Samaria Gorge is 16 km long, takes 4-7 hours to walk, and is open roughly May to October. It is one of Europe's longest gorges and draws around 1 million hikers per year. Here is everything you need to know before going.
The basics
- Start: Xyloskalo (1,230 m altitude), reached by bus from Chania or Rethymno
- End: Agia Roumeli village on the south coast
- Distance: 16 km one way
- Elevation drop: about 1,200 m
- Duration: 4-7 hours depending on fitness and crowds
- Entry fee: 5 EUR (2025 rate, check locally for 2026)
- Season: typically 1 May to 31 October, weather permitting
Getting there and back
It is a one-way hike. You cannot return the way you came (park regulations). The logistics:
- Bus from Chania (Platia 1866 bus station) to Xyloskalo: departs 6:15, 7:30, 8:30 am. Journey 1h15. About 7 EUR.
- From Agia Roumeli: take the ferry to Hora Sfakion (30 min, about 12 EUR) or Paleochora, then bus back to Chania.
- Total round trip from Chania including hike: budget a full day, 12-14 hours door to door.
- Organised tours from Chania include transport both ways, typically 25-40 EUR.
What to bring
- 2+ litres of water minimum. Springs along the route but some dry up in late summer.
- Trail shoes or sturdy sandals. The path is rocky. Flip flops are refused entry.
- Sun protection: the gorge is shaded but the exit section is exposed
- Snacks: no food available inside the gorge. Tavernas at Agia Roumeli after.
- Small backpack only. Leave heavy luggage at your accommodation.
The route
The first 3 km descend steeply via wooden steps. Pace yourself. The middle section follows the riverbed, which requires hopping stones when water is flowing. The famous Iron Gates (Sideroportes) at km 12 are only 3.5 m wide. The last 2 km to Agia Roumeli are flat and exposed.
Crowds
July and August are brutal. 4,000-5,000 hikers per day. Start at 6:15 am if you go in peak season. May, June, and September are far more pleasant. The gorge is at its most dramatic in May when the river still flows.
Closures
The gorge closes during and after heavy rain due to flash flood risk. Check conditions at samaria.gr or call the forest service (2821067179) the day before. Closures happen unpredictably, even in peak season.
The Cretan wild goat
The kri-kri (Cretan ibex) lives in the gorge. You might spot one on the rocky slopes, especially early morning. Do not feed them.
Looking for other hikes in Crete? Browse all trails on Crete Direct.