Samaria Gorge Hike from Heraklion region
Overview
A unique walk through the Samaria Gorge, the largest in Europe, with a length of about 18 kilometers, will allow you not only to admire the breathtaking views and the wildlife, but also to test yourself.
Samaria Gorge is located in the heart of the majestic "White Mountains", south of Omalos plateau. Tourist route begins at an altitude of 1250 meters above sea level along the trail with wooden fences, laid down the mountainside. The narrowest and probably the most picturesque place called "Portes" - gates, where cliffs rise to a height of 500 meters, while the width of the river gorge at only 3-4 meters. 47 bridges cross the river Tarraios passing through the White Mountains and the valley. You will meet with the inhabitants of the reserve - wild goats Kri-Kri or see rare species of orchids.
After 4-6 hours of walking, you will get out to the beautiful Agia Roumeli beach, where you can swim in its crystal waters and have lunch. The boat will take you back to the bus.
What's Included
- Transfer with air-conditioned bus
- Pick-up from hotels of the HERAKLION region (at the specific bus stops outside of your hotel)
- Certified tour guide
- Ticket entrance to Samaria National Park, Child up to 15 years - free of charge
- Ticket for the boat from Agia Roumeli to Hora Sfakion
Meeting and Pickup
Pick-up at the specific tourist bus stop, up to 800m walking from your hotel. Once booked, Status MLB Travel will contact you with details of pickup time and location. If you cannot find your pickup, you can indicate your location and we will help you find a convenient departure point for the tour bus. If you have not received the email, please check your spam folder. When booking, always indicate the area and place of residence in Crete, and a contact phone number.
What To Expect
The Samaria gorge is located on a height of 1227 meters above sea level. This is the longest gorge in Europe: 18km pathway and width from 3 to 300 meters.
The walking tour begins in the early morning from Omalos plateau 43 km from the city of Chania. Walking time is about 5-6 hours, so be sure to take some water and something to eat. Before entering the gorge and at the exit there are taverns where you can dine, and throughout the whole journey you will have to be content with only your own reserves. Descenting along the picturesque mountain stream will take you to the southern coast of the island to Agia Roumeli. After relaxing and swimming in the crystal clear waters of the Libyan Sea, you will go on a small boat along the southern coast of Crete to the port of Chora Sfakon where you will wait for the bus.
Take very seriously the decision to visit the gorge, especially if you have health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diseases of the musculoskeletal system. The path has to be overcome at a sufficiently energetic pace with the air temperature reaching sometimes up to thirty-odd degrees in the shade.
The duration is 12-16 hours, depends on your pick-up.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- If an infant does not sit on lap in the bus, It is necessary to pay a child ticket.
- After booking we will contact you to arrange the pick-up. Please, note, if you do not provide your pick-up details up to 24 hours before the tour, we do not guarantee the pick-up. For pick-up from different location, please, contact us.
- NOTE: It is a 18 kilometers walk along very rocky path, sometimes steep.
- Visiting the gorge is usually recommended for children over 7 years old, who like to walk a lot. Infants only in a special carriers.
- The tour starts at 06.00am and you will be back at your hotel around 10.00pm, depending on the pick up location.
- Pick-up from the specific bus stops next to the hotels. From Area 1: all the villages between Amudara/Heraklion/Karteros/Amnissos/Kokkini Hani/Gournes/Gouves/Analipsi/Anissaras/Hersonissos/Stalida/Malia/Sissi
- Area 2: Georgioupoli/Rethymno/Panormo/Bali/Sises/Fodele/Agia Pelagia/Ligaria/Achlada/Mades/Ammoudi/Rodia/Palaiokastro/Pantanassa/Gazi
- Monday: English, German, French
- Tuesday: English, German, French, Polish, Dutch
- Thursday: English, German, French, Polish, Dutch
- Saturday: English, German, French, Dutch
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 100 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (8)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Samaria Gorge Hike from Heraklion region?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-121353P11
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Reviews
Average 4.67 out of 5 stars based on 24 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EET).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Transfer with air-conditioned bus.
- Pick-up from hotels of the HERAKLION region (at the specific bus stops outside of your hotel).
- Certified tour guide.
- Ticket entrance to Samaria National Park, Child up to 15 years - free of charge.
- Ticket for the boat from Agia Roumeli to Hora Sfakion.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Samaria Gorge Hike from Heraklion region is as follows:
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Samaria Gorge Hike from Heraklion region will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Transfer with air-conditioned bus
- Pick-up from hotels of the HERAKLION region (at the specific bus stops outside of your hotel)
- Certified tour guide
- Ticket entrance to Samaria National Park, Child up to 15 years - free of charge
- Ticket for the boat from Agia Roumeli to Hora Sfakion
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- If an infant does not sit on lap in the bus, It is necessary to pay a child ticket.
- After booking we will contact you to arrange the pick-up. Please, note, if you do not provide your pick-up details up to 24 hours before the tour, we do not guarantee the pick-up. For pick-up from different location, please, contact us.
- NOTE: It is a 18 kilometers walk along very rocky path, sometimes steep.
- Visiting the gorge is usually recommended for children over 7 years old, who like to walk a lot. Infants only in a special carriers.
- The tour starts at 06.00am and you will be back at your hotel around 10.00pm, depending on the pick up location.
- Pick-up from the specific bus stops next to the hotels. From Area 1: all the villages between Amudara/Heraklion/Karteros/Amnissos/Kokkini Hani/Gournes/Gouves/Analipsi/Anissaras/Hersonissos/Stalida/Malia/Sissi
- Area 2: Georgioupoli/Rethymno/Panormo/Bali/Sises/Fodele/Agia Pelagia/Ligaria/Achlada/Mades/Ammoudi/Rodia/Palaiokastro/Pantanassa/Gazi
- Monday: English, German, French
- Tuesday: English, German, French, Polish, Dutch
- Thursday: English, German, French, Polish, Dutch
- Saturday: English, German, French, Dutch
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 100 travelers
