Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Samaria Gorge National Park is located in the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) of southwestern Crete, Greece. The park is centered around the Samaria Gorge, a 16-kilometer (10-mile) canyon carved over millennia by mountain streams. The gorge extends from the high plateau of Omalos down to the Libyan Sea near Agia Roumeli. The park covers rugged terrain with steep limestone cliffs reaching up to 500 meters in height, hosting an array of Mediterranean flora including cypress, juniper, and rare endemic species such as the Cretan endemic tree, the Cretan maple. It is also a habitat for the kri-kri, a rare species of wild mountain goat native to Crete. The park has historical significance dating back to ancient times, and the gorge was used as a refuge by locals during wars and invasions. Visitors come primarily for the iconic gorge hike—considered one of Europe’s best single-day hiking experiences—passing through shaded forests, rocky ravines, and the old abandoned village of Samaria. The trail leads hikers along the bed of the gorge with stunning views, unique rock formations like the narrowest part called the 'Iron Gates' where the canyon narrows to just 3 meters wide, and ends near the coastal village of Agia Roumeli. The area also offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, photography, and appreciating the cultural heritage and biodiversity of Crete’s mountainous landscape. The park is a protected area under Greek environmental regulations and managed to balance tourism with conservation.
