Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Samaria Gorge National Park, Old National Road Chanion-Kissamou Lefka Ori, Sfakia, Crete 730 05 Greece
The gorge of Samaria is counted among the top destinations of the Chania district and a journey to Chania can never be considered complete, unless you visit the gorge.
The gorge’s trail starts at Ksyloskalo (Omalos plateau, 1.227 meters altitude) and after following the river bed, it ends up at the littoral village of Agia Roumeli. The trail of Samaria is the most visited trail in the whole of Greece, it is excellently equipped with signals and signs which eliminate the danger of getting lost, it is comfortable and very well cared for, mostly with stones and soil.
It is not considered a very difficult hike, vivid proof of which is the fact that hundreds of people cross it daily from the opening (in May) till the closing of its visiting season (in October). It is a very pleasant hike, not a strenuous one, with many landscape alternations and a versatile environment.
Duration: 6 hours
Stop At: Agia Roumeli, Agia Roumeli, Chania Prefecture, Crete
The gorge ends up at the village of Agia Roumeli our escort will have already stipulated a meeting point there, in order for them to give you the tickets to the ferry, which will take you from Agia Roumeli.
You have free time to swim in Agia Roumeli and lunch (optional) in one of the village’s taverns.
Agia Roumeli is a unique place. It has a genuine Cretan heritage and a strong sense of character. It is a peaceful community, nestled between breathtakingly high and wild mountains and a long beach of fine pebble by the deep blue, crystal clear Libyan sea. The village is remote and near enough isolated; you can only reach it on foot or by boat, as there is no road.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Sougia Beach, Sougia, Crete 73009 Greece
At 17:30 you go aboard the ferry, Sougia or Sfakia (usually Sougia) being your destination.
When you reach the port, our bus will be waiting to return you to your hotel.
Our bus returns you to the location you have been picked up from.
Sougia Village is one of the most laid back and refreshingly undeveloped beach places along the unique south coast of Crete, southern of Chania, with a lovely wide curve of sand and pebble beach and a few taverns where you can enjoy excellent traditional food as well as fresh fish.
It was the site of the ancient town Syia that flourished during Roman times. Sougia became a village after the second world war and in late years it started to develop into a seaside tourist resort, not only due to its gorgeous beach and natural beauty but also for the peaceful and relaxed atmosphere that Sougia offers to its visitors.
Duration: 5 minutes
Pass By: Chania Town, Chania Town, Chania Prefecture, Crete
Right after that, we return to Chania and to your hotels.
See Availability.
Traveler pickup is offered
You will receive notification via email regarding your pick-up details, including the pick-up location and time. We aim to pick up individuals at their hotel or as close as possible to their accommodation based on the address you have provided. (Pick up times will vary from 05:30 - 06:30 depending on your accomodation)
Pick-up & drop off service is offered for the listed areas:
• Chania town
• Chrissi Akti
• Kato Daratso
• Agioi Apostoloi
• Kalamaki
• Stalos
• Agia Marina
• Platanias
• Gerani
• Maleme
• Kamisiana
• Tavronitis
• Kolimvari
1.There is an additional charge, for any other area that is not listed.
2.Pick-up locations can be hotels, buildings, and squares.
3.Please be aware that you have to be on time at the pick-up location as the bus cannot wait..
06:00 AM
14 hours(approx.)
Not wheelchair accessible
Infants must sit on laps
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Most travelers can participate
Children have a regular seat on the bus. [Children: 4 - 12 years old]
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 999 travelers
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Posted By : Zuzana H
Beautiful nature, not that hard if you love walking. Will return. Lots of option to have a break, fill water bottle. Possible to wask with children.
Rating :
Posted On : 2023-10-22
Posted By : clarer73
Disappointing experience with Io tours. Very minimal input from the guide, and the transport home was a disaster. Very disorganised, and the coach was over an hour late returning with no reason for the delay, or communication from the guide. The guide also strongly discouraged me from attempting the hike.
The Gorge itself was spectacular. Thoroughly enjoyed the hike. Legs hurt a lot the day after, so take that into consideration.
Rating :
Posted On : 2023-10-16
Posted By : 987theoa
Area very beautiful and picturesque. The experience was a lot more physically difficult than expected. Don't get drawn in by the hype..it is very hard ( remember Grade 3 out of 3 difficulty).
You are always looking down at your feet making sure your next step is on a secure smooth spot and not an ankle twisting rock edge....too too many rocks.
I would not recommend it to those who just want to ' tick ' off an activity in Crete. The track is a lot more difficult than that. Experienced hikers only.
I walk a lot daily, Samaria Gorge was slow , difficult and very long ( 6.5 hours, about 17.3 km by the end).
