Full Day Samaria Gorge 10-Mile Walking Tour

The Samaria Gorge in Crete is a renowned natural wonder, offering adventurous travelers an unforgettable hiking experience. This 10-mile walking tour immerses participants in the rugged beauty of one of Europe’s longest canyons, with professional guides leading the way. From an early morning start to avoid crowds, hikers will navigate challenging trails while drinking in stunning vistas. But the journey doesn’t end there – a scenic boat ride back to the coastal village of Chora Sfakion caps off this remarkable day amidst nature’s grandeur. For those seeking an exhilarating outdoor adventure, this tour promises an unparalleled opportunity to explore Crete’s breathtaking landscapes.

This experience made our list of the 15 Fantastic Walking Tours In Heraklion.

Good To Know

• A challenging 10-mile hike through Samaria Gorge, one of Europe’s longest canyons, featuring steep walls and tight passages.
• Hassle-free round-trip transportation from select north coast hotels in Crete, with an early morning start to avoid crowds.
• A scenic boat ride back to Chora Sfakion after the hike, followed by a bus return to the hotel.
• Included features such as a professional guide, local taxes, and flexible booking options with free cancellation.
• Recommendations for proper footwear and the importance of physical fitness, as the tour is not wheelchair accessible.

Tour Overview and Logistics

The Samaria Gorge Walking Tour offers a full-day excursion to explore one of Europe’s longest canyons, covering a 10-mile (18-kilometer) hike with hassle-free round-trip transportation from select north coast hotels in Crete.

This guided tour starts early in the morning from Chania, ensuring participants arrive at the trailhead ahead of the crowds.

After the challenging hike, travelers will enjoy a boat ride back to the coastal village of Chora Sfakion and a bus return to Chania.

Lunch at the village of Agia Roumeli is at the traveler’s own expense.

The tour lasts approximately 13 hours, from pickup to drop-off, and offers a badge of excellence with 39 positive reviews.

Hiking Details

The 10-mile (18-kilometer) hike through Samaria Gorge poses a challenging trek that tests physical fitness, with spectacular views of the steep walls and tight passageways that characterize one of Europe’s longest canyons.

The terrain is rugged, with uneven footing that requires sturdy hiking shoes and walking sticks for additional support. While the hike isn’t recommended for those with serious medical conditions, it’s open to travelers aged 3 and up, though children must be accompanied by an adult.

Group sizes are limited to a maximum of 50 participants, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience.

• Challenging 10-mile hike through one of Europe’s longest canyons

• Steep walls and tight passageways provide spectacular scenery

• Terrain tests physical fitness, requiring proper footwear and equipment

• Open to travelers aged 3 and up, with a maximum group size of 50

Included Features

For this walking tour, travelers enjoy a suite of included features to enhance their experience.

A professional guide provides support and assistance throughout the hike.

Plus, the tour package includes round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off from select north coast hotels in the Heraklion, Chania, and Rethymnon areas.

Local taxes and entrance fees of €18.00 are also covered.

On top of that, the tour operator offers flexible booking options, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts and a Reserve Now and Pay Later option available.

These inclusive features ensure a hassle-free and enjoyable day exploring the stunning Samaria Gorge.

What to Expect

Travelers should be aware that this walking tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and requires strong physical fitness, as the challenging 10-mile hike through the Samaria Gorge tests one’s endurance with steep terrain and uneven footing throughout.

While the stunning scenery and sense of accomplishment make the trek worthwhile, it’s essential to be prepared:

• Hiking shoes are recommended, and walking sticks can provide valuable support on the trail.

• Travelers should be mindful that the duration of transfers may vary based on traffic conditions.

• Though the minimum age is 3 years, children must be accompanied by an adult due to the demanding nature of the hike.

• Hikers should allow ample time to enjoy the breathtaking views and scenery along the way.

