Hiking Samaria Gorge! From Heraklion

Operates every Tuesday and Thursday from May till October 

Total duration 15-19 hours approximately / Pick-up times 05:15 – 07:00 depending on accommodation location

Starting time 05:15 – 07:00 – Ending time 21:30 – 23:30

Stay in Samaria 6-7 hours and 16 km of hiking / Stay on boat 1 hour

Other Choices: Departure from Chania – Departure from Rethymno

Our adventure starts very early in the morning and our first stop is in Skaleta for breakfast.

Then we move to Omalos Plateau. There the walk starts from Xiloskalo, where we enter this vast canyon of 18 km.

We usually need 6-7 hours to cross the gorge. The path follows the route of the ancient river Taras. On the way, we can see the caves that formed a natural shelter for the Cretans in war times and now they are natural habitat of the well-known wild goats or kri-kri. Halfway we come across the village of Santa Maria, which is currently abandoned. Three kilometers prior to our exiting this gorge, we reach the Iron Gates (Sideroportes), the narrowest spot of the route, just a few meters wide but 300 meters high.

A bit later, we arrive in the small fishing village of Agia Roumeli, where we have quite a long time to lunch and to get a refreshing swim before boarding the ship that leads us back along the coast to Sfakia. There our coaches wait for us to get us back to hotels.

Indicative Timetable:

The timing of the program will be approximate, depending on traffic and weather conditions as well as the unexpected overcrowding.

Included:

✅ Pick-up & Drop-off service (mainly from hotels at Agia Pelagia, Ammoudara, Analipsi, Anissaras, Chersonissos, Gournes, Gouves, Heraklion city center, Karteros, Kokkini Hani, Lygaria, Malia, Stalis is provided. If pick up from your hotel is not possible you will be picked up from the closest pick up point)

✅ Transport by air-conditioned luxury bus

✅ English-speaking guide — The guide will be with you until Omalos Plateau. You will meet again at Agia Roumeli with the rest of the group.

Not Included:

❌ Boat ticket from Agia Roumeli to Sfakia (15€ per person) – Paid on the spot in cash

❌ Entrance fee to the gorge (10€ per  person) – Paid on the spot in cash ***

❌ Personal expenses

*** In order to avoid waiting in line, we recommend buying your Samaria ticket through https://samaria-tickets.necca.gov.gr/checkout while making your tour reservation.

Cancellation policy:

For cancellation up to 2 days prior to arrival no cancellation fees

For cancellations 1 day prior to arrival 100% cancellation fees

Notes:

1. The trip is not recommended for any person with a history of knee problems, high blood pressure, cardiac and pulmonary problems, for pregnant women and for anybody who suffers from vertigo/fear of heights!
2. Due to the difficulty of the hiking tour, bookings with young children up to14 years old will not be accepted.
3. For bookings 2 days before departure please contact us in order to check availability!
4. Please arrive on time to the given pick-up point. Unfortunately, there is no option to wait for latecomers. In case of delay, missed pick-up, missed departure time, no refunds.
5. Please provide fullname, telephone number (country code included), e-mail and accommodation details (hotel name & address) upon booking.
6. The travel agency reserves the right to alter or cancel any tour due to adverse weather conditions or insufficient passengers number or force majeure 12 hours prior to departure time with a notification to the traveler.

Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive a separate e-mail from our team with your activity voucher and detailed pick-up information. Please remember to check your spam or junk folder as well.

For clarifications please send us a mail at online@travelid.gr or contact us at +30 2810 335 227

We are at your disposal from Monday to Friday 09:00 am till 20:00 pm and Saturday 09:00 till 15:00 pm

Frequently Asked Questions

How difficult is the Samaria Gorge hike?

The Samaria Gorge hike covers 16 km one-way and is considered moderate-to-challenging. Good physical fitness, proper hiking footwear, and adequate hydration are essential. Not recommended for those with serious knee or joint issues.

How long does the hike through Samaria Gorge take?

Most hikers complete the gorge in 4–7 hours depending on fitness level. Fit hikers finish in about 4 hours, a leisurely pace takes 6–7 hours. Rest stops are available throughout.

Is drinking water available in Samaria Gorge?

Yes! There are several fresh water springs along the route. We recommend starting with at least 1.5 litres and refilling at the springs as needed.

What footwear is best for Samaria Gorge?

Sturdy hiking shoes or trail boots with ankle support are essential. Sandals or flip-flops are not permitted and dangerous on the rocky terrain.

When does the Samaria Gorge close for the season?

The national park is open from early May to October 31st. Best conditions are May -June and September-October. Winter closures apply due to flash flood risk.

What happens at the end of the Samaria Gorge hike?

The trail ends at Agia Roumeli on the southern coast. A scheduled ferry takes you to Sfakia, where your coach awaits for the return to Heraklion Ferry tickets are not included in the tour price and are paid on the spot in cash.