Rating :
Posted On : 2023-09-17
Posted By : Karen_N
Unforgettable views!
Must do everytime I am in Crete.
Make sure to bring suncream and walking shoes.
Rating :
Posted On : 2023-08-10
Posted By : Indi K
We do not recommend this tour provider as the operator had an inconsiderate tone . She saw when collecting money for the boat tickets we had accidentally fallen asleep on the bus due to tiredness (given we were picked up at 6am and we had only arrived to Crete the night before) and we had missed instructions. Despite this, she did not relay any important messages and we only had a picture of a paper of expected times to be a certain rest spots. When we got off the tour, she didn’t include/coordinate us with the rest of the tour, did a headcount or any sort of measure to ensure we were all ready to start the tour, and knew where to start from. Due to this we started the tour much later than others and naturally finished later. Furthermore , the tour had very rigid timings which did not take into consideration people of varying abilities. We couldn’t enjoy the views and take as much rest as others due to wanting to meet the timeframes, this added a lot of stress and led to accidents as we rushed. We also missed items in the itinerary which included spending time at the beach and having lunch at a taverna . Upon finding the tour guide, she did not express any concern and instead she seemed unbothered about us meeting everyone else on the bus back to the hotel.
In all honesty, this tour has no added value as such, we would have preferred a private route like a taxi, where we could take our time to enjoy the Gorge.
I would recommend if you are a beginner/novice like us, try and find a tour that is catered to your experience otherwise use a private mode of transport.
Rating :
Posted On : 2023-07-23
Posted By : Ioana_B
I would start by saying a few words about the attraction, Samaria Gorge is an absolute beauty that, if you have the chance and you don’t mind putting some effort into it, you absolutely need to see it! It has everything, a long course that everyone can enjoy at their own pace, nice scenery and landscapes, stops along the way for rest or water replenish or just to have a snack(no shops of any kind just what you have, it’s about nature after all ) and a nice track that you can follow easily so you don’t have to worry getting off it and just enjoy what’s around you. Now about the tour I would characterise the whole experience as lacklustre and without care for anyone in doing the tour. Let me explain, everything started well with some info about Samaria Gorge but after it started going awry, first because our tour guide only mentioned that the hike is a level of difficulty 3(highest possible) and the easy path is not possible, people had questions regarding the hike if they can make it, if they’re equipped properly, how tough is it really, and to all those concerns our tour guide,Pari, didn’t even bother answering and so a few people just gave up then and there. Another issue was that she didn’t bother with anyone on the hike, we saw her at the beginning and that was it, we talked with people at our meeting point which btw was an absolute joke, we had to come 15 minutes back from the ferry just to meet her so she can give us our ferry tickets in the middle of the restaurant terrace(awkward for everyone as people were trying to enjoy their meal) and then just to hear that you have one hour to do whatever till the ferry leaves, she only mentioned that after the ferry she will be at the coach and thats it. The tour finished the same, in absolute disarray, we thought she will say something about the tour or the hike or anything but no, same as public transport but worse as we had to change unexpectedly into a minivan without knowing who needs to go or why and being rushed to the each ones stop because it was late and I guess they had enough.
If you got to here then I hope it was a useful read and I think this gives you at least an idea of how everything went and what to think about the tour or the location,Samaria Gorge.
Rating :
Posted On : 2022-10-12
Posted By : Anna_S
Overall a great experience! The gorge itself is very beautiful, but please, take some sturdy boots with you. There are often slippery or loose stones and it is quite easy to break your ankle without proper support. The nature and the stops are wonderful. Our guide was amazing, she informed us well on the route. The route is beautiful, and the bus driver very skilled. The gorge ends after 16 km at a place where you need to walk another 2,5-3km to Agia Roumelli. A bus for 2€ is offered for those who do not want to walk anymore. The guide gave us tickets for the ferry in the evening. The ferry ride was also very beautiful. After the ferry the bus picked us up. In total a great, worry free experience. You do not have to worry not to make it to the bus or the last ferry, if you would do it on your own. Special thanks also to the guide who made sure we were well throughout the way.
Rating :
Posted On : 2022-09-06
Posted By : A2434HJjamieg
Very enjoyable walk through the gorge with beautiful views. Well organised and plenty of time ( about 9 hours for the walk and spending time at the beach). This is well worth the money.
Rating :
Posted On : 2022-06-21
Posted By : Z9215KCmarieb
Det här verkligen en upplevelse att göra när man är på Kreta. Så fantastisk naturupplevelse och väl organiserad resa med guide.
Rating :
Posted On : 2023-08-31