Traveler Feedback and Recommendations

Reviews of the Samaria Gorge walking tour highlight both the stunning scenery and sense of accomplishment that draw travelers, though some express frustration with logistical aspects such as timing and crowding on the trail. Travelers consistently praise the tour’s scenic beauty and the rewarding feeling of completing the challenging hike. However, some note issues with the tour’s timing and organization, such as crowds on the trail. To provide a clearer picture, here’s a breakdown of the key traveler feedback:

Positive	Neutral	Negative
Stunning scenery	Transfers approximate	Timing issues
Sense of accomplishment		Crowding on trail
		Recommend proper footwear

Early Morning Start and Crowd Avoidance

To avoid the crowds that tend to build up later in the day, the Samaria Gorge walking tour begins early in the morning, with pickup from select north coast hotels and arrival at the trailhead ahead of the main influx of visitors. This allows hikers to enjoy the stunning scenery and narrow passageways of the canyon with fewer people around.

The early start also means travelers can beat the heat, as the hike can be quite physically demanding. Some key benefits of the early morning departure include:

• Arriving at the gorge’s entrance before the majority of other tour groups

• Experiencing the canyon in relative solitude and peace

• Avoiding the midday sun and heat during the most challenging portions of the trek

• Having more time to take in the breathtaking views and natural wonders along the way

Boat Ride and Coastal Village Lunch

After completing the challenging 10-mile hike through the Samaria Gorge, travelers are rewarded with a scenic boat ride back to the coastal village of Agia Roumeli.

Here, they can enjoy a lunch break (own expense) before the bus journey returns them to their starting point in Chania.

The boat ride provides a chance to rest weary legs and take in the stunning views of the rugged coastline.

Agia Roumeli offers a peaceful respite, allowing hikers to refuel with a local meal before the final leg of the tour.

This integrated transport and lunch stop ensures a well-rounded experience, complementing the challenging trek with opportunities to relax and savor the coastal ambiance.

Hassle-free Round Trip Transport

The tour provides hassle-free round-trip transport, picking up travelers from select north coast hotels and returning them to Chania at the end of the day. This convenient service includes:

• Hotel pickup from Heraklion, Chania, and Rethymnon areas

• Comfortable bus ride to the Samaria Gorge trailhead, arriving before the crowds

• Boat transfer back to Chora Sfakion after the hike

• Drop-off at your original hotel, ensuring a seamless end to the day’s adventure

With this included transportation, participants can focus on the stunning scenery and challenging trek, without the worry of arranging their own logistics.

The tour’s hassle-free nature allows travelers to fully enjoy the Samaria Gorge experience from start to finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Prepare for the Strenuous Hike?

To prepare for a strenuous hike, one should build up physical fitness, wear appropriate hiking shoes, bring a walking stick for support, pack plenty of water and snacks, and be aware of their physical limitations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

What Should I Pack for the Day-Long Tour?

For a strenuous day-long hike, one should pack plenty of water, snacks, sun protection, appropriate hiking shoes, a light jacket, and trekking poles for added stability on uneven terrain. Bringing a small backpack to carry essentials is also recommended.

Are There Restroom Facilities Along the Hiking Trail?

There are limited restroom facilities along the Samaria Gorge hiking trail. Visitors should plan accordingly, as there are only a few basic restroom stops throughout the 10-mile trek. Proper preparation is advised before embarking on the challenging hike.

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on this Samaria Gorge hiking tour. The trail is considered challenging and not suitable for animals. For the safety and enjoyment of all participants, only registered service animals are permitted.

Is There an Option to Shorten or Modify the Hike?

The tour doesn’t offer options to shorten or modify the 10-mile hike. It’s a challenging, set route through Samaria Gorge. However, travelers can choose to walk at their own pace and take breaks as needed during the trek.

Sum Up

The Samaria Gorge 10-Mile Walking Tour offers an unforgettable day of hiking through one of Europe’s most stunning natural wonders.

With hassle-free transportation, early morning starts, and guided navigation, participants can fully enjoy the gorge’s breathtaking scenery.

The challenging trails and boat ride back provide a well-rounded adventure, making this tour a must-do experience for nature enthusiasts visiting Crete.