The 8 Best Samaria Gorge Hikes in Crete

1.Full-Day Samaria Gorge Trek Excursion & Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 3,191 reviews · 9 - 12 hours · from $41Our pick

Join an early full-day trip from Chania to Samaria Gorge, with bus transfers, an English-speaking guide, and a 17-kilometer rocky descent through the White Mountains. Guides such as Sara and Christina help you manage the route, while the beach, taverns, and ferry from Agia Roumeli provide a welcome finish.

“So five minutes before we were supposed to start the gorge they decided to close it. This was very disappointing. However, our guide offered us an alternative option of walking Imbros Gorge instead. This was much easier but still a nice day out. It was particularly interesting to learn that Imbros was used by the allied troops to evacuate during WWII. Afterwards we were taken to Hora Sphakia which was a beautiful little town. I appreciated the organisation of the tour and the ability to pivot and offer us an alternative day trip so the day wasn't wasted.”

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2.Samaria Gorge Full-Day Trek, Pickup & Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,610 reviews · 9 - 12 hours · from $37

Spend a demanding day crossing Samaria Gorge from Omalos to Agia Roumeli. You’ll walk at your own pace over rocky ground, beneath old cypress trees, beside clear springs, and through the famous narrow gorge. Guides such as Pia and George explain the route in English, German, or French, then you return by ferry and air-conditioned coach.

“Very well organised. A great day out. Enough time to enjoy the walk and the beach and town at the end. The trip ended with a beautiful sunset from the ferry.”

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3.From Chania/Rethymno: Samariá Gorge Guided Hike with Pickup

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,010 reviews · 1 day · from $37

You’ll hike roughly 16 kilometers through Samaria Gorge with an English-speaking guide, beginning in Omalos and ending beside the Libyan Sea at Agia Roumeli. Guides such as Ingrid, Nikos, and Silvia explain the route and help with timing. Expect steep descents, rough stones, natural springs, a swim, and a ferry to meet your return coach.

“This was an amazing hike, super easy with the hostel pick up/drop off. It was pretty busy at the start but not too bad if you get ahead of the crowds. We finished in about 3.5hrs and the ferry didn’t leave until 5pm, so we spent a while at the end - but there was a cute town and nice beach so no complaints! Would recommend.”

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4.Samaria Gorge with Professional Hiking Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 720 reviews · 14 hours · from $37

Join guides such as Ingrid, Nikos, or Dimitris for a full-day Samaria Gorge hike from Chania. Walk 16 km through pine forests, cliffs, and the Iron Gates, then swim at Agia Roumeli before taking a coastal boat and coach home. Expect a rocky downhill route, early pickup, and a long but well-organized day.

“Easy transport from pick up point. Hike was good - mainly downhill. Hike guide was very helpful. Highly recommended 👍”

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5.Samaria Gorge & Agia Roumeli Hiking Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 422 reviews · 15.5 - 17.5 hours · from $58

Travel from Heraklion or nearby resorts to Omalos, then hike roughly 16 kilometers through Samaria Gorge with a multilingual guide nearby. Finish at Agia Roumeli for food and a swim before taking the ferry to Chora Sfakion. Guides such as Maritsa and Maria have earned praise for clear instructions and friendly help.

“We had a brilliant day hiking Samaria Gorge! The travel is long from Heraklion but it's worth it. The bus is comfortable and the guide was very knowledgeable. We made plenty of stops on the way there and back for snacks & toilet breaks. There are opportunities to buy lunch on the way. I would recommend wearing hiking boots or trail shoes for the hike as it is very tough on your feet and legs. You won't be allowed entry to the gorge with sandals. The scenery is spectacular in the gorge - I especially recommend enjoying the mountain views at the very beginning and towards the end. I would…”

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6.Samaria Gorge Hiking from Chania with Professional Hiking Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 372 reviews · 14 hours (approx.) · from $51

Join Fantasy Travel for a full-day Samaria Gorge trip from Chania, with hotel-area pickup, bus transport, a Sougia boat ride, and an escorted hike. Guides such as Ingrid, Nicos, and Sylvia help with safety and timing, but you walk mostly at your own pace. Expect rocky downhill terrain, about six hours on foot, and time for food and swimming at Agia Roumeli.

“Long day but perfect excursion experience! Started with pick up at 6 am and returned at 9pm. Everything about meet point, stops, and the day was clearly laid out an announced on the bus ride to the national park. The hike was beautiful a lot of decent and rocky so recommend decent hiking shoes. After the exit of the hiking portion there is a road that brings you to a small town and beach area. The water is very clear and perfect after a long hike. Definitely recommended packing bathing suit, towel, any change of clothes/shoes you can carry for that to be able to enjoy it comfortably. Food available…”

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7.From Rethymno/Chania: Imbros Gorge Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 353 reviews · 8 hours · from $30Best value

Walk roughly 8 to 9 km downhill through Imbros Gorge, passing narrow rock walls and historic landmarks with a guide nearby. Then head to Sfakia for swimming, lunch, and seaside views. Hotel pickup, transport, and an English-speaking guide are included. Bring sturdy shoes, water, sunscreen, and €5 for the gorge entrance.

“Firstly, our bus driver/Guide Spinoli, was outstanding, I would give him ten stars if I could. He was so knowledgeable and was a wonderful person, he really made the trip. We travelled to Imbros, after being collected exactly on time, with lots of interesting information shared on the way. We had a guide Minoli, who would travel with us along the gorge in case we needed anything, but walked independently, so we could go at our own pace. The gorge was incredible. We ended at a beautiful spot with a taverna lunch. Food was good here. Finally to a beach. We took Spinoli’s advice and had a swim, even though,…”

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8.Sarakina Gorge, Kritza, Oliveoil Tasting, Mountains, South Coast

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 92 reviews · 6 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $119Top rated

Ride a climate-controlled Land Rover from Agios Nikolaos into Crete’s mountains with a local guide such as George, Petra, Michael, or Rolf. Taste olive oil, visit Kritsa, walk through Sarakina Gorge, enjoy a full lunch with wine and raki, and swim in the Libyan Sea near Myrtos.

“This was our best excursion of our trip. The views were fantastic! The climbing in the Gorge was so much fun and the guides did a fantastic job watching out and helping our group! Loved our food at the restaurant they took us to! Michael had lots of knowledge about Crete. I would definitely recommend this tour!”

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