Samaria Gorge, from Omalos

Introduction

The Samaria Gorge, in the heart of the White Mountains National Park (Lefka Ori), is one of Europe's most famous hiking trails. At 16 kilometres in length, it is a spectacular route that combines the majesty of cliffs up to 300 metres high, interesting flora and fauna and traces of ancient rural communities. The hike is entirely downhill, from the heights of the Omalos plateau to the shores of the Libyan Sea, in the coastal village of Agia Roumeli.

Description

0h00' 0.00km - The path begins at Xyloskalo (1,230m), the access point to the gorge that can be reached by car or bus from Chania. After the first few hairpin bends, the descent is immediately steep, with stony sections and steps requiring surefootedness.

0h30' Having passed the first part, the path enters the heart of the gorge, between cypress and plane-tree woods, and leads to the Byzantine church of Agios Nikolaos, an atmospheric resting place shaded by ancient trees.

2h00' Continuing along the valley floor, you reach the ancient abandoned village of Samaria, once inhabited by families of shepherds and now a silent witness to Cretan rural life. Here it is common to spot the kri-kri wild goat, the symbol of the island.

3h30' The route continues between stretches of scree and fords over the torrent, until approaching the most spectacular part of the gorge: the 'Iron Gate', a passageway just 3-4 metres wide, enclosed between walls that rise vertically for 300 metres.

4h00' Once past the Iron Gate, the path widens and with a gentle incline leads to the exit of the gorge and the coastal village of Agia Roumeli. Here the hike ends with the possibility of resting on the beach or cooling off with a swim in the waters of the Libyan Sea.

Return

From Agia Roumeli there are no road links: to leave the village you need to board the ferry to Sougia or Hora Sfakion, from where direct buses leave for Chania and the island's other main resorts.

Useful information

The route is well signposted and equipped with water points and rest areas. However, it is essential to set off with adequate provisions (at least 2 litres of water), sturdy trekking shoes and clothing suitable for temperature variations. The hike requires good physical preparation, especially because of the overall length and the uneven terrain.

The gorge is open from May to October and may be closed in case of bad weather or danger of landslides. It is advisable to set off early in the morning in order to tackle the descent calmly and arrive at Agia Roumeli in the cooler hours.