Gorge of Samaria

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. But you must realise that it is a long (5 to 7 hours) walk on rough terrain so you will need to have a certain degree of fitness and walking experience in order to enjoy it.

Opening times of the gorge of Samaria

The Samaria National Park has traditionally always opened to the public at the beginning of May. It has often been possible to enter the gorge of Samaria at some point in April from the bottom part but this depends on the weather and the amount of work needed to restore the path after the winter rains. So the opening dates of the gorge vary., it could open a little before the 1st of May, on the 1st of May or later (if the weather is bad or repair work is late). The gorge of Samaria closes to the public at the end of October but may close earlier if autumn rains (not uncommon in October) damage the path or make some cliffs unstable. The gorge will also be closed on rainy days (when there is a danger of rockfalls). In winter, high water makes the gorge of Samaria dangerous and impassable. 

The longest gorge in Europe

The gorge of Samaria is 16 km long, starting at an altitude of 1230m and taking you all the way down to the shores of the Libyan Sea in Agia Roumeli. The very narrow passage near the end of the gorge is often called the "Iron Gates". Samaria is not always crowded. There may be up to 2000 or more people a day walking through the gorge of Samaria but on many days there are only a few hundred. Keeping in mind that these people do not start at the same time and most of them walk-in only in one direction (down) the number of people you will encounter is much lower and it is quite possible to have the gorge more or less to yourself if you choose your time well. You start your walk at an altitude of 1230m which is generally pleasantly cool even in mid-summer. Walking in the old town, we reach St. Titus' Cathedral, an impressive sight. Saint Titus, a fellow traveler of Saint Paul, preached the gospel in Crete.The Loggia is a wonderful example of a Venetian building.

PRICE :

up to - 7 people 500€
More than 7 people upon request
 

INCLUDED:Flexible Pick up  drop off
Bottle of water for each passenger in the vehicle
Small-group
Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
Excellent English Speaking Driver
Liability insurance certified services 
All taxes
Child seats (if requested) 

 
NOT INCLUDED:

Tour guide
Entrance to Samaria gorge  5€ p.p
Boat: 11€ / p.p (from Agia Roumeli to Sfakia port)
Food & Drinks
Gratuities