As of the latest update, the entrance fee for adults to walk the Samaria Gorge is approximately €5. Additionally, there might be additional costs for transportation to and from the gorge, as well as any guided tours you may choose to take.

It’s advisable to start hiking Samaria Gorge as early as possible, ideally around 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM, especially during the peak season. Starting early allows you to avoid the midday heat and crowds.

However you can also start your hike later in the day. But beware! A very late entry might keep you from completing the Gorge. There are certain rules in place and after some time you are only allowed on the first few stops.

In addition to hiking the stunning Samaria Gorge, you get to explore the now ghost village of Samaria, visit the Samaria National Park Information Center and of course  discover the rich flora and fauna of the area. If you are feeling lazy you can just admire the magnificent views of the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) from the top.

The Samaria Gorge walk is considered moderately challenging. While the trail is well-marked and maintained, it involves steep descends and ascents, uneven terrain, and some rocky sections. However, with proper preparation and pacing, it is achievable for most people with average fitness levels. Be carefull of chosing a day without a heatwave and keep yourself well hydrated.

If you want to bring your kids along, be advised that its not easy for kids younger than 10-12. The distance is long and in the beginning of the hike you will find steep descend,

Since most people compalin about sore feet, we would suggest to leave it for the ending of your vacations if you are not used to hiking.

Yes, you can hike Samaria Gorge without a guide. The trail is well-marked, and there are informative signposts along the route. However, if you prefer expert guidance or commentary, guided tours are also available. We can recommend a tour guide for Samaria gorge

The best time to visit Samaria Gorge is during the spring and early summer months (April to June) and the early autumn months (September to October).

During these periods, the weather is mild, and the gorge is less crowded, allowing for a more enjoyable hiking experience.

Yes, it is generally safe to visit Samaria Gorge, but it’s important to take necessary precautions and be prepared for the challenging terrain.

Follow safety guidelines, stay hydrated, and be mindful of your surroundings while hiking through the gorge.

Please note. If you have knee problems or heart conditions, it is not advised to hike Samaria Gorge. Also make note of the weather and the highest temperature of the day, because Samaria gorge does not have enough shading by trees as its smaller sibling, Agia irini gorge. 

If you are looking for something easier for the kids as well, book your taxi to Agia Irini gorge.

Samaria Gorge name is a subject that was studied and talked a lot, by the experts of the linguistics field.

Initially it was thought that the name Samaria, was given by the church of Osia Maria that was build in the gorge by the year 1379, or even the ghost village that was left empty, after the gorge was declared as a national park.

But one cannot believe that the Gorge had no name before that. Besides at that period, Chania was under the Venetian ruling and linguistics show that its more likely to have taken its name from the word “Amara” which means the diversion of many rivers in simple words.

Samaria Gorge is famous for being one of the longest and most stunning gorges in Europe. It attracts thousands of visitors each year who come to hike its rugged terrain, marvel at its dramatic landscapes, and experience its unique natural beauty.

Samaria gorge is open from Mid April or May to end of October. There is no exact date that Samaria gorge might be closed besides the winter period, but there are cases of heavy rainfall or extreme weather conditions, that the entry to the public might be forbidden for your own safety.

The distance from Chania Old Town to Samaria Gorge Entrance is approximately 43 kilometers (27 miles) via the EO90 road. The journey typically takes around 1 to 1.5 hours by car, depending on traffic conditions and the chosen route.

The closest areas to stay for visiting Samaria Gorge are either Sougia Village or the various hotels on the Omalos plateau. Sougia is recommended due to its serenity and proximity to the beach. Many people choose Sougia as a starting point for hikes while also enjoying the peacefulness of the place.

Samaria Gorge start is specifically at the village of Omalos at the location Xyloskalo, where you’ll find the entrance to the hiking trail. Xyloskalo is located in the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) of Crete, approximately 43 kilometers (27 miles) south of Chania.
Although a lot of people enter from the beach level of Agia Roumeli, so Samaria Gorge actually has two entrances. The top and the bottom.

You cannot drive through the Gorge, but you can drive to the entrance of Samaria Gorge at Xyloskalo, where there are parking facilities available.

After you finish and exit at Agia Roumeli, you can catch a ferry or a water taxi back to Sougia, and let us transfer you from Sougia to Samaria Gorge Entrance

If you’ve parked your car at the entrance of Samaria Gorge (Xyloskalo), you can hike through the gorge and exit at Agia Roumeli. From there, you can take a ferry to Sougia, where you can catch a taxi back to your car at Xyloskalo.

