There was only a difficult mountain path leading from Samaria to the sea. The 300,000 visitors that visit annually the 18 km long gorge are usually not aware of its historical and mythical significance. If you dont do any sport, if you sit all year behind a desk, if you go by car to the supermarket, than forget about it. In a season it happends 4-5 times that we close the gorge because of the heat ! This trail is not difficult, but it is very long. Never buy tickets here, do it in the harbour of Agia Roumeli via official ferry. I can't tell you how many people post on this site "I want to walk The Gorge." Some parts of the trail are not well kept, particularly from the beach parking lot, with fences leaning over the trail, but overall the trail is clear. I am afraid you have to ignore posts from people who have not actually walked the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? It is difficult to describe just how lush and vibrant the Samaria Gorge really is. On arrival at the head of the Samaria Gorge, you will disembark for a coffee, snack and toilet visit at one of the restaurants there. The trail of Samaria is the most visited trail in the whole of Greece, it is excellently equipped with signals and … Samaria Gorge in Crete, Hiking in Samaria gorge. Really!You have to take a bus from Sougia- 5,60 euro (first stop with the ferry) back to the parking lot.Enjoy it! Samaria or the Samaria Gorge is one of the main sights of Crete, the second most visited (following the Minoan palace of Knossos) and by far the most popular walk. Here is a Website, just to give an idea.http://www.explorecrete.com/hiking/gorges.html. A steep stone pathway with wooden rails leads down to the trailhead on the gorge floor; from there, the path continues between sheer limestone canyon walls, known as the Iron Gates at their narrowest point. The locals call it the “Farangas” or “Great Gorge”, both in admiration at its beauty and to differentiate it from the many other, smaller gorges of Crete. Go as early as you can. In the Bag – what to pack for this day trip? There are a number of stopping points along the route, where you’ll find toilets and drinking water. Looking for a great trail in Samariá Gorge National Park, Crete? There are 2 ways to avoid the crowds. Do not underestimate the time it takes however because the last three stretches are around 2km long each. Unless you're in killer shape, plan to hike from north to south so that your entire route is downhill. That continues all the way through the Gorge, people are pretty well spread out. You can choose how far in you walk and turn back when you have had enough. The Samaria Gorge is so deep and surrounded by magnificant mountains it totally dwarfs people going down it, even if it's large numbers. Things to do near Samaria Gorge National Park, Full Day Samaria Gorge 10-Mile Walking Tour from Chania, Samaria Gorge Tour from Chania - The Longest Gorge in Europe. Keep an eye on where you are putting your feet. Popular: Booked by 271 travellers! To 16-kilometrowy wąwóz w południowo-zachodniej części Krety, który powstał wskutek erozji rzeki płynącej między Białymi Górami a Górą Volakis. If you dont do any sport, if you sit all year behind a desk, if you go by (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-25188304', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Samaria, see crowds and then switch to Imbros. The 16km canyon runs from a plateau in the shadow of Crete’s White Mountains all the way to the Libyan Sea. This bus had traffic problems and we were delayed on our way back up by another hour. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The only way out of the gorge, apart from climbing back up the 3,000 staircase is to complete the walk. Unless you're in killer shape, plan to hike from north to south so that your entire route is downhill. This hike was incredibly difficult, to the point that I was not sure I would be able to complete it. Your home base for this loop trip is Hania, a city on Crete's north coast serviced frequently by the overnight boat from Athens. The hike through the largest gorge in Greece is very popular so you will be enjoying some of the most stunning Greek landscapes in the company of many, but you will remember it as a highlight of your holiday. This May we are doing Myli (Mili) just east of Rethymnon, an easy 2+ hour stroll in a Green, flower-filled ravine with an abandoned mills and vilages in it. