How Long Is The Samaria Gorge Hike?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Length: The hike length is approx 16km of which 13 km are through the National Park and the last 3 km from the park to the village of Agia Roumeli where you will take the ferry back.

How hard is the Samaria Gorge hike?

This trail is not difficult , but it is very long. There are few tricky sections and one short uphill section, but for the most part it is very manageable, especially when you’re prepared for a long hike. Be aware of the donkeys on the trail and make way for them as they pass by pressing yourself against the wall.

How long is Samaria Gorge Crete?

In fact, the gorge is 16 km long, starting at an altitude of 1,250 m at the northern entrance, and ending at the shores of the Libyan Sea in Agia Roumeli. The walk through Samaria National Park is 13 km long, but one has to walk another two kilometers to Agia Roumeli from the park exit, making the hike 15 km long.

Can you walk up the Samaria Gorge?

You need to be physically fit to hike the whole gorge , as the first few kilometers descend steeply and can take a toll on the knees. If you’re not in the best shape, or only want to hike a short distance, you can take the ferry to Agia Roumeli and hike two miles up the final portion of the trail on an easy gradient.

Is Samaria Gorge worth it?

Samaria gorge was one of the highlights of our 6 day trip in Crete . Myself and my boyfriend are in a fairly good state of fitness but do not regularly hike, and we really enjoyed it, but it is challenging. I’m not a massive scenery seeker but the scenery on this walk is fab.

Can you swim in Samaria Gorge?

At the exit of the gorge of Samaria, you will have walked 13km. You need to walk 3 more in order to get to Agia Roumeli village. Head straight to the beach and have a refreshing swim in the Libyan sea . Most people need somewhere between 4 to 8 hours to walk the gorge of Samaria.

What is the longest gorge in Europe?

In the prefecture of Chania (also written “Hania”), the Samaria Gorge is the longest in Europe (total length 16km), and one of the most impressive gorges in Greece. It starts from Xylóskalo, at an altitude of 1230m. The width of the gorge is 150m at its widest point and 3m at its narrowest.

Can you drive through Samaria Gorge?

Driving here with your own rental car is only feasible unless you plan to hike back (which is impossible — since the route down takes 6-8 hours and the same applies to going back) or take a ferry to Sougia from where you will need to take the bus back to Omalos. Check the ferry schedule before opting for this option.

What do you wear in Samaria Gorge?

Wear a white T-shirt, a hat and don’t forget your sunblock . Especially after passing Samaria village, there are no trees along the trail to protect you from the sun. Wear soft sneakers with notched soles. They are essential so as not to slip on the steep path.

What is the gorge called in Crete?

Samaria Gorge is the most famous Cretan gorge. With a length of 18 kilometres, it is known as the longest trekking gorge in Europe.

Can you hike Samaria gorge in April?

It usually opens at or near the beginning of May, sometimes later, and occasionally – as happened this year – earlier. But even if the whole gorge isn’t open, it is often possible to walk up its lower part before then : I’ve done it in mid-April, as far as the first rest place, Christos.

Where does the Samaria Gorge hike start?

The starting point of the walk through the gorge of Samaria is at Xyloskalo , which is also the entrance point into the National Park.

How do I return from Samaria Gorge?

Your best choice is to take the early morning bus from Sougia to Omalos, walk down the gorge, and then return to Sougia with the boat .

What is the most beautiful part of Crete?

  1. Triopetra beach. Triopetra beach is best known for the three rocks found there, rising at the edge of the peninsula, hence its name. ...
  2. The White Mountains or Lefka Ori. ...
  3. Glyka Nera – Sweet Water beach. ...
  4. Margarites village. ...
  5. Myrtos village.

What is the best time of year to visit Crete?

The best time to visit Crete is from mid-May to June or from September to October . May brings with it warmer waters and beautiful wildflowers that can be spotted throughout the island’s natural attractions.

Is Crete in the Mediterranean?

Crete is the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean and the largest of the islands forming part of modern Greece.

How do you get to Samaria Gorge by car?

Samaria Gorge the Lazy Way

Sougia and take a ferry to Agia Roumeli. From there go up the nice road until the entrance of the National Park. After you have paid the 5 Eur fee, proceed until the Gates. This is the narrowest and the most famous point of the Samaria Gorge.

Where is Samaria Gorge located?

The gorge of Samaria is situated in the National park of Samaria, in the White Mountains in West Crete . This majestuous gorge is considered one of the great attractions of Crete and many tourists want to visit it.

How do I get to Agium roumeli?

Agia Roumeli is a calm place in the wild and mountainous landscape of Sfakia province. The only way to reach the village is either through the gorge or by getting the ferry from Chora Sfakia, Loutro, Paleochora and Sougia . The more adventurous (and lucky) visitors could walk the path from Chora Sfakia to St.

What is the deepest gorge in the world?

The 60-mile-long Colca Canyon formed by the Colca River is the deepest land gorge on Earth, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.

What is the 2nd largest canyon in the world?

The Fish River Canyon is the second largest canyon worldwide after the Grand Canyon in the USA . The Canyon forms part of the state-run Ais-Ais Richtersveld Transfontier Park.

What is deepest canyon in the world?

The Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon in Tibet, a region of southwestern China, was formed over millions of years by the Yarlung Zangbo River. This canyon is the deepest in the world—at some points extending more than 5,300 meters (17,490 feet) from top to bottom.

Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.