free way to explore this stunning natural wonder.

Transportation to Omalos and Agia Roumeli

After being picked up from their designated location, travelers embark on a 110-minute bus transfer to Omalos, the starting point of the Samaria Gorge hike. This scenic journey takes them through the White Mountains, offering stunning vistas along the way.

Upon arrival at Omalos, participants then board a ferry that transports them down the Libyan Sea to the coastal town of Agia Roumeli. This boat ride provides a refreshing break before the hike and allows travelers to take in the picturesque views of the surrounding landscape.

Once in Agia Roumeli, participants are ready to begin their trek through the renowned Samaria Gorge, immersed in the natural beauty of this geological wonder.

Hiking in Samaria Gorge

Upon arriving in Agia Roumeli, hikers embark on their trek through the iconic Samaria Gorge, a geological marvel renowned for its diverse landscapes and stunning natural beauty.

The 16km hike takes around 4-7 hours to complete, winding through dramatic cliffs and lush forests. Along the way, hikers will encounter the famous ‘Iron Gates,’ a narrow passage just 4 meters wide with towering walls on either side.

Stopping for a refreshing swim in the crystalline waters is a highlight. Proper footwear is essential, as the terrain can be challenging at times.

Though not suitable for those with leg issues, the Samaria Gorge offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in Crete’s breathtaking natural splendor.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Visit to Iron Gate

As hikers make their way through the Samaria Gorge, they’ll come across the renowned ‘Iron Gates‘, a narrow passage just 4 meters wide with towering walls on either side. This iconic spot is a highlight of the trek, showcasing the gorge’s dramatic geography.

Squeezing through the Iron Gates, hikers are surrounded by the imposing limestone cliffs that reach up to 300 meters high. It’s a humbling experience, reminding visitors of the gorge’s immense scale and natural power.

After passing through this natural gateway, hikers can pause to take in the views and snap photos before continuing on their journey through the remainder of the stunning Samaria Gorge.

Onsite Activities and Facilities

The Samaria Gorge Easy Way tour offers visitors a range of activities and facilities to enhance their experience.

Hikers can look forward to a scenic ferry ride to Agia Roumeli, where they’ll have the opportunity to swim in the refreshing waters and enjoy a provided lunch.

Throughout the trek, participants can marvel at the dramatic limestone cliffs and the iconic Iron Gate, a narrow passage that showcases the gorge’s impressive natural features.

The tour includes round-trip transportation, a live guide, boat tickets, and the gorge entrance fee, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable day exploring one of Crete’s most renowned natural wonders.

Proper footwear is essential, and the tour may not be suitable for those with leg issues.

Inclusions and Pricing

The Samaria Gorge Easy Way tour includes round-trip bus transfers, a live guide, boat tickets, and the entrance fee to the gorge, providing a comprehensive package for visitors.

The bus transfer from the pickup location to Omalos takes around 110 minutes, followed by a ferry ride to Agia Roumeli.

The boat tickets and the entrance fee to the gorge are included in the tour price, which starts from €28.40 per person.

This all-inclusive package makes it easy for travelers to explore the stunning Samaria Gorge without having to worry about the logistics.

The tour is suitable for adults aged 12-99 and children aged 4-11, though infants under 3 aren’t permitted.

Participant Information and Requirements

Participants for the Samaria Gorge Easy Way tour must be at least 4 years old, with adults ages 12-99 and children ages 4-11 welcome. Infants 3 and under are also permitted.

This tour is suitable for most fitness levels, though it’s recommended that participants have decent mobility and can handle the 16km hike through the gorge.

The tour involves a bus transfer to the starting point, followed by a ferry ride, hiking, and a return ferry.

Proper preparation is key – make sure to bring comfortable shoes, water, and weather-appropriate clothing.

With advance ticket booking and an overall rating of 3.2/5, the Samaria Gorge Easy Way offers an accessible way to experience this natural wonder.

Recap

The Samaria Gorge Easy Way tour offers a hassle-free opportunity to explore one of Crete’s most impressive natural wonders.

With convenient transportation, guided hiking, and all necessary fees included, this day trip provides an unforgettable experience for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Participants can marvel at the dramatic cliffs, lush forests, and iconic Iron Gates while enjoying a 16km hike through the stunning Samaria Gorge.

You can check if your dates are available here: