Hiking Samaria Gorge! From Chania

Operates daily from May till October

Total duration 14 hours approximately / Pick-up times 05:20 – 06:10 depending on accommodation location

Starting time 05:20 – 06:10 – Ending time 20:00 – 20:30

Other Choices: Departure from Heraklion – Departure from Rethymno

Arrival at Xyloskalo, Samaria Gorge

No holiday in Crete is complete without a trip through the 2nd longest gorge in Europe, the Gorge of Samaria. It is the longest and most imposing ravine in the Mediterranean. It is 16.5 kilometers in length from the position of Xyloskalo and terminates at Agia Roumeli in the Libyan Sea. We will arrive around 7 o’clock in the morning and after a short break you will start walking. Descending the 600 wooden steps you will be intrigued by the beauty and serenity of this massive gorge which is shadowed by the White Mountains. You will come across the church of St. Nicolas, built on the ruins of an ancient temple. Afterwards you will reach “Portes” or “Iron Gates”, the narrowest pass of the gorge. The hike ends at Agia Roumeli.

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 Marina, Agioi Apostoloi, Chania City, Gerani, Halepa, Kalamaki, Kolymbari, Maleme, Platanias, Stalos, Tavronitis 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 Sougia (15€ per person) – Paid on the spot in cash

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

❌ OPTIONAL & UPON REQUEST Pick-up and drop-off service from/to Kalyves area +10€ per person with a minimun number of 4 people – Paid upon booking

❌ Personal expenses

Cancellation policy:

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

For cancellations 1 day prior to arrival 100% cancellation fees

Non-show 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 until 14 years old will not be accepted. If you are staying in Chania region and you would like to visit Samaria with your children we advise you to check our Samaria, The Lazy Way tour!
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

Why is Samaria Gorge better experienced from Chania?

Departing from Chania gives you significantly more time at the gorge. Chania is closest to the Xyloskalo starting point (≈45 minutes), meaning more time hiking and less time in transit.

Are there guides accompanying the Samaria hike?

Our guides accompany your group to the Xyloskalo starting point. Inside the gorge, hikers proceed at their own pace — national park wardens are stationed throughout for assistance.

Can children hike Samaria Gorge?

The full 16 km hike is recommended for adults with good fitness. Younger children or less active families should consider our Samaria Easy Way tour.

Is the entrance fee for Samaria Gorge included?

Entrance fee is not included in the tour price and is paid on the spot in cash.

What if Samaria Gorge is closed on my tour day?

In rare cases of closure (fire risk or extreme weather), we notify you promptly and arrange an alternative excursion or full refund. Safety is always our top priority.