Before embarking on your hike, please read the following safety instructions carefully.
General Safety Rules
Always follow the instructions of Forest Rangers, Firefighters, and the signs along the trail—especially those warning about falling rocks.
Hiking is only permitted along the designated main path. Do not leave the trail under any circumstances.
Fire prevention is crucial. Report any signs of fire immediately to Forest Rangers or Firefighters.
Smoking is strictly allowed only at designated rest points.
You are responsible for your own safety while hiking. Ensure you have the necessary equipment listed below, and bring any required medication. Inform the park staff of any health conditions before starting your hike.
Walk at a steady pace, taking breaks as needed. Take your time to observe and appreciate the beauty of the gorge.
STRICTLY PROHIBITED:
🚫 Lighting fires
🚫 Hunting or fishing
🚫 Camping
🚫 Bringing pets without a leash
🚫 Picking flowers
🚫 Throwing stones
🚫 Removing or destroying nests
🚫 Littering (use designated bins only)
🚫 Damaging or destroying geological formations
🚫 Smoking outside designated rest areas
🚫 Carrying weapons or traps
🚫 Making excessive noise
🚫 Swimming in the streams
🚫 Consuming alcohol
Samaria Gorge: A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
Located in the White Mountains of Crete, Samaria Gorge is a protected National Park and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The gorge is named after the abandoned village of Samaria, which was vacated in 1962 when the area was declared a National Park. The gorge serves as a refuge for the rare and endangered Cretan wild goat (Capra aegagrus cretica), also known as the Kri-Kri.
The hike begins at Xyloskalo, at an altitude of 1,250 meters, and descends to the coastal village of Agia Roumeli. One of the most iconic sections of the gorge is the "Gates" or "Iron Gates," where the towering cliffs are just 4 meters apart but rise an impressive 500 meters high.
The Hike
Distance: 13 km through the gorge + 3 km to the beach at Agia Roumeli
Estimated Time: 5 – 5.5 hours (depending on fitness level and number of breaks)
The estimated duration is based on an average fitness level, walking at a slow pace, and taking 4 to 5 short breaks. Proper hiking shoes are strongly recommended.
Route & Stops
Xyloskalo - Entrance
Neroutsiko (1,700m) – 40 min
Sykia (1,200m) – 25 min
Agios Nikolaos (900m) – 25 min
Vryssi (900m) – 20 min
Prinari (1,100m) – 20 min
Samaria (1,200m) – 25 min
Perdika (1,100m) – 15 min
Christos (3,100m) – 70 min
Exit (1,800m) – 45 min
Agia Roumeli (3,000m) – 70 min
Difficulty Level
Moderate difficulty
The trail is steep and downhill at the beginning (starting at 1,250m altitude), but it becomes flatter once you reach the valley.
Some parts of the trail have sharp stones, so extra caution is needed. Always stay on the designated path.
What to Wear & Bring
✅ Footwear: Sturdy hiking shoes with hard soles are recommended. While sports shoes can be used, avoid flip-flops or sneakers, as they can cause injuries or slow you down.
✅ Walking sticks: Useful for stability on uneven terrain.
✅ Clothing: A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect against the sun.
✅ Swimsuit: You’ll reach the sea at Agia Roumeli, so bring swimwear if you’d like to take a refreshing dip.
When to Start
The official opening time of Samaria Gorge is 7:00 AM.
Given that the hike takes about 5 hours, it’s best to start early to avoid the hottest part of the day (12:00 – 3:00 PM).
If traveling from Chania (approx. 45 km away), allow at least 1 hour for the drive, as the road is winding.
Essential Tips
✔ Consider your fitness level and that of your hiking companions. The trail is long and requires endurance.
✔ Carry enough water. Although there are natural springs along the way, some may dry up by the end of summer. Always check at the entrance before relying on them.
✔ Food & Refreshments: A café is available at the entrance, but there are no shops inside the gorge. Stock up on snacks and drinks before you start.
✔ Toilets: Available at several points along the trail.
✔ Mobile Signal: There is no phone reception inside the gorge. In case of an emergency, notify the nearest Park Ranger or Firefighter.
How to Get to Samaria Gorge & Return Options
By Car
If you drive to Xyloskalo (Samaria Gorge entrance), your only way back is by ferry from Agia Roumeli to Sougia. From there, public buses will be waiting to take passengers back to the entrance of Samaria Gorge, where you can pick up your car.
Estimated return time: around 7:30 PM.
Tickets for the ferry and bus can be purchased at the Coffee Shop at the entrance of the gorge.
Parking: There are two parking lots at the entrance, charging €5 per day, with attendants ensuring vehicle safety.
Upon your return to Xyloskalo by bus from Sougia, the Coffee Shop will still be open for restroom use, snacks, and drinks.
Alternative transport: Instead of the ferry and public bus, you can also opt for a taxi boat and a taxi or combine these options.
🚨 IMPORTANT: If you arrive with your own or a rental car, the only way back to Xyloskalo is via Sougia.
By Public Transport
If you are traveling to Samaria Gorge by public bus, you have two return options from Agia Roumeli after your hike:
1️⃣ Take the ferry to Sougia – this is cheaper and faster.
2️⃣ Take the ferry to Chora Sfakion.
You can find ticket prices and timetables below.
Transport Timetable & Prices
Morning Buses to Xyloskalo (Samaria Gorge Entrance)
🚍 From Chania:
06:15 & 07:45 (Every day)
€7.10 / adult
€3.60 / disabled
€5.30 / student
🚍 From Sougia:
07:00 AM (Every day)
€7.00 / adult
€5.50 / disabled
€3.60 / student
🚍 From Paleochora:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday - 06:30
€6.40 / adult
€3.20 / disabled
€4.80 / student
Entry Fee for the Samaria Gorge
€5.00 / adult
Free / children under 15 years old
Free / disabled visitors
Free / military personnel
Return Transport from Agia Roumeli
🚢 Boat from Agia Roumeli to Sougia
Departure: 17:30 (Every day)
€15.00 / adult
€7.50 / child (5-12 years old)
€12.00 / student
🚍 Evening Buses from Sougia
Departure: 18:15 (after ferry arrival)
To Xyloskalo (Samaria Gorge entrance)
€7.00 / adult
€5.50 / disabled
€5.30 / student
To Chania
€7.30 / adult
€3.60 / disabled
€5.30 / student
🚤 Taxi Boat from Agia Roumeli to Sougia
Cost: up to €100
Available at the main port of Agia Roumeli – contact Vasilis for arrangements.
🚕 Taxi from Sougia to Xyloskalo
Cost: €50
Available upon request.
🚢 Boat from Agia Roumeli to Chora Sfakion
Departure: 17:30 (Every day)
€15.00 / adult
€7.50 / child (5-12 years old)
€12.00 / student
🚍 Evening Buses from Chora Sfakion
Departure: 18:30 PM (after ferry arrival)
To Chania
€7.60 / adult
€3.80 / disabled
€5.70 / student
PRO TIP
Check with a local tour operator to join an organized excursion—this way, you can avoid all the hassle. You won’t have to worry about transportation or logistics, as everything will be arranged for you.
If you want to book an organised private tour with our partner Upiria you can have a look at our deals below.
