Discover the grandeur of Samaria Gorge, one of Europe’s longest and most captivating natural wonders. This guided excursion from Chania promises an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts seeking an exhilarating challenge. Set out on a 6-hour trek through the dramatic landscape, marveling at breathtaking vistas and encountering the elusive Cretan wild goat. With a professional guide leading the way, you’ll learn about the gorge’s serene beauty, concluding your journey with a refreshing swim and lunch in the picturesque coastal town of Agia Roumeli. Prepare to be swept away by the sheer magnificence of this extraordinary natural phenomenon.
Key Points
- A 14-hour guided tour from Chania to the Samaria Gorge, one of Europe’s longest hiking trails, priced between $33.21 and $41.51 per person.
- The tour includes air-conditioned bus transfer, a professional English-speaking guide, and a 6-hour hike through the scenic gorge with opportunities to spot the endangered Cretan wild goat.
- The trip starts with pickup from 15 locations in Chania, followed by a 1.5-hour drive to the Omalos Plateau and a 30-minute breakfast stop before the hike.
- The hike descends 1,200 meters into the gorge, showcasing breathtaking views of limestone cliffs and diverse ecosystems, culminating in a 2.5-hour lunch and swimming break at Agia Roumeli.
- The tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and liability insurance coverage, but is not recommended for individuals with certain health conditions or mobility issues.
Overview and Pricing
The Samaria Gorge hike with a professional guide in Chania, Greece offers visitors an opportunity to explore the second-largest gorge in Europe at a price range of $41.51 to $33.21 per person, with up to 20% savings available.
This 14-hour tour includes pickup and drop-off services, an air-conditioned luxury bus transfer, and a live English-speaking guide.
Guests can enjoy a breakfast stop, a 6-hour hike through the gorge, and a 2.5-hour lunch and swimming break at Agia Roumeli before taking a boat ride back to Sougia.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for travelers.
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Detailed Itinerary
After touching on the overview and pricing details, the itinerary for the Samaria Gorge hike showcases a carefully planned journey. Guests commence their experience with pickups from 15 locations across Chania, followed by a comfortable 1.5-hour transfer to the Omalos Plateau in an air-conditioned luxury bus. Before the hike, there’s a 30-minute breakfast stop to fuel up. The 6-hour hike through the second-largest gorge in Europe is the highlight, offering scenic views and the chance to spot the endangered Cretan Goat. Afterwards, hikers can enjoy a leisurely lunch and swim at Agia Roumeli before the return boat ride to Sougia and drop-off at their original pickup locations.
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Pickup and transfer to Omalos | 1.5 hours |
| Breakfast stop | 30 minutes |
| Hiking in Samaria Gorge | 6 hours |
| Lunch and swimming at Agia Roumeli | 2.5 hours |
Transportation Arrangements
Guests commence their journey with pickups from 15 locations across Chania before transferring to the Omalos Plateau in an air-conditioned luxury bus.
The 1.5-hour drive allows travelers to admire the scenic views of the region.
Upon arrival at the plateau, guests enjoy a 30-minute breakfast stop to fuel up before beginning the hike through the iconic Samaria Gorge.
After the 6-hour trek, the group boards a boat at Agia Roumeli for the approximately 5 PM return to Sougia.
From there, guests are dropped off at one of the 15 predetermined locations in Chania, completing the comprehensive transportation arrangements for this immersive hiking excursion.
Hiking Experience
Traversing the Samaria Gorge, one of Europe’s longest and most renowned hiking trails, offers adventurers a captivating journey through dramatic landscapes and diverse ecosystems.
The challenging 6-hour hike descends 1,200 meters into the gorge, rewarding trekkers with breathtaking vistas of towering limestone cliffs, lush vegetation, and the occasional sighting of the elusive Cretan wild goat, known as the ‘kri-kri’.
The hike culminates at the picturesque village of Agia Roumeli, where hikers can cool off in the refreshing Libyan Sea and savor a well-deserved lunch.
This exhilarating experience is a true testament to the natural wonders that make Greece’s Samaria Gorge a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyUnique Highlights
Beyond the exhilarating descent into the gorge, the Samaria Gorge hike offers visitors a chance to witness several unique highlights that make this excursion truly unforgettable.
Travelers can spot the endangered Cretan wild goat, known as the ‘kri-kri’, which is endemic to the region and a truly remarkable sight to behold.
Another highlight is the breathtaking views from the Omalos Plateau, where hikers are treated to sweeping vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
The hike also includes a visit to the Iron Gates, the narrowest part of the gorge measuring just 4 meters wide, creating a truly awe-inspiring experience.
These unique elements combine to make the Samaria Gorge hike an unforgettable adventure.
Included Services
The Samaria Gorge hiking tour includes several valuable services to enhance the overall experience. Travelers receive pickup and drop-off at 15 convenient locations across Chania, ensuring hassle-free transportation to and from the hike. A professional hiking escort accompanies the group throughout the trek, providing guidance and expertise.
Plus, the tour includes a luxury air-conditioned bus for the transfer to the starting point at Omalos Plateau, as well as full liability insurance coverage.
The tour also provides:
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A 30-minute breakfast stop en route to the trailhead
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Boat transportation from Agia Roumeli to Sougia at the end of the hike
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Entrance fee to the Samaria Gorge National Park
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Liability insurance for the full duration of the excursion
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Knowledgeable local guides to enhance the hiking experience
Important Considerations
Certain individuals may find the Samaria Gorge hike unsuitable due to specific health conditions or physical limitations. For instance, those with knee problems, high blood pressure, cardiac issues, or a fear of heights should reconsider participation, as the terrain and challenges may exacerbate their conditions.
Plus, the hike isn’t recommended for pregnant women, those with mobility impairments, or individuals over 80 or 95 years old.
Hikers are advised to bring proper hiking gear, such as sturdy shoes, sun protection, and plenty of water. Prohibited items include radios, excessive noise, littering, smoking outside rest points, and alcohol consumption.
Following these important guidelines will ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.
Recommendations and Restrictions
Hikers are advised to bring essential items like sunglasses, sun hats, sturdy hiking shoes, sunscreen, and plenty of water to ensure a comfortable and safe experience during the Samaria Gorge hike.
It’s also recommended to pack beachwear for swimming at Agia Roumeli.
To maintain the natural beauty of the gorge, certain items are prohibited, including:
- Radios
- Excessive noise
- Littering
- Smoking outside designated rest points
- Alcohol consumption
Individuals with certain health conditions, such as knee problems, high blood pressure, cardiac issues, or a fear of heights, may find the hike challenging and are advised to consult a medical professional before attempting the trail.
Recap
This unforgettable adventure from Chania to the stunning Samaria Gorge offers nature enthusiasts an exhilarating experience.
With a professional hiking guide, travelers will marvel at breathtaking views, encounter the endangered Cretan wild goat, and enjoy a relaxing lunch and swim at Agia Roumeli.
Convenient pickup, a scenic drive, and a challenging 6-hour trek through one of Europe’s longest gorges make this a must-do excursion.
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