The 15 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 Platanos Tours for a full-day Samaria Gorge trek from Chania. Guides such as Sara and Christina give clear safety advice while you walk 17 kilometers through forest, riverbeds, and narrow rock walls. Finish with free time in Agia Roumeli, then take the ferry to Sougia and a bus back.

“Everything was great. The transport was on time and Sara is a great guide taking care of everyone’s wellbeing. I do recommend the trip.”

Check availability →Read our full review

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

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

Join guides such as Pia, George, or Alexandra for a self-paced trek through Samaria Gorge. Expect a long, rocky downhill walk, fresh mountain water, wild goats, a swim at Agia Roumeli, and a ferry ride back to the coach. Good shoes and solid fitness are essential.

“The pick up was on-time and the drive was very smooth and safe. The guide was very informative and clear with his instructions and how the day would proceed.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Samaria Gorge with Professional Hiking Guide

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

Join an English-speaking guide such as Ingrid, Nikos, or Dimitris for a 16 km downhill walk through Samaria Gorge. You’ll travel by coach from Chania, refill water at springs, swim at Agia Roumeli, then return by boat and coach. It is beautiful, well organized, and physically demanding.

“Did this hike for the 2nd time now and it's still very amazing to see this beautiful gorge, its nature and the trail itself. We did it in 6 hours this time, with some minor stops and 2 more big breaks. If you want to do this, keep in mind that it's very steep at the beginning and slippery throughout most parts. Get some very good hiking shoes, sunscreen and bottles you can refill at the springs. If you're in doubt and have decent condition, I do recommend doing this one at least once in your life.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Samaria Gorge & Agia Roumeli Hiking Day Trip

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

This full-day trip takes you from Heraklion or nearby resorts to Omalos, through Samaria Gorge, and down to Agia Roumeli. You hike largely at your own pace, then swim, eat, and catch a ferry to Sfakia. Guides such as Maritsa and Maria have led recent departures.

“A bit of warning for anyone who might be slightly less mobile. the first 6 km is basically rough, rocky steps going down. Be aware it could be quite tough if you are not used to hiking. The water stops are regular and there are some amazing sights to see. was a fantastic day out, but be prepared as it is not simply a walk in the park”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Samaria Gorge Hiking from Chania with Professional Hiking Guide

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

Travel from Chania to Omalos Plateau, hike Samaria Gorge with a professional escort, then cool off at Agia Roumeli before the ferry and bus return. Guides such as Ingrid, Nicos, and Sylvia help with timing and safety. Expect rocky footing, a long day, and extra cash for entrance and boat fees.

“What a tour! Woke up at 5 am and returned at 9 pm, but we knew what we signed up for. Lovely guide who made sure that everyone was satisfied and knew all the required information to get to the bus safely (and on time). Even though we were the first to get picked up and the last to be dropped off, Nico (tour guide) chatted with us to make sure that we were okay with the long bus ride and the definitely long day! A-maze-ing day with lots of great memories.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.From Heraklion,Agia Pelagia,Malia: Samaria Gorge Guided Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 298 reviews · 12 - 14 hours · from $53

Start early from Heraklion, Malia, Agia Pelagia, and nearby resorts for a guided 17-kilometer hike through Samaria Gorge. Your English-speaking guide handles entrance and ferry tickets, while you walk at your own pace before relaxing in Agia Roumeli with time for lunch or a swim.

“The pick up went smoothly. Our guide was really nice and explained everything. Samaria Gorge is amazing. I highly recommend this trip.”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Samaria Gorge Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 201 reviews · 17 hours · from $56

Start at Xiloskalo and hike about 15 kilometers through Samaria Gorge, past the abandoned village and Iron Gates. A multilingual guide, coach transport, a ferry to Sfakia, and free time for swimming at Agia Roumeli are included. Bring sturdy shoes, water, sun protection, and cash for the park and boat fees.

“Well organised trip and had a brilliant day. It was a long day being picked up at 6am and not getting back to hotel until 10pm but thoroughly enjoyed it. The Gorge is awesome and the walk was challenging in the heat but well worth the effort. The swim in the sea at the end was heavenly as was the cold beer after! Getting the boat back for part of the way was fab and also the stop for souvlaki being cooked outside for us.”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.From Chania/Kalyves: Full-Day Samaria Gorge Hiking Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 162 reviews · from $32Best value

Spend a full day walking Crete’s Samaria Gorge from Xyloskalo to Agia Roumeli. Guides such as Pari and Dafne offer clear trail advice, while your bus, ferry, and return transfer are arranged. Bring sturdy shoes, water, snacks, and swimwear for the beach at the gorge exit.

“Everything was very well organised and the guide was incredibly helpful, friendly and informative from start to finish.”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.Samaria Gorge Hiking with transfer and expert Escort

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 125 reviews · 12 - 16 hours · from $47

You’ll hike from the Omalos Plateau through Samaria Gorge, with a first-aid-trained guide nearby, then eat or swim in Agia Roumeli before taking a boat to Hora Sfakion. The 12 to 16-hour day includes hotel pickup, but you’ll pay separately for the €10 gorge entry and €14 boat ticket.

“The travel arrangements were excellent and the guide really knew his stuff It is a tough walk which took around 5 hours with a lot of uneven surface, but very enjoyable”

Check availability →Read our full review

10.Full-Day Samaria Gorge Chania Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 91 reviews · 15 hours (approx.) · from $36

Start before dawn from Chania, ride to Omalos, then hike 16 km through Samaria Gorge National Park from Xiloskalo to Agia Roumeli. Guides such as Sara, Christina, Thomas, and Nikos help with timing and trail advice, followed by a Libyan Sea swim and ferry to Sougia.

“Beautiful hike. We had a blast. Not going to lie we are not in shape and we only got about 3 hours of sleep the night before so our legs were pretty sore for the next two days! But I would definitely do this again, my sister said once was enough though.”

Check availability →Read our full review

11.Samaria Gorge Trek: Full-Day Excursion from Chania with Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 51 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $41

Leave Chania early for a guided, self-paced trek through Samaria Gorge, with an English-speaking escort, entrance and ferry arrangements, and transport back by boat and bus. Guides such as Christina, Nikos, Thomas, and Sara help with timing and trail advice. Bring sturdy shoes, water, snacks, and a swimsuit.

“So glad we got to see this gorge! The travel time to and from is quite long and not great for folks who get motion sickness from right turns in a bus. Other than that, it was memorable and we are glad we did this. You’ll need a swim suit and cash for this adventure.”

Check availability →Read our full review

12.Samaria Gorge Trek: Full-Day Excursion from Rethymno with Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 46 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $38

Set out early from Rethymno for a guided 16-kilometer descent through Samaria Gorge. George, Jorgos, Pia, or Ingrid may lead the group, depending on the departure. After the hike, swim and eat in Agia Roumeli before taking the ferry to Sfakia and the bus home.

“My husband and I had a wonderful time on the Samaria Gorge Trek Full Day. From start to finish everything was like clockwork. We were picked up on time and did not once have to wait for anyone. The driver Nikos was good, and our guide Ingrid was amazing, probably the best guide we have ever had. The trek is not easy, it really gets you on your leg muscles as it is descending 90% of the way. The scenery along the trek is fantastic and you need to make sure you take sometime to enjoy this and stop to admire it and not just look down all the time…”

Check availability →Read our full review

13.Samaria Gorge Hike

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 32 reviews · 12 to 15 hours (approx.) · from $45Top rated

Join local guide Kostas for a full-day walk through Samaria Gorge National Park. From Rethymno-area hotels, an air-conditioned vehicle takes you to Omalos and Xyloskalo, where you prepare for the hike. Your €5 gorge entry, route map, guide support, and return ferry make this a practical choice for fit walkers.

“If you love exploring nature and have got medium fitness you must do this tour. Our experience with our guide Kostas was absolutely brilliant. Gave us all the information we needed and was there all the way looking after us. The day is long but so worth it. We saw some amazing views and were so lucky to have experienced it. Checkin are a great tour company. We also did their Chania and Kournas lake trip which was brilliant as well.”

Check availability →Read our full review

14.From Agia Galini/Matala: Samaria Gorge Hiking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 29 reviews · 9 hours · from $79

Travel from Agia Galini or Matala to the Omalos Plateau, hike 18 km through Samaria Gorge, then relax in Agia Roumeli before a one-hour coastal boat ride. English and German guiding is available, and Claudia has led some departures with humor and clear explanations.

“De Samaraikloof moet op je bucketlist staan, maar je moet in zeer goede conditie zijn! Als 65j sport ik nog min.4/w, maar je knieën en voeten moeten in optimale conditie zijn! Het is van in het begin tot het einde springen van steen tot steen, met het risico om bij elke pas je voet om te slaan! Maar de kloof zelf is een wonder der natuur! De prijs echter is bij GYG veel te hoog. In Agia Galini betaal je slechts 55€, transport inbegrepen! Dus om nogmaals met GYG te boeken, zal ik beter uitkijken! Een andere activiteit(zeilboot met snorkelen was ook 90€, waar ter plaatse het slechts 50-60€ is!”

Check availability →Read our full review

15.Private Roundtrip Transfer from Chania to Samaria Gorge Park

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 26 reviews · 14 hours (approx.) · from $86

You get a private air-conditioned ride from your Chania hotel to Samaria Gorge, then walk at your own pace to Agia Roumeli. After a swim or lunch, take the ferry to Chora Sfakion, where your English-speaking driver, such as Demetrios, meets you for the return.

“Hospitable and professional—an overall fantastic experience! Driver went out of his way to ensure my family had the right ferry tickets, location of pickup, etc. Provided history and local insight to history of Crete.”

Check availability →Read our full review