Samaria Gorge Trek with Strata Tours in Crete
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
6 hours walking + additional transfers
Fitness Level
Requires good endurance and solid fitness level for sustained uphill and downhill hiking
Overview
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.
Samaria Gorge
For all ages! • Full Day • Most Popular!
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About This Adventure
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Crete's Samaria Gorge, the longest gorge walk in Europe. Experience breathtaking scenery as you trek 16km from the Omalos plateau to the coastal village of Agia Roumeli, where you can relax and swim in the crystal-clear Libyan Sea. A true adventure awaits!
Europes’ Longest Gorge Walk
Duration
Approximately 12-14 hours
About
Cretes’ most famous attraction and the longest gorge walk in Europe. Spectacular scenery, an awe inspiring ravine and a real sense of achievement – to walk through Samaria Gorge is an unforgettable experience from the Omalos plateau, through the huge and impressive gorge and down to the coastal village of Agia Roumeli where you can swim in the crystal clear Libyan Sea.
Schedule: Walk through the gorge which is 16km and takes approx 6 hours. Free time for some optional lunch, rest and swim at Agia Roumeli 17.30 boat departs to Paleochora. Arrives at Paleochora at 19.00 where your driver is waiting to take you back to your hotel. Approx bus transfer time 1 hour to Kissamos.
More info
Included:
- Pick up & drop off
Not included:
- Lunch
- 10 Euro entrance fee
- 25 Euro boat ticket (payable on the day) -12,50 Euro boat ticket (children 5-12 years old)
What to bring
- Strong and comfortable footwear
- A bottle of water
- A light snack
Adventure Tips
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.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Kri-kri, the endemic Cretan wild goat
- Golden eagle soaring over the gorge cliffs
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.
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Adventure Hotspots in Chania
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Hiking boots
Offers ankle support and grip on rocky terrain.
Water bottle or hydration pack
Staying hydrated is critical, especially in warm weather.
summer specific
Sunhat and sunscreen
Protects against strong Mediterranean sun exposure.
summer specific
Light rain jacket
Useful for unexpected showers without adding bulk.
spring specific