Samaria Gorge Tour from Heraklion

Join us for an adventure in one of the most beautiful natural parks in Europe. Our Samaria Gorge tour from Heraklion starts early in the morning. We travel west across Crete to reach the Omalos Plateau. This village sits high in the White Mountains. It marks the entrance to the Samaria National Park. Here, you will find stunning mountain views and the start of your 13-mile hiking journey. Experience the wild beauty of Crete on this Samaria Gorge tour from Heraklion.

Planning Your Samaria Hiking Tour

Preparation is key for a successful day in the mountains. We recommend wearing sturdy hiking boots and bringing a light backpack. On this Samaria Hiking Tour, you will descend from 1,230 meters above sea level. This path requires good physical health. However, the reward is worth every step. You will see landscapes that few people ever witness. Our Samaria Gorge tour from Heraklion offers the perfect balance of challenge and beauty. Furthermore, our guides provide helpful tips before you start the trek.

The journey begins with a steep descent into the heart of the gorge. In addition, the morning air is often cool and refreshing. You will walk through ancient forests of pine and cypress trees. Consequently, the smell of the woods is very pleasant. Please remember to stay on the marked trails at all times. This protects the environment and keeps you safe. As a result, future visitors can enjoy this Samaria Hiking Tour just as much as you do today.

Exploring the Samaria Gorge Hiking Tour Route

On this Samaria Gorge Hiking Tour, you will experience nature’s masterpiece firsthand. The trail is long but filled with many highlights. For instance, you will find freshwater springs every few kilometers. Therefore, you can refill your water bottle with cold mountain water. Furthermore, you should keep an eye out for local wildlife. The rare Cretan wild goat, known as the Kri-Kri, lives here. Moreover, look at the sky to see golden eagles or griffon vultures.

As you walk deeper, you will pass ancient ruins. These include the abandoned settlement of Samaria village and the church of Osia Maria. These sites tell stories of people who lived in this remote place centuries ago. In addition, these historical spots provide excellent resting points. This Samaria Gorge Hiking Tour feel like a walk through history as much as a walk through nature. Our guides share interesting facts about these ruins during the trip.

The Famous Iron Gates and Natural Wonders

The middle section of the Samaria Gorge tour from Heraklion reveals the most famous sights. You will reach the Iron Gates, or Sideroportes. This is the narrowest part of the entire gorge. Here, the walls rise 300 meters high while the path is only four meters wide. This spot is perfect for taking photographs. As a result, it is the most popular part of the Samaria Gorge Hiking Tour. However, please walk quickly through this narrow gap to avoid any falling rocks.

The landscape changes as you get closer to the end. The cliffs become even more impressive and the valley widens. Furthermore, the heat might increase as you approach the coast. This part of the Samaria Hiking Tour is very dry and rocky. Consequently, you must drink plenty of water and wear a hat. Despite the heat, the view remains amazing. You are now walking towards the Libyan Sea.

Relaxation at Agia Roumeli Village

The trail ends at the seaside village of Agia Roumeli. Here, you have free time to relax after your hike. You can swim in the crystal clear waters of the Libyan Sea. The water is very refreshing after a long walk. In addition, you can enjoy a traditional Cretan meal at a local tavern. Try fresh Greek salad or local cheese pies. Furthermore, these taverns offer great views of the sea. This is the best way to end your Samaria Gorge tour from Heraklion.

Agia Roumeli is only accessible by boat or on foot. This makes the village very quiet and peaceful. Moreover, the black pebble beach is unique to this area. You can find many shaded spots to rest until the boat arrives. Our team organizes the boat tickets for you. Therefore, you do not need to worry about the logistics. We aim to make this Samaria Hiking Tour as smooth as possible for every guest. If you enjoy this trip, you might also like our tours in Chania.

Safety and Park Facilities

Our professional tour guide stays with you throughout the hike. They ensure your safety and coordinate with local authorities. In addition, park rangers and first aid staff work along the trail. Consequently, help is always nearby if you need it. The park is very well maintained. You will find toilets and rubbish bins at regular intervals. This helps keep the Samaria National Park clean for everyone. We take safety very seriously on every Samaria Gorge tour from Heraklion.

Furthermore, the park has a strict set of rules. For example, smoking is only allowed at specific rest areas. Also, you must not pick any flowers or plants. These rules protect the delicate ecosystem of the mountains. We follow these guidelines on every Samaria Gorge Hiking Tour. By respecting nature, we preserve the beauty of Crete. Moreover, please carry your park ticket until you exit. The rangers check these tickets at the end for safety reasons.

Return Journey and Logistics

The day concludes with a scenic boat ride from Agia Roumeli to Chora Sfakion. This boat trip offers a different perspective of the coastline. You will see high cliffs and secret beaches from the water. As a result, the boat ride is a favorite part of the Samaria Gorge tour from Heraklion for many people. Once the boat arrives in Chora Sfakion, our bus will be waiting. We then drive you back to your hotel in the evening. You will likely feel tired but very happy with your achievement.

We provide comfortable buses with air conditioning for your return trip. In addition, our drivers are very experienced with the mountain roads. This ensures a safe and relaxing journey home. This Samaria Hiking Tour is more than just a walk. It is a full day of adventure and discovery.

Weekly Schedule

Tuesday: English.

Thursday: English from 04/06.

Highlights of the Samaria Hiking Tour

Relax on a comfortable bus ride along Crete’s northwest coast with beautiful views.
Visit the famous Omalos Plateau at the foot of the White Mountains.
Hike through the 16 km long Samaria National Park.
Explore the ruins of Osia Maria, an ancient settlement.
Sideroportes (Iron Gates): Take amazing photos at the narrowest point of the gorge.
Take a scenic boat trip from Agia Roumeli to Chora Sfakion.
Chora Sfakion Village: End your walking journey with a visit to the village and its beautiful harbor.

Tour Itinerary

05:00 – 06:00: Bus Departure.
07:00: Stop at Skaleta for breakfast and WC.
07:20: Departure from Skaleta.
10:00: Omalos Plateau, 15 minutes preparation and beginning of hiking.
10:30: Samaria Gorge Entrance.
15:00-16:00: We exit the National Park of Samaria Gorge.
17:45: Boat departure from Agia Roumeli to Sfakia.
18:45: Arrival at Sfakia and board the bus.
20:30: Stop at Skaleta for a snack and WC.
21:30 – 22:00: Return time back.

The Samaria Gorge Tour Includes

Hotel pick-up and drop off.
A professional tour guide.
Insurance.
Cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.

Excludes

Entrance tickets to Samaria Gorge are 10€ for adults.
It is essential to pre-book your ticket at: https://samaria-tickets.necca.gov.gr/checkout
Boat tickets from Agia Roumeli to Chora Sfakion cost 15€ for adults and 7.5€ for children under 12 years old.
Meals and drinks.

Must Bring

Walking shoes with rubber soles for a good grip.

Bring an extra pair of socks, energy snacks and a big bottle of water.

Also, sun protection, a towel and a swimming suit.

Samaria Gorge Tour Pricing

The cost of the Samaria Gorge tour is 42 Euro for adults.

Not Suitable

This hiking tour is not for everyone. Please consult your doctor if you have heart, breathing, or moving problems.

The tour is for adults 18+ only. No children are allowed.

Transfer Areas: 

We include a both ways transfer service. We pick you up from your hotel or a nearby meeting point.

Heraklion, and Ammoudara beach.

Agia Pelagia. Bali every Tuesday, Fodele every Thursday.

For more information about the exact meeting points visit our pick up list.

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