Full-Day Beginners Hiking Route Tour to Samaria Gorge

Exploring the Samaria Gorge, one of Greece’s natural wonders, is an adventure not to be missed. The Full-Day Beginners Hiking Route Tour offers an accessible way for novice hikers to experience this stunning landscape. Operated by Fantasy Travel, the excursion provides a guided 16-kilometer hike through diverse terrain, complemented by a scenic boat ride and refreshing swims. Whether you’re seeking a challenging outdoor activity or simply want to learn about the region’s captivating beauty, this tour promises an unforgettable journey. But there’s more to discover about what makes this hike a must-do for any traveler to Greece.

About Your Stay

1. The tour is a full-day excursion through Samaria Gorge, featuring a 5-7 hour trek suitable for beginner hikers.
2. The tour includes pickup from Chania, a boat ride to the exit point, and guidance by experienced professionals.
3. Hikers should bring essential gear like comfortable shoes, sun protection, water, and light snacks for the moderate difficulty hike.
4. The tour has a maximum capacity of 40 travelers, providing a personalized experience, but is not wheelchair accessible.
5. Customer feedback is mixed, with some praise for alternative hiking options but also reports of miscommunication and issues with refunds.

Overview of the Tour

The "Beginners Hiking Tour to Samaria Gorge" is a full-day excursion that takes adventurers on a guided hike through the stunning Samaria Gorge located in Chania, Greece.

Operated by Fantasy Travel, the tour departs at 7 AM from Chania and returns around 9 PM. Hikers can expect a 5-7 hour trek, with a boat ride to the gorge’s exit point in Agia Roumeli.

The tour accommodates up to 40 travelers and isn’t wheelchair accessible. Comfortable hiking shoes, sun protection, and light snacks are recommended.

While the tour is marketed as beginner-friendly, some past visitors have reported feeling misled about the level of guidance provided.

Itinerary and Inclusions

To begin, the tour includes pickup from a designated spot in Chania via an air-conditioned luxury bus.

After a breakfast stop at the travelers’ own expense, the group will drive to Sougia and then take a boat ride to Agia Roumeli, the exit point of the Samaria Gorge.

The highlight of the tour is the guided hike through the iconic Samaria Gorge, which can take 5-7 hours to complete.

The optional entrance fee is €5 per adult, while the round-trip boat ticket costs €18 per adult and €11 per child (ages 5-12).

Participants should wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring sun protection, water, and light snacks.

Hike Through Samaria Gorge

What can travelers expect during the guided hike through the iconic Samaria Gorge? The hike covers a distance of 16 kilometers, winding through breathtaking landscapes and geological formations. Experienced guides lead the way, ensuring a safe and engaging journey. Hikers will navigate through narrow passages, crossing small streams, and marveling at the natural beauty that unfolds around them.

Hiking Difficulty	Estimated Duration	Elevation Change	Terrain
Moderate	5-7 hours	1,230 meters descent	Rocky, uneven paths

Along the way, hikers will have the opportunity to spot a variety of flora and fauna unique to the region, including the elusive Cretan wild goat. The hike culminates with a refreshing swim at the picturesque Agia Roumeli beach, a well-deserved reward for completing this iconic Samaria Gorge adventure.

What to Expect on the Tour

Travelers embarking on this beginners hiking tour to Samaria Gorge can expect a well-organized and guided journey through one of Greece’s most iconic natural wonders.

The tour is limited to a maximum of 40 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience. Comfortable hiking shoes are a must, and recommended items include sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a water bottle, and light snacks.

After completing the 5-7 hour hike, hikers can enjoy a refreshing swim at the Agia Roumeli beach.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, infants can accompany their parents by sitting on their laps.

With clear instructions and support from the guide, this tour offers a suitable option for beginner hikers to explore the Samaria Gorge.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

The tour operator’s customer reviews present a mixed picture, with an average rating of 3.0 out of 6 reviews.

While some travelers praised the alternative hiking options for beginners, others felt misled about the level of guidance provided.

Several customers reported issues with refunds due to tour cancellations.

This suggests the tour may not consistently meet the expectations of all participants, especially those seeking a more beginner-friendly experience.

Prospective hikers should carefully review the tour details and customer feedback to ensure it aligns with their hiking abilities and preferences before booking.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Customers receive confirmation upon booking the Beginners Hiking Tour to Samaria Gorge. The tour offers flexible payment options and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.

Key booking and cancellation details:

1. Confirmation received at time of booking.
2. Free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the tour.
3. Flexible payment options make it easy to secure a spot on the Beginners Hiking Tour.

The tour operates seasonally from May 8 to October 31, with daily departures at 6:00 AM – 6:30 AM from Chania.

Customers can book with confidence, knowing they’ve the flexibility to adjust their plans if needed.

Tour Dates and Duration

Operated seasonally from May 8 to October 31, the Beginners Hiking Tour to Samaria Gorge departs daily between 6:00 AM and 6:30 AM from Chania.

The tour lasts 5-7 hours, with the hike through the famous gorge comprising the majority of the duration.

Travelers can expect to return to Chania around 9:00 PM, after the boat ride back from the gorge’s exit.

The length of the hike and overall tour may vary depending on the pace of the group and any unforeseen circumstances.

Nonetheless, this full-day beginner-friendly excursion offers a comprehensive Samaria Gorge experience for visitors to Crete.

Questions About Staying Here

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Hike?

The tour does not specify a minimum age requirement. However, the hike through Samaria Gorge may not be suitable for very young children, as it requires comfortable hiking shoes and the ability to walk for 5-7 hours.

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

Unfortunately, pets are not permitted on the Samaria Gorge hike. The tour operator’s policies strictly prohibit bringing animals due to safety considerations for both hikers and the animals themselves during the challenging terrain and conditions of the trek.

What Is the Average Group Size for This Tour?

The tour has a maximum group size of 40 travelers. Groups are kept small to provide a more personalized experience and allow for better navigation through the gorge.

Do I Need to Carry My Own Food and Water?

Hikers should bring their own food and water for the tour. The tour description recommends bringing a water bottle and light snacks, as there is no provided meal during the hike. Proper hydration and nourishment are crucial for the duration of the trek.

Is There an Opportunity to Explore Chania Before or After the Hike?

The tour doesn’t include time for exploring Chania before or after the hike. However, travelers can consider arriving early or staying later to explore the city’s charming streets, markets, and coastal promenade on their own.

Worth The Stay

The Full-Day Beginners Hiking Route Tour to Samaria Gorge offers an unforgettable adventure through one of Greece’s most stunning natural wonders. With a guided hike, scenic boat ride, and opportunities to swim and observe diverse flora and fauna, this tour is an ideal experience for novice hikers seeking an accessible and rewarding outdoor exploration. Operated by Fantasy Travel, the tour runs daily during the peak season, providing a comprehensive and practical way to discover the beauty of the Samaria Gorge.