From Rethymno: Samaria Gorge With Professional Hiking Guide

Explore the wonders of Crete’s stunning natural landscapes with a guided hike through the renowned Samaria Gorge. Starting from the charming town of Rethymno, this full-day excursion promises an unforgettable adventure led by experienced guides. Descend into the captivating depths of Europe’s second-largest gorge, marveling at the dramatic cliffs and the endangered Cretan Goat. With convenient transportation and an opportunity to refresh at Agia Roumeli beach, this guided tour offers a seamless and enriching experience for outdoor enthusiasts. Uncover the hidden gems of Crete’s wilderness and prepare to be amazed by the breathtaking scenery that awaits.

This experience made our list of the 3 Best Guided Tours In Rethymno.

Key Points

• Guided hiking tour of Samaria Gorge, Europe’s largest gorge, with pickup from Rethymno accommodations and professional guide for a 14-hour experience.
• Includes transportation, boat transfer, and entrance fee, enabling a hassle-free exploration of the scenic gorge.
• Descent of 600 wooden steps, traversal of the narrow ‘Iron Gates,’ and a refreshing swim at Agia Roumeli beach.
• Opportunity to spot the endangered Cretan Goat ‘Kri-Kri’ and enjoy panoramic views from the Omalos Plateau.
• Tour unsuitable for pregnant women and wheelchair users due to the challenging nature of the hike, with essential gear recommendations provided.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview

The Samaria Gorge hiking experience takes travelers on a journey through one of Europe’s largest gorges, offering a scenic and adventurous day-long excursion from Rethymno.

Priced from $31.68 per person, the 14-hour guided tour includes pickup, transportation, and boat transfer. Available in English and German, the hike boasts free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Visitors can expect to descend the gorge’s 600 wooden steps, witness the narrow ‘Iron Gates’, and conclude the trek with a swim at Agia Roumeli beach before the boat ride to Sfakia.

This immersive experience showcases the natural wonders of Crete’s landscapes.

Experience Highlights

Hikers will traverse the second-largest gorge in Europe, taking in the scenic boat ride to the village of Sfakia and swimming in the cool waters of Agia Roumeli.

Along the way, they’ll have the opportunity to:

• See the endangered Cretan Goat ‘Kri-Kri’ in its natural habitat

• Admire the panoramic views from the Omalos Plateau

• Marvel at the narrow Iron Gates, just 4 meters wide

• Enjoy a well-deserved rest and swim after the 600-step descent into the gorge

This comprehensive experience highlights the natural beauty and rich biodiversity of Crete, providing an unforgettable adventure for outdoor enthusiasts.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins with pickup from accommodations in Rethymno, followed by a journey to the Omalos Plateau around 8:30 AM.

From there, participants descend 600 wooden steps into the Samaria Gorge. They’ll explore the gorge, including the narrow Iron Gates section which is only 4 meters wide.

The hike concludes at the beach in Agia Roumeli, where hikers can relax and swim in the cool waters.

Around 5:00 PM, a boat departs from Agia Roumeli to take participants to the village of Sfakia, marking the end of the day’s adventures.

Inclusions and Exclusions

This tour includes pickup and drop-off, a hiking escort, air-conditioned luxury transportation, full liability insurance, a boat ticket from Agia Roumeli to Sfakia, and the entrance fee.

However, it isn’t suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users due to the challenging nature of the hike through Samaria Gorge.

The key inclusions are:

• Pickup and drop-off

• Hiking escort

• Air-conditioned luxury bus

• Full liability insurance

The boat ticket and entrance fee are also covered, making this an all-inclusive experience.

However, it’s important to note that this tour isn’t recommended for certain individuals.

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Recommendations

Visitors should bring essential items like sunglasses, a sun hat, proper hiking shoes, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle to ensure a comfortable and safe experience during the Samaria Gorge hike.

The terrain can be rocky and uneven, so sturdy footwear is a must. Dressing in lightweight, breathable layers and packing beachwear is also recommended, as the hike concludes at the scenic Agia Roumeli beach, where hikers can relax and swim in the cool waters.

Plus, customers should be aware that the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users due to the challenging nature of the Samaria Gorge trail.

Customer Feedback

Customers have provided generally positive feedback about their experience with the Samaria Gorge hiking tour, rating it 4.5 out of 5 based on 2 reviews.

However, some noted issues with the bus address provided for pickup.

Customers praised the overall activity experience, highlighting the scenic beauty of the gorge and the knowledgeable hiking escort. The boat ride to Sfakia and the opportunity to swim in the cool waters of Agia Roumeli were also appreciated.

However, a few reviewers mentioned:

• Difficulties finding the correct bus address for pickup
• Lack of clear directions or signage at the starting point
• Concerns about the tour’s suitability for those with mobility issues

Despite these minor concerns, the Samaria Gorge hiking tour seems to have provided a memorable adventure for most customers.

Pickup and Drop-off

The tour includes pickup and drop-off service from accommodations in Rethymno.

Participants are advised to be ready at their pickup location by 8:30 AM to ensure a timely start to the day’s activities.

The luxury air-conditioned bus will then make its way to the starting point at the Omalos Plateau, which takes approximately 1.5 hours from Rethymno.

After completing the 16km hike through the Samaria Gorge, hikers will be dropped off at Sfakia, where they can catch a boat back to Agia Roumeli.

The tour ensures a seamless transportation experience, allowing participants to focus on enjoying the scenic hike without having to worry about logistics.

Hiking Escort

A professional hiking guide accompanies participants throughout the Samaria Gorge trek, ensuring a safe and enriching experience. The guide’s expertise and local knowledge are invaluable, as they:

• Provide insightful commentary on the gorge’s history, flora, and fauna

• Identify and point out the endangered Cretan Goat ‘Kri-Kri’ along the way

• Assist with navigation, helping hikers navigate the challenging terrain

• Offer guidance and support to ensure participants complete the trek safely

With the guide’s leadership, hikers can fully enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the Samaria Gorge, creating unforgettable memories of their Cretan adventure.

Recap

This guided hike through the stunning Samaria Gorge offers an unparalleled adventure.

Travelers will marvel at the scenic beauty, encounter the endangered Cretan Goat, and enjoy a refreshing swim – all under the expertise of a professional guide.

With convenient transportation and comprehensive support, this 14-hour tour provides an unforgettable exploration of nature’s wonders, making it a must-do experience for visitors to Rethymno.

You can check if your dates are available here: