Containing 450 species of plant and animal life, the Samaria Gorge is a UNESCO-protected Biosphere Reserve
EXPERIENCE

Hiking the spectacular Samaria Gorge in Chania

Updated: Jun 3, 2025
Surrounded by some of the most striking scenery in Europe, the Samaria Gorge trail, in Chania, includes abandoned villages and the rich wildlife of Crete’s White Mountains National Park
Thrace region-id="pin-13"; Macedonia Macedonia Epirus Thessaly Sporades Ionian Islands Western Greece Central Greece Attica Peloponnese Crete Cyclades North Aegean Islands Dodecanese Dodecanese Karpathos Astypalea Tilos Sitia Faistos - Matala Patmos Kastelorizo Kasos Kos Leros Halki Rhodes Symi Sfakia - Loutro Rethymno Elounda - Agios Nikolaos Agia Galini Plakias Hersonissos - Malia Ierapetra Heraklion Chania Nisyros Ikaria Lipsi Tzia - Kea Thasos Samos Lesvos Samothrace Limnos Chios Kalymnos Paros Naxos Zante - Zakynthos Lefkada Corfu Santorini Milos Kythnos Kimolos Serifos Syros Sifnos Koufonisia Ios Kefalonia Mykonos Paxi Ithaca Arta Ioannina Tinos Parga - Sivota Metsovo Anafi Sikinos Folegandros Donousa - Iraklia - Schinoussa Antiparos Zagori Mountainous Arkadia Porto Heli - Ermioni Preveza Amorgos Andros Delos Messolongi Ancient Olympia Aegina Kythira Archea Epidavros Patra Nafplio Kardamyli Kalamata Ilia Corinth Western Messinia Kalavryta Elafonissos Nafpaktos Spetses Poros Hydra Alexandroupolis Pylos Mycenae Monemvasia Loutraki Piraeus Athens Arahova Xanthi Galaxidi Mystra - Sparta Mani Edipsos Karpenisi Delphi Chalkida Karystos Evia Skyros Vergina Alonissos Volos Karditsa Skopelos Skiathos Kastoria Thessaloniki Prespes Agios Athanasios Edessa Serres Veria Larissa - Tempi Elati - Pertouli Trikala Pelion Meteora Drama Ammouliani Mount Athos - Ouranopolis Nymfeo Mount Olympos Katerini Halkidiki Grevena Lake Kerkini Naoussa Kozani Kilkis Kavala Pella Lake Plastira
Duration
6 - 7 hrs
Season
May - October

🏞️ Samaria Gorge Hiking FAQs

The trail begins at Xyloskalo, near the village of Omalos at 1,230 meters elevation, and ends in the coastal village of Agia Roumeli. From there, hikers take a ferry to Chora Sfakion or Sougia, followed by a bus back to Chania. 

Most hikers complete the route in 4 to 6 hours, depending on pace and rest stops. The terrain is rocky and uneven, especially at the start, so sturdy footwear is essential.

The gorge is typically open from May 1 to October 31, weather permitting. It may close on rainy days due to safety concerns. 

  • Public Bus: KTEL buses depart early from Chania to Xyloskalo. Tickets for the bus, ferry, and return trip can be purchased in advance at the Chania bus station. 
  • Guided Tours: Many operators offer full-day excursions, including transportation, entrance fees, and a guide. 

The gorge is home to the endangered Kri-Kri (Cretan wild goat), as well as various endemic plants and birds.