From Chania: Samaria Gorge Hiking Tour

The Samaria Gorge Hiking Tour from Chania is a popular excursion that allows adventurous travelers to explore one of Europe’s most magnificent natural wonders. Priced at €40 per person, the tour provides round-trip transportation and a challenging 6-hour hike through the breathtaking gorge. Participants can look forward to a scenic journey, opportunities to swim in crystal-clear waters, and a chance to savor local cuisine during a lunch break. With its stunning landscapes and exciting activities, this tour promises an unforgettable experience for those seeking to enjoy the natural beauty of Crete.

Key Points

• Samaria Gorge Hiking Tour offers round-trip transportation from various Chania region locations, including Tavronitis, Chania, Platanias, and nearby towns.
• The tour includes a 6-hour hike through the Samaria Gorge National Park, the second-longest gorge in Europe and the longest in the Mediterranean.
• After the hike, a 2.5-hour break is provided for lunch and swimming at Agia Roumeli beach.
• The tour is priced at €40 per person and includes a dedicated hiking escort for safety and assistance.
• The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start for a full refund.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Samaria Gorge Hiking Tour offers an exhilarating outdoor adventure from €40.00 per person, with a duration of 14 hours and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Guests can conveniently reserve their spot now and pay later.

The tour provides round-trip transportation from various pickup locations in the Chania region via air-conditioned luxury buses. Availability varies by starting time, so guests are encouraged to check for open slots.

Itinerary and Transportation

The tour begins with pickup locations across the Chania region, including Tavronitis, Chania, Platanias, and several other nearby towns and villages.

Guests will be transported via a comfortable, air-conditioned luxury bus to the starting point at Omalos, which takes around 1.5 hours. After a brief breakfast stop, the hiking adventure through Samaria Gorge National Park commences, lasting approximately 6 hours.

Once through the gorge, travelers will have 2.5 hours to enjoy a leisurely lunch, swim in the crystal-clear waters of Agia Roumeli, and explore the traditional village.

Experience Highlights

Hikers can explore the 2nd longest gorge in Europe and the longest in the Mediterranean as they embark on this self-paced hiking tour through Samaria Gorge National Park. Along the way, they’ll have opportunities to swim in the crystal-clear waters and explore traditional villages. A dedicated hiking escort ensures safety and assistance throughout the day’s activities.

The tour highlights include:

Experience	Details
Gorge Exploration	Discover the natural beauty of the 2nd longest gorge in Europe
Swimming	Refreshing dip in the waters after the hike
Traditional Villages	Wander through charming local communities
Hiking Escort	Knowledgeable guide ensures a safe and enjoyable experience

Inclusions and Fees

This tour includes round-trip transportation and all necessary fees and taxes. It also provides a dedicated hiking escort to ensure the safety and enjoyment of participants.

However, personal expenses, extra beverages, and meals not specified in the itinerary aren’t included in the tour price.

The admission fee to Samaria Gorge, which costs €5 per adult (children are free), must be paid in cash on-site. Similarly, the boat ticket from Agia Roumeli to Chora Sfakion, priced at €13 per adult and €5.50 per child aged 5-12, is also a separate expense that needs to be settled directly.

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Important Information

Not all participants may be suited for this hiking tour, as it’s not recommended for pregnant women, individuals with mobility impairments, heart problems, or wheelchair users.

Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a camera, snacks, and a reusable water bottle are essential items to bring. Pets and open-toed shoes aren’t allowed on the tour.

Staying hydrated by refilling water bottles at the springs in the gorge is crucial. Swimming at Agia Roumeli beach after exiting the gorge is a recommended activity, so hikers should bring their swimsuit and towel.

On top of that, visitors can observe the endangered kri-kri goats and find a pharmacy and communication with police in the old village of Samaria.

Pickup and Dropoff Locations

The tour provides pickup locations from several destinations along the western coast of Crete, including Tavronitis, Chania, Platanias, Stalos, Agia Marina, Kolymvari, Gerani, Agii Apostoli, Halepa, and Maleme, with the return drop-off mirroring these pickup points. This wide range of pickup and drop-off locations allows travelers from across the region to conveniently access the tour. The transportation is provided via an air-conditioned luxury bus, ensuring a comfortable journey to and from the starting point at Omalos.

Pickup Locations	Drop-off Locations
Tavronitis	Tavronitis
Chania	Chania
Platanias	Platanias
Stalos	Stalos

Hiking Escort and Assistance

A hiking escort accompanies participants throughout the Samaria Gorge trek, providing safety and assistance.

These guides have extensive knowledge of the terrain and can offer valuable insights about the natural environment and cultural significance of the area.

They ensure hikers remain on the marked trail, monitor everyone’s wellbeing, and provide guidance if any issues arise during the self-paced journey.

The hiking escort is an essential part of the tour, as the Samaria Gorge can be challenging even for experienced hikers.

Their presence helps to create a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants, from ensuring proper hydration to offering encouragement along the way.

Hikers can feel confident knowing they’ve a knowledgeable guide to support them throughout the entire excursion.

Natural Springs and Hydration

Along the Samaria Gorge hike, hikers can take advantage of the natural springs located throughout the trail to stay hydrated.

These springs provide a reliable source of fresh, clean water that can be refilled in reusable bottles, helping participants maintain their energy levels and avoid dehydration during the challenging trek.

The tour escort encourages hikers to stay well-hydrated by making frequent stops at these natural water sources.

By replenishing their water supply, hikers can better tackle the steep terrain and long distance of the Samaria Gorge, ensuring they’ve the stamina to complete the hike comfortably and safely.

These natural springs are an invaluable resource for participants on the Samaria Gorge hiking tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Stop and Rest During the Hike?

Yes, hikers can stop and rest during the Samaria Gorge hike. The tour includes designated resting areas with natural springs, providing opportunities to hydrate and take breaks as needed throughout the 6-hour self-paced trek.

How Difficult Is the Hike Through the Gorge?

The hike through Samaria Gorge is considered moderately difficult, requiring a good level of fitness and stamina. The 16km trail involves varied terrain, steep descents, and rocky sections, making it challenging but doable for most able-bodied hikers.

Is There Phone Coverage and Wifi Access During the Tour?

There is limited phone coverage and no WiFi access during the Samaria Gorge hike. The remote gorge environment has sparse cellular connectivity, so hikers should plan accordingly and bring a portable charger if needed for emergencies or taking photos.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Snacks?

Yes, participants can bring their own food and snacks on the tour. The tour information indicates that personal expenses, extra beverages, and meals not included are the responsibility of each individual.

Is There a Minimum or Maximum Group Size?

The tour has no minimum group size, but the maximum group size is limited to ensure a comfortable and personalized experience. The tour operator’s policy is to maintain small groups, typically no more than 25 participants.

Recap

The Samaria Gorge Hiking Tour from Chania offers an unparalleled adventure through one of Europe’s most captivating natural landscapes.

Priced at €40 per person, the 14-hour tour includes round-trip transportation, a challenging 6-hour hike, opportunities to swim in pristine waters, and a chance to savor local cuisine.

Participants can expect an unforgettable experience, immersed in the stunning natural beauty of the Samaria Gorge.

You can check if your dates are available here: