Samaria Gorge Trek from Chania: 12-hour guided hike

Twelve hours, five to six hours of hiking, a thousand-year-old forest, a river crossing, and a boat ride home

A full-day trek through Samaria Gorge, Europe's longest gorge, departing from Chania with hotel pickup and a professional English-speaking guide. You hike from Omalos through ancient forests, past fresh-water springs and mountain goats, then take a boat from the coastal village of Agia Roumeli back to the starting point. The trek is challenging and requires moderate fitness and sturdy hiking shoes.

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your Chania hotel between 6 a.m. and 7:30 a.m., depending on where you're staying. The drive to Omalos takes you into the White Mountains, where you'll have time for breakfast before the hike begins. From there, the trek descends through Samaria Gorge, which sits 4,000 feet above sea level and is the longest gorge in Europe. Your professional guide speaks English and walks at the back of the group, so you set your own pace through the five to six hours of hiking.

The route takes you over rocks and stones, through forests of thousand-year-old trees, and along a river with fresh-water springs. You'll see Crete's mountain range and likely spot wild mountain goats. At the end of the gorge, you reach Agia Roumeli, a small coastal village where you can swim and grab lunch at one of the taverns. Late in the afternoon around 5:30 p.m., you board a ferry that carries you to Sougia, where a bus is waiting to drive you back to Chania.

Entrance to the gorge costs 10 euros and the ferry costs 13 euros. Both are paid to your guide when you arrive. You'll need sturdy hiking shoes, a swimsuit, and water. The full day runs 12 hours from pickup to drop-off, so plan accordingly and bring snacks or money for lunch.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from central Chania locations.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• professional English-speaking guide for the hike.
• entrance to Samaria Gorge and ferry ticket from Agia Roumeli to Sougia.

Options for this experience

7 options

From Perivolia,HalepaGuide in English · Available from 3 May 2027Pickup is included

From Chania,Nea Chora,KladissoGuide in English · Available from 3 May 2027Take on a demanding hike through one of Europe's longest and best-known gorges. On this day trip from Rethymno, you'll be amazed by natural wonders all day long, from the White Mountains to the sea. Pickup is included.

From Ag.Marina,Platanias,StaloGuide in English · Available from 3 May 2027Pickup is included

See 4 more options

From Gerani,Maleme,TavronitisGuide in English · Available from 4 May 2027Pickup is included

Private tour without a guideGuide in English · 7 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 09:00Pickup is included

Pickup from Kalyves or AlmyridaGuide in English · Available from 3 May 2027Pickup is included

Private guided tour of ChaniaGuide in English · 7 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 09:00Guided private tour with pickup included

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesFriday7 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 09:00

Book up to10h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 50

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on site€ 41

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by PLATANOS TOURS

Is this one for you?Choose the guided option if you want someone who knows the terrain and can help if you need it. The self-guided trek costs less but you navigate alone. Either way, the 12-hour commitment and five to six hours of hiking mean this suits travelers with moderate fitness who can spend a full day on their feet.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (5 to 11 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How challenging is the hike through Samaria Gorge?

The trek is demanding: five to six hours of hiking over rocks, stones and uneven terrain through a gorge 4,000 feet above sea level. You need moderate fitness and sturdy hiking shoes. The guide walks at the back of the group, so you walk at your own pace, but the terrain itself is the challenge, not the speed.

What happens at Agia Roumeli at the end of the hike?

Agia Roumeli is a small coastal village where the gorge meets the sea. You have time to swim in the water and eat lunch at one of the taverns or bars before boarding the ferry back to the coast around 5:30 p.m.

Will I see wildlife in Samaria Gorge?

Yes, you're likely to see wild mountain goats roaming in the gorge. The route also passes through thousand-year-old forests and along a river with fresh-water springs, so the landscape itself is the main draw.

What's included in the price, and what do I pay separately?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, the guided hike, an air-conditioned vehicle, and your professional English-speaking guide are included. You pay the gorge entrance fee (10 euros) and the ferry ticket (13 euros) to your guide on arrival. Lunch, drinks and any tips are separate.

How early do I need to wake up, and when do I get back?

Pickup starts at 6 a.m. from central meeting points near Chania hotels, with the actual hike beginning after a drive to Omalos and breakfast. The full day is 12 hours, so you'll return to your hotel in the late evening after the ferry ride and bus transfer.