Booking fee
The booking fee includes the costs of booking your tickets such as charges for payment processing. It also covers the provision of our customer care center for processing your order, and all charges imposed by our suppliers.
* This tour requires at least one of the following per booking: Adult, Senior
There is no better way to experience the real side of Crete, than to traverse the island's unspoiled soil, swim in its crystal waters and stroll down its traditional villages. This hiking tour of the Samaria Gorge will give you the opportunity to do all 3 and in your own pace.
Samaria Gorge is one of the most scenic national parks in Europe, this gorge stretches more than 10 miles to the south coastal region and offers many hiking trails.
If you search for unique hiking experience in Crete the Samaria is the place!
English & German speaking hiking escort
All taxes, VAT inclusive
Pick up/drop off from designated spots around Rethymno with an air-conditioned luxury bus
Admission to Samaria (5 € per adult, children under 15 free of charge)
Boat ticket (13 € per adult, 5.50 € per child 5-12 years old)
Personal expenses, extra beverages or meals
Customary tips to your driver and escort
Departure Point
Traveler pickup is offered
Kindly advise your accommodation in order to arrange the pick up service. We will send you confirmation email with all the details you will need.
Omalos, Omalos, Greece Early in the morning, you will be picked up from designated spots around Rethymno via a luxurious bus and reach the starting point of your tour in Omalos Plateau around 7 am.
The panoramic view of the gorge from the plateau is a photo delight, so after a short stop for pictures, you will begin descending the 600 wooden steps that will take you inside the Samaria gorge.
Samaria Gorge National Park, Sfakia, Greece A National Park and World's Biosphere Reserve, the Samaria Gorge is a scar on the spine of Crete, but one so uniquely beautiful that you wish it never goes away. Extending 13 km long (8 miles), the ravine is home to several endemic species, with the most prominent being the goat Kri-kri, which can't be found anywhere else in the world. Shadowed by the adjacent White Mountains and with plenty of drinking water to be found along the way in many natural springs, this self-paced hike will create unique memories for every traveler.
Behind your group, there will always be a hiking escort to ensure everyone's safety and provide assistance if needed.
At around 17:00 you will board a boat to the picturesque village of Sougia, where you will start your trip back to the place where you were picked up from.
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
It is advisable to bring the following items with you: sunscreen, sunglasses and hat
It is important to stay hydrated, so bring a bottle of water (you can refill it in the gorge's springs) and a light snack (fruits etc.)
You can swim at Agia Roumeli beach just after you exit the gorge so make you have a swimsuit and beach towel with you
Half way down the gorge lies the old village of Samaria, which has a telephone for communication with the police, a pharmacy, and two mules to transport injured persons.
The trip is not recommended for any person with a history of knee problems, high blood pressure, cardiac and pulmonary problems, pregnant women and for anybody who suffers from vertigo/fear of heights
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
This experience 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.
Paul_N
03 Nov 2024
We booked in order to not miss this, it was the penultimate Samaria Gorge trip of the season. However, there were higher than anticipated winds predicted on the day 30th Oct. so it was cancelled. Unfortunately we hadn’t picked up the message and we got up at 5:00 am and waited for the bus. I eventually found the earlier message, so I cannot blame Viator for this. However, a more urgent contact to my phone or an email that was more to the point and didn’t force me to go into the application (passwords etc) would have saved our very early and annoying start to the day.
peter_n
06 Sep 2024
Outstanding views. Don't attempt if you aren't used to hiking, sharp descent for first 3 km is quite challenging. Wear good footwear with good grip.
What a feeling of achievement when you finish, village and tavernas a welcome end. Enjoy a drink and we'll deserved food.
We always double-check the availability with our local partners for each booking. Even though this is usually a swift process, it can take up to 24 hours. Once this process is completed you will receive your voucher or ticket by email. If our local partner is not able to confirm your booking we will offer you the best possible alternative. If the new date and/or time doesn’t fit your itinerary, we will reimburse the full amount paid.
How great that you want to share your experience! Your feedback helps other travelers to make a better choice.