
SAMARIA GORGE
BOOKSAMARIA GORGE
We know that early mornings are not popular on holidays, but we highly recommend that you make an exception so that you can enjoy the outstanding walk through the famous and beautiful Samaria Gorge, the longest in Europe. A breakfast stop on the outskirts of Rethymnon in the morning will wake you up for the rest of the day. You can also make a short stop in the Plateau of Omalos for the last minute supplies. The 18 km hike starts in Xyloskalo. You will discover a wide variety of fauna and flora, much of which is unique and found exclusively on this island, and you see the Kri-Kri, the wild Cretan goat.
The ever-changing view and the wonderful scent of pinewood and Cretan Herbs make this walk, which is rocky at some points, a wonderful experience and make all the effort worthwhile.
The isolated, deserted village of Samaria makes the ideal place for a rest before you continue to the 'Iron Gates', the point where the canyon walls are so close that they almost touch each other. Enjoy the fantastic rock formations and take advantage of this unique chance to taste the fresh , cold spring water.
The walk ends at the small fishing village of Ayia Roumeli, with plenty of tavernas for you to enjoy a tasty meal and that well-earned drink. Relax on the beach and cool off in the turquoise waters of the Libyan Sea, before taking the boat which follows the coastline to the village of Chora Sfakion where the coach will be waiting to take you back to the resort through the scenic route via Imbros Gorge and the Plateau, and the villages of Askifou and Vrisses.

* coach
* gasoline
* escort (from Heraklion on the coach)
* insurance

* drinks on the boat
* breakfast
* lunch
* dinner
* entrance Samaria
* boat
EXTRA TO PAY
To pay on the day on the coach to your escort.
Entrance Samaria: 5 euro p adult, free until 18y & above 65y EU citizens
Boat: 12 euro adult, 6.5 euro 5-12y child
TUESday
THURSday
The hours are all about and may change any moment. You're on your holiday, so relax and enjoy your day!
05.00 - 06.15: Pick ups Sissi-Heraklion
06.15 - 07.10: Drive to Rethimno
07.10 - 07.30: coffee-toilet stop
07.30 - 09.30: Drive to Omalos
09.30 - 09.45: Short stop Omalos where you can buy your needs for during the walk
09.45 - 10.00: Drive to entrance Samaria Gorge
10.00 - 17.00: Walking Samaria gorge
17.30 - 18.45: Boat trip Agia Roumeli-Sfakia
19.00 - 21.00: Drive to Rethimno
21.00 - 21.20: snak-toilet stop
21.20 - 22.10: Drive to Heraklion
22.10 - 23.25: Drop offs Heraklion-Sissi
- Coach excursion
- Escort on coach from Heraklion
- Not suitable for unfit or people with walking difficulties
- Walking shoes or trainers
- Take a snack with you
- Shopping possibility last coffestop before the start of your walk
- Toilets available at the coffeestops, lunch and on the boat
- In the Samaria some restpoints and simple toilets (hole in the ground) are available
- Restaurants available at the end of the gorge
- No possibilities to buy drinks or food during your walk
- Escort in the gorge at the back of the group
- Bar on the boat
- Pay attention to the rules and timeschedule mentioned by your escort. The boat leaves without the knowledge if everyone is on board or not.
POINTS OF INTEREST
- Samaria gorge
- Boat trip along the wild South coast of Crete
- Walking tour
- Plateau of Omalos
- Xyloskalo
- Ayia Roumeli
- Chora Sfakion
- Imbros
- Askifou
- Vrisses
- Flora and fauna
- Rock formation
- Wild nature
- Adventure
- Outdoor
- Beach
- Swimming