Hiking Samaria Gorge from Heraklion!

Every Tuesday and Thursday from May till October

Duration 17 hours / Stay in Samaria 6-7 hours and 16 km of hiking / Stay on boat 1 hour

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Starting your adventure early in the morning, you’ll first stop in Skaleta for breakfast before heading to the Omalos Plateau where the hike begins. As someone passionate about serving others, you’ll find this trip to be a rewarding experience, not just for yourself but for the community you’ll engage with along the way.

Before starting, consider these essential hiking tips: wear comfortable shoes, carry plenty of water, and pack a small first-aid kit. As you traverse the Samaria Gorge, you’ll be treated to scenic views of rugged landscapes and lush vegetation. Don’t forget to keep your camera ready for wildlife encounters; the gorge is home to the famous Cretan wild goats, known as kri-kri.

Midway through the hike, you’ll reach the abandoned village of Santa Maria, where you can pause and soak in the serene atmosphere. When you finally arrive in Agia Roumeli, you’ll have several lunch options to refuel. Local tavernas offer delicious Cretan cuisine, perfect for restoring your energy.

The day concludes with a delightful boat ride experience from Agia Roumeli to Sfakia, providing a relaxing end to your fulfilling journey.

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Detailed Itinerary

You’ll appreciate the structured flow of the day’s activities, beginning with an early morning pick-up from your hotel and a brief stop in Skaleta for breakfast. This initial pause allows you to fuel up before the journey ahead. From there, you’ll travel to the Omalos Plateau, where your hike commences at Xiloskalo.

As you enter the Samaria Gorge, you’ll be greeted with breathtaking scenic views that make every step worthwhile. The path winds through ancient riverbeds and offers opportunities for wildlife encounters, especially with the renowned wild goats or kri-kri. The gorge also houses historical landmarks, such as caves that once served as shelters during wartime.

The hike presents physical challenges, particularly as you navigate the narrow passageways of the Iron Gates, which are mere meters wide but tower 300 meters high. Despite these challenges, there are ample picnic spots along the way where you can rest and take in the natural beauty surrounding you.

Halfway through, you’ll pass the abandoned village of Santa Maria, offering a glimpse into the region’s past. The journey concludes in Agia Roumeli, where you can relax and enjoy a refreshing swim before boarding the boat back to Sfakia.
In rare cases where adverse weather conditions or insufficient participant numbers arise, we may alter or cancel the tour. If this happens, we’ll notify you 12 hours prior to departure and discuss alternative options or refunds.

Being transparent with our cancellation policy ensures you know what to expect, allowing us to serve you better and make your hiking experience as enjoyable as possible.

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Cancellation policy:

For cancellation up to 2 days prior to arrival no cancellation fees

For cancellations 1 day prior to arrival 100% cancellation fees

Non-show 100% cancellation fees

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Notes:

1. The trip is not recommended for any person with a history of knee problems, high blood pressure, cardiac and pulmonary problems, for pregnant women and for anybody who suffers from vertigo/fear of heights!
2. Due to the difficulty of the hiking tour, bookings with young children until 14 years old will not be accepted.
3. For bookings 2 days before departure please contact us in order to check availability!
4. Please provide fullname, telephone number (country code included), e-mail and accommodation details (hotel name & address) upon booking.
5. Please arrive on time to the given pick-up point. Unfortunately, there is no option to wait for latecomers. In case of delay, missed pick-up, missed departure time, no refunds.
6. The travel agency reserves the right to alter or cancel any tour due to adverse weather conditions or insufficient passengers number or force majeure 12 hours prior to departure time with a notification to the traveler.