Home » Tours & Cruises » Samaria Gorge guided hike & Agia Roumeli

Samaria Gorge guided hike & Agia Roumeli

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Heraklion
May - October
Tuesday, Thursday
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Trip highlights

Bus Pickup
Experience the magnificent views on your bus trip from Heraklion to the White Mountains
Samaria Group Trek
Navigate with our guide to the majestic paths of Samaria Gorge.
Man water in Samaria
Capture the essence of Crete's natural beauty the Gorge's wild landscapes.
Agia Roumeli with people
Visit Agia Roumeli Village and relax at a local tavern.
Greek village of Agia Roumeli, Chania, Crete, Greece
Take a refreshing swim at Agia Roumeli's beach.
Libyan Sea, Agia Roumeli Crete
Embark on a boat across the Libyan Sea from Agia Roumeli to Sfakia, followed by a bus journey back to Heraklion.

Overview

Breathtaking Samaria Gorge, nestled in the heart of Crete, invites you on an unforgettable full-day adventure from Rethymno.

Step into a world of wild beauty as you follow the famous 16 km trail through towering cliffs, rugged paths, and untouched landscapes. Along the way, crystal-clear streams, ancient trees, and the sounds of nature create a truly immersive experience, while the chance to spot the rare kri-kri goats adds a unique touch to your journey.

As you make your way through the gorge, you’ll reach the iconic “Iron Gates”, the narrowest and most dramatic point, where the cliffs rise steeply above you, creating one of the most impressive natural sights on the island.

Your adventure concludes at the peaceful seaside village of Agia Roumeli, located on the southern coast of Crete and accessible only by foot or boat. Here, you can unwind after your hike, swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Libyan Sea, or enjoy a traditional meal by the sea.

This experience is more than just a hike — it’s a journey through Crete’s most spectacular landscapes, combining nature, adventure, and authentic island beauty in one unforgettable day.

Book now online a day tour to Samaria Gorge from Rethymnon and get best rates!
Duration of trip
16 - 17,5 hours The trip duration varies depending on the location of your hotel.
Mobile ticketing
Simply present your digital voucher to either the guide or the driver, and they will be ready to assist you accordingly.
Pickup - Available
Pick-up and drop-off service are both included in the price of your booking. Our pick-up service covers different points, including hotels and bus stops. After making your booking, we will reach out to inform you about the specific location and time for the pick-up that is convenient for your accommodation.
Free cancellation
In order to obtain a full refund, it is necessary to cancel your reservation at least 48 hours before the scheduled event or booking.
Covid 19 requirements
Currently, there are no specific requirements for participating.

Tour schedule

5:15am - 7:00am

Participants will be collected from designated pick-up points within the specified time frame. The exact pick-up time will be determined based on the location of your accommodation.

This tour requires an early start due to the distance to Samaria Gorge's entrance at the Omalos plateau from Heraklion, which is roughly 150 kilometers or 93 miles away. The bus ride to the gorge can take about 3-4 hours, with the duration being dependent on the specific pick-up location and current traffic conditions.

Additionally, we'll include a 20-minute stop along the way for a rest break!

Embark on a memorable adventure starting at the Omalos Plateau, where we'll gather last-minute supplies and prepare for the trek ahead.

Samaria Gorge (4.5 to 6 hours)
Delve into the heart of Europe's longest gorge, Samaria, for a majestic trek. This 16km journey unveils the White Mountains' grandeur, a gently flowing river, and sightings of the rare kri-kri. Led by an experienced guide, this trek promises awe-inspiring moments.

The time it takes to pass through Samaria Gorge in Crete can vary depending on individual pace, fitness level, and the number of breaks taken along the way. On average, it takes hikers about 4.5 to 6 hours to complete the 16-kilometer (approximately 10 miles) trek from the starting point down to the village of Agia Roumeli on the Libyan Sea.

Agia Roumeli
After exiting the gorge, you'll find the peaceful haven of Agia Roumeli, with its breathtaking beach nestled between the cliffs of the gorge and the Libyan Sea. Indulge in leisurely swims, unwind on the beach, and savor a lunch featuring local dishes at a nearby taverna.

Boat Trip
The adventure proceeds with a nearly 1-hour boat ride from Agia Roumeli to Chora Sfakion, signaling the start of our return journey. The exact duration can vary slightly depending on sea conditions. The boats used for this service are equipped with seating areas and toilets. Most of them have a snack bar where you can purchase refreshments during the trip!

Chora Sfakion
Here, we transition back to buses, ready to take us to our drop-off points in Heraklion Region!

21:30 - 23:30

Night Drop-off

Upon the conclusion of the tour, participants will board the buses and head back to their respective points, where they were originally picked up in the morning. The duration of the return journey to each hotel may vary depending on traffic conditions and the individual pick-up locations for each participant.

Extra information

Included
  • Morning pick-up & evening drop-off
  • Travel in comfort aboard our air-conditioned bus
  • Professionally trained driver
  • Guided tour during the trek with a well-experienced escort
  • All fees & legal taxes
  • Participants covered by Public Liability Insurance
Not Included
  • Samaria Gorge entrance ticket:
    • Adults (18+): €10
    • Children & teenagers (0–17): Free
    • Seniors (65+): Free
  • Boat ticket (Agia Roumeli – Sfakia):
    • Adults & children (12+): €17
    • Children (5–11): €8.50
    • Infants (0–4): Free
  • Food, drinks, sunbeds, and personal expenses
What to bring
  • Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
  • Swimsuit and beach towel
  • Comfortable hiking shoes
  • Water as there is no snack bar in the Gorge
Know before you go
  • Some experienced and faster hikers might complete the trek in a shorter time, while others may take longer, especially if they stop to enjoy the scenery, rest, or take photographs.
  • Boat Ticket Purchase: Tickets are available for purchase at Agia Roumeli, with our guide providing advice. It is advisable to bring cash since poor signal reception may prevent some boats from processing card payments.
  • Individuals interested in personal trekking gear should consider bringing walking sticks and a backpack for the hike, although they are not mandatory. While there is a shop at the entrance of Samaria Gorge, it's important to note that the selection may be limited.
Important Information

The tour requires a good level of physical fitness and is not recommended for pregnant women or individuals with heart conditions or serious health issues.

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Enjoyed visiting the island. Guide was very friendly and did a good job of making sure we all made the right connections. Visit included lots of free time. Hotel pick up and drop off was a pleasant experience. Very punctual . Ferry ride was three hours long but atmosphere was nice except very cold. Bring a jacket! Only negative was the ferry ride was completely inside and windows did not allow for view.
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Mykonos is a beautiful place and we as a family had a great time. Mania was quite helpful in organizing this trip at a short notice.
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Great experience. The best service I have recieved in Greece. Fully recomendable ++ Special mention to the staff Mania who made our experience the best in class. Thanks
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