The emblematic passage of Crete
In the heart of the White Mountains, Samaria Gorge extends for about thirteen kilometers, from Xyloskalo in Omalos to the seaside village of Agia Roumeli. It is the largest and most famous gorge in Crete, the core of the Samaria National Park, protected by the Natura 2000 network. The famous Cretan wild goat lives on its steep slopes. Depending on the season you will see endemic plants that do not exist anywhere else in the world.
The entrance to the gorge is located in Xyloskalo, at an altitude of 1,200 meters, and is accessible by bus or car from Chania. From there you can start the descent to the sea, lasting from 4 to 7 hours, with intermediate stops.
The route passes through the abandoned village of Samaria and ends at the impressive Gates, the narrowest point of the gorge, where the vertical rocks rise almost 500 meters, while the distance between them reaches just three meters. Throughout the route, it's important to follow safety instructions and, if necessary, ask for a certified guide to accompany you.
The route ends at the village of Agia Roumeli, from where the way back is only by taking a ferry to Sfakia or Sougia, as there is no road access.
If you do not wish to cross the entire gorge, you can visit Xyloskalo for the view of the White Mountains, or enter from Agia Roumeli and walk a small part of it to Afentis Christos, enjoying its most imposing spots.
Whether you cross the entire gorge or only get to know a part of it, the experience will have a lasting impact on you.
The entrance to the gorge is located in Xyloskalo, at an altitude of 1,200 meters, and is accessible by bus or car from Chania. From there you can start the descent to the sea, lasting from 4 to 7 hours, with intermediate stops.
The route passes through the abandoned village of Samaria and ends at the impressive Gates, the narrowest point of the gorge, where the vertical rocks rise almost 500 meters, while the distance between them reaches just three meters. Throughout the route, it's important to follow safety instructions and, if necessary, ask for a certified guide to accompany you.
The route ends at the village of Agia Roumeli, from where the way back is only by taking a ferry to Sfakia or Sougia, as there is no road access.
If you do not wish to cross the entire gorge, you can visit Xyloskalo for the view of the White Mountains, or enter from Agia Roumeli and walk a small part of it to Afentis Christos, enjoying its most imposing spots.
Whether you cross the entire gorge or only get to know a part of it, the experience will have a lasting impact on you.