The cheapest way to get from Chania Old Town to Samaria Gorge Entrance is by using public transportation. You can take a bus from Chania Bus Station (KTEL) to Omalos. If you prefer direct transfer from your hotel to Samaria Gorge entrance on Omalos plataeu you can book a ride with us. The bus fare is relatively inexpensive, making it an affordable option for budget travelers.

You can always catch a bus from Sougia to Omalos, but again the bus goes very early on the morning as well.

The fastest way to get from Chania Old Town to Samaria Gorge Entrance is by hiring a taxi or renting a car for the day. This option allows you to travel directly from Chania to the Samaria Gorge entrance without any stops or delays, ensuring a swift and efficient journey.

Note that If you decide to hire a car, you will need a ride back to the entrance of Samaria Gorge.

The travel time from Chania Old Town to Samaria Gorge Entrance doesnt vary so much. It really is all about comfort and skip the waiting time

By car or taxi: Approximately 1 to 1.5 hours
By bus: Approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. To that you will need to add any waiting time and the time walking from Omalos to the gorge entrance (4.4 km).

The cost of a taxi from Chania to Samaria Gorge varies depending on the vehicle you choose. We can always suggest ride sharing that will drop the cost of the ride if it is ok with you. Ask us for a quote for your transfer from Chania to Samaria Gorge.

Samaria gorge is open from Mid April or May to end of October. There is no exact date that Samaria gorge might be closed besides the winter period, but there are cases of heavy rainfall or extreme weather conditionsss, that the entry to the public might be forbidden for your own safety.

If you prefer not to drive, you can travel from Chania Old Town to Samaria Gorge Entrance by taking a bus from Chania Bus Station (KTEL) to Omalos, it’s a short walk to the entrance of Samaria Gorge. Additionally, you can opt for a taxi or private transfer service for a more convenient and comfortable travel experience to Samaria Gorge.

Be sure to check the timetable of the bus, because they are very early in the day. 

There are designated parking areas at the entrance of Samaria Gorge. You can leave your car in these parking lots for the duration of your trek. Please ensure that you secure your vehicle properly and do not leave any valuables inside.

Take the EO90 road from Chania and follow the signs toward Kissamos. Then you can take the exit to Vamvakopoulo and take a left. From there its one road towards Sougia, Omalos village and Samaria Gorge.

Once you reach Omalos, park your car in the designated parking area and walk to the entrance of Samaria Gorge.

When embarking on a trek to Samaria Gorge, it’s essential to carry the following items:

• Sturdy hiking shoes or boots
• Ample water (at least 1 liters per person, as you can find water spots to refill on the route)
• Snacks and high-energy food
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Lightweight and breathable clothing
• First aid kit
• Mobile phone with a fully charged battery, although the reception is limited
• Map or guidebook of Samaria Gorge
• Garbage bag for carrying out any waste

It’s recommended to wear comfortable and sturdy hiking shoes or boots with good grip. Dress in lightweight and breathable clothing suitable for the season. Don’t forget to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection.

While it’s possible to walk the Samaria Gorge in trainers, it’s not recommended. Sturdy hiking shoes or boots with good grip are more suitable for the uneven and rocky terrain, providing better stability and protection for your feet.

Hiking Samaria Gorge in the rain is not advisable due to the risk of slippery and muddy trails, as well as the potential for flash floods. It’s best to check the weather forecast before starting your hike and plan accordingly.

Of course it must be noted that it rarely rains in Summer time in Crete. So rain is depending on the season you decide to hike Samaria Gorge.

Yes, it’s possible to hike half of Samaria Gorge. You can start at Xyloskalo or Agia Roumeli, and hike as much of it you want and return where you started.

But beware of the crowds going the opposite direction and keep an eye on the time, because noone is allowed in the Gorge after 19.00 when they close it for the day. 

In fact if you enter Samaria Gorge from either entrances (Xyloskalo or Agia Roumeli, after 15.00 you are only allowed to advance to the first two km of the hike.

The average time to hike the Samaria Gorge is about 6 to 7 hours, depending on your pace, fitness level, and how often you stop to take in the scenery or rest.

Samaria Gorge is approximately 16 kilometers (10 miles) long and reaches depths of 250 up to 600 meters in some sections.

The depth of the gorge is between 200 and 1000 meters and the width reaches to 4 meters in its narrowest part (Iron gates).

The descend of Samaria gorge is about 1300 meters.