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-25160449', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Zaros. The gorge is 12.8 km (8.0 mi) long, but there is another distance of 3.2 km (2.0 mi) to walk after leaving the gorge to reach Agia Roumeli. You walk on rocks and pebbles for 16 Km. If you spend the night in Agia Roumeli you can really take your time and enjoy the great views along the way. Ferry tickets are for sale at the top but a lot of reviews say they are a scam. Most of the Samaria Gorge Trail is manageable but get prepared for a long hike! The hike is beautiful and very enjoyable. Before taking on this challenge we did some research (mainly here), and saw many reviews saying it was not that difficult. The Samaria gorge is very difficult for couch/poolside potatoes who view the trek as an amusement park excursion, and who are completely unprepared. I also wanted a shorter walk, and did not want an experience where I was following someone all the way... and we wanted to go on to explore the south coast, instead of doing a round-trip to a North Coast hotel. If you do not buy from them you have no ticket and no boat. More info. Finally, another 2.4 km (2 mi) take you down to the gorge proper where you meet the Tarraios River for the first time. Czym właściwie jest Wąwóz Samaria? General Info for Samaria Gorge: The biggest and maybe the most known Greek island, Crete , does not offer only pleasure to holidaymakers and archaeology. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-25090623', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Samaria Gorge - I may take your advice and try one of the "easier" hikes first. At least this will be in the cover of the forest and the temperature will cool as you ascend. Pirates and Liars in the shop by/outside the gate! half way down the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The bus drops you off right at the trail head to the Gorge where there is a small shop/restaurant where you can use the bathroom and buy some snacks for the hike. Where 's the best place to stay, best to see & do? The Samaria Gorge is the most famous gorge for hiking on the island of Crete. It is nearly entirely down hill so the exertion feels low but you'll be sore the next few days if you aren't used to hiking. Samaria Gorge National Park: Hike Made Difficult Due to Footwork - See 3,230 traveller reviews, 4,438 candid photos, and great deals for Sfakia, Greece, at Tripadvisor. hiking) you will see the first rest point called “Neroutsiko”. Samaria or the Samaria Gorge is one of the main sights of Crete, the second most visited (following the Minoan palace of Knossos) and by far the most popular walk. Samaria Gorge is one of the most renowned hiking trails in Crete. I cannot beleive that this caffe is involved in this scam, and I cannot beleive that this company even got licence to ride. I thought the boat is going to explode, or we are going to sink since there was too many people on board. While ridiculously congested in the height of summer, the 10-mile hike through the Gorge of Samaria can be a Cretan highlight. My review covers some logistics. You need five to six hours to walk the 16 km. Visit the Samaria Gorge on an organized tour; We chose to go on an organized tour. OK there are many smaller gorges in Crete and I have done some of those including the Imbros Gorge and the Zakros gorges. I would agree with retired hippy, you don't want to miss the chance to go down the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? AllTrails has 11 great hiking trails, views trails, wildlife trails and more, with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers, and nature lovers like you. Either they had already been there or they weren’t interested in hiking for so many hours (it usually takes 5-7 hours). One off-the-beaten-path option is to hike from the Samaria Gorge entrance up to the white mountains and the Katsiveli shelter. We have in Crete over 300 other gorges which are just as beautiful, but shorter and less exhausting, try one of these first and than feel if you are fit enough for the longest gorge in Europe. The ferry route was from Agia Roumeli to Sougia. We were unlucky and missed the first bus due to capacity, it took another 35 minutes before the next one came. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. This hike was incredibly difficult, to the point that I was not sure I would be able to complete it.The guide will recommend that if you get to the bottom of the mountain (after about 2km) and your legs are shaking, you should turn around. Terrain is not difficult, no loose rubble and clearly marked paths all the time. In order to achieve those, you simply do not have time to enjoy the view. Keep your ticket from the top, you need it to exit the park.I'd recommend closed toed shoes or practical sandals. $132.33 per adult. The most difficult part of the hike is the first couple kilometers that are extremely steep. more. Hike duration:6 hours Level of difficulty:easy, obvious path with signs, attension needed because of the risk of falling rocks. Your eyes need to be peeled to the ground or else you will stumble, trip, or otherwise injure yourself. The locals call it the “Farangas” or “Great Gorge”, both in admiration at its beauty and to differentiate it from the many other, smaller gorges of Crete. The gorge has a length of 16 km, starting at an altitude of 1,250 m., in Xyloskalo and ending on the shores of the Libyan Sea in Agia Roumeli. Samaria Gorge - Semi Private Hiking Day Trip from Chania, with max 6 onboard. Kardamyli bay - credits: Lev Levin/Shutterstock.com. THE SAMARIA GORGE is the best hike I have done in Europe. Even though the entire route is downhill, the full trip is almost 15 km (9.5 mi) one way. As to how tough the walk to yourself enjoyable and very scenic, I 'd suggest couple. 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