The Samaria Gorge, the most famous gorge in Crete.

It’s the longest gorge in Europe, with a total length of 16 kilometres and definitely one that you will love to hike. Hikers usually start from Xyloskalo, its northern end, at an altitude of 1,230m. What’s impressive about it is the fact that the width varies from passage to passage. It’s 150m wide at its widest and 3m at its narrowest. Starting from Xyloskalo, it ends at the beach of Agia Roumeli, down at the south coast of Crete. Bear in mind that crossing the gorge is a physically demanding hike that takes 6-8 hours, depending on your pace.

The gorge is open from May to October. Also, you pay a small sum at the entrance, that goes for the protection of the forests.

Agia Roumeli is the south end of the Samaria Gorge. Usually, everyone chooses to hike from north to south. Cars aren’t accessible in Agia Roumeli, as there are no roads to get there. If you want to get to or out of Agia Roumeli, there are daily boats to Sfakia and Paleohora. You can also spend the night in Agia Roumeli, as there are a few small hotels and guesthouses right at the beach.