No holiday in Crete is complete without a trip through the 2nd longest gorge in Europe, the Gorge of Samaria. It is the longest and most imposing ravine in the Mediterranean. It is 16.5 kilometers in length from the position of Xyloskalo and terminates at Agia Roumeli in the Libyan Sea.
We will arrive around 7 o’clock in the morning and after a short break you will start walking. Descending the 600 wooden steps you will be intrigued by the beauty and serenity of this massive gorge which is shadowed by the White Mountains.
You will come across the church of St. Nicolas, built on the ruins of an ancient temple. Afterwards you will reach “Portes” or “Iron Gates”, the narrowest pass of the gorge. The hike ends at Agia Roumeli.
1) Hike the 2nd Largest Gorge in Europe (16 km) 2) Excellent for Hiking Lovers 3) See the famous endangered Cretan Goat “Kri-Kri” 4) Swim in the Refreshing Cool Waters of Agia Roumeli at the exit of the gorge
Pick up from accomodation/Pick Up Point
First stop Omalos Plateau.
Begin hike Xyloskalo (1.200 m)
End hike at Agia Roumeli Village (it depends on how fast you walk) Free time to eat & drink and to swim.
Meet your guide at Agia Roumeli and get the ferry-boat tickets to Sougia.
Departure from Agia Roumeli to Sougia
Arrival to Sougia
Arrival at your Hotel/Accomodation/Pick Up Point
> Drink plenty of water (you can refill your bottle from springs inside the gorge)!
> Go slow in the first 2km of the walk & avoid stopping for a rest just below high cliffs
> Avoid resting for more than 15 minutes (especially if you are not used to this sort of walk) because your muscles will start to stiffen up and you will find it pretty hard to get going again.
> Whilst in the village of Samaria take a quiet walk around it, you will probably catch a glimpse of the kri-kri’s. The young ones get used to seeing people every day and are not that shy.
> Always look where you are heading. When you want to look around, make sure you don’t block the path and then look.
> Half way down the gorge lies the old village of Samaria. The village of Samaria has a telephone for communication with the police, a pharmacy, and two mules to transport injured persons.
1) Sun Cream (a lot!), Sunglasses and Hat
2) Long-Sleeved Shirt for Sensitive skin
3) A light jumper for the morning
4) Good Hiking Shoes
5) Bottle of Water & Light Snack (fruits etc.)
6) Swim Suit and a Beach Towel!
1) Pick-up/Drop-Off
2) Hiking Escort
3) Air-Conditioned Luxury Bus
4) Full Liability Insurance
Entrance Fee and Boat Ticket are not Included and are paid on the spot in Cash