Samaria Gorge
The Samaria Gorge - one of Europe’s longest gorges, through the Cretan White Mountains to the coast
The route
The line through Crete (Lefka Ori), Greece - waypoints, elevation and the day-by-day shape of the walk.
Season & conditions
May-Oct (park season)
Heat in the gorge; flash-flood closures early/late season
Open ~May-Oct only (closed in winter/flood season); a one-way downhill with a ferry exit. Confirm.
On the trail
A long descent through a dramatic gorge to the Libyan Sea
Non-technical walking/hiking; confirm any exposed or scrambly sections locally
Marked/waymarked route; navigation generally straightforward - carry a map and confirm locally
Suitable for reasonably fit hikers; not wheelchair accessible - confirm specifics
Very popular
"Samaria lite" from the coast up to the Iron Gates
Getting there & staying
Xyloskalo (Omalos) down to Agia Roumeli
Ferry from Agia Roumeli (the only way out) then bus back
Day route - none needed
Day-hike kit, water, sun/rain protection, sturdy footwear; coverage varies
Services in Chania; limited or none on the trail
Not required; self-guided
Permits & safety
A national-park entry fee; you must finish and catch the ferry from Agia Roumeli. Confirm.
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
Heat, rough footing, rockfall, the long descent, missing the ferry
Retrace the route to exit; dial local emergency services; carry a means of calling for help where remote
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand trail report. Coordinates are approximate.