Trek Europe’s longest gorge on Crete’s rugged southern coast with Strata Tours. Pass towering cliffs and rare wildlife before ending with a swim in the Libyan Sea.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
challenging
Duration
6 hours walking + additional transfers
Fitness Level
Requires good endurance and solid fitness level for sustained uphill and downhill hiking
Wildlife
History
Samaria Gorge was a refuge during the Ottoman occupation and is now a protected national park established in 1962.
Conservation
The gorge is carefully managed to protect its rare species and fragile ecosystem, with visitor numbers capped seasonally.
Strata Tours
Trek Europe’s longest gorge on Crete’s rugged southern coast with Strata Tours. Pass towering cliffs and rare wildlife before ending with a swim in the Libyan Sea.
Strata Tours operates from Kissamos, Greece and offers guided day trips across western Crete. The operator organizes a variety of experiences including walks, cultural visits, beach days and hands-on cooking lessons. Highlights listed by Strata Tours include the Botanical Gardens visit with a 1.5-hour guided walk at the Botanical Park of Chania; a seven-hour Village Life & Cretan Cookery Lessons itinerary that combines a village visit, hands-on cooking and a shared lunch; and a four-hour Elafonisi beach day with swimming, walking and visits to Chrysoskalitissa monastery and Agia Sofia church.
Strata Tours also runs a seven-hour Dramatic Gorge Walk in Sirikari Gorge with panoramic views and opportunities to spot nesting Griffon vultures, plus a half-day Balos 4x4 Bus tour to Balos Lagoon for early arrival and quieter beaches. For hikers, Strata Tours offers the Samaria Gorge trek, a 16 km walk from the Omalos plateau down to the coastal village of Agia Roumeli where walkers can swim in the Libyan Sea.
All trips depart from Kissamos and are led by informative drivers or experienced guides who provide local context and navigation. Strata Tours focuses on authentic local sites in Crete, combining natural attractions, cultural stops and hands-on activities. Booking information, exact meeting points and seasonal availability are provided by Strata Tours for each listed itinerary.
Many itineraries are suitable for families and nature lovers, offering swimming, walks and cultural visits. Some tours aim to avoid crowds by early arrival (Balos) or use 4x4 bus transport to reach isolated beaches. Duration and accessibility depend on itinerary.
Kissamos Base
Kissamos, Greece
All tours depart from Kissamos.
Durations
1.5h–7h
Options from botanical walks to full-day treks.
Longest Hike
16 km (Samaria)
Samaria Gorge trek from Omalos to Agia Roumeli.
Tours Offered
7 Trips
Beaches, gorges, gardens and cookery.
Check availability and specific meeting details for each itinerary with Strata Tours and secure a spot on the preferred day trip.
Start Early
Begin your hike at dawn to avoid midday heat and complete the trek with energy to spare.
Wear Sturdy Footwear
Rocky, uneven terrain demands shoes with solid grip and ankle support to prevent injury.
Hydrate Often
Carry plenty of water and sip regularly—there are limited refill points along the gorge.
Bring a Light Snack
Energy-dense snacks help maintain stamina on the 6-hour trek before lunch in Agia Roumeli.
Hiking boots
Offers ankle support and grip on rocky terrain.
Water bottle or hydration pack
Staying hydrated is critical, especially in warm weather.
summer
Sunhat and sunscreen
Protects against strong Mediterranean sun exposure.
summer
Light rain jacket
Useful for unexpected showers without adding bulk.
spring