Excursión de un día a la garganta de Samaria desde Rethymno

At 74, I approached this walk with some concern - would I make and if not could I get help. I need not have been concerned. Hanasis, our guide, and park staff were there to assist and there were good rest areas with spring water in abundance. Back to the start. I was picked up in Rethymno promptly at 06.30 as arranged and then the bus picked up two final people. Once we were all onboard Hanasis briefed us on what to expect and gave details of our itinerary. He then repeated his instructions as we approached the park. We had a brief stop just short of the entrance allowing a toilet break and the chance to buy lunch. Important as the park has no shops. We were set off on our own with Hanasis coming behind to check that his group members were doing well and weren’t in any trouble. This, to me, is ideal as I could set my own pace and didn’t do a cruise ship style outing. The park itself is well maintained though the path can be very rough; no worse than mountain paths in the UK. At each of the frequent rest areas staff were on hand to help a there were more staff the further down I was. Water was plentiful and I found that I had no problems topping up my hydration system. Though it was hot I never felt that I was in danger of dehydration. At several points Hanasis caught up to make sure that I was doing well and even one park staff member stopped me to ensure my well being. At the next rest area I was provided with a sachet of electrolytes to add to my water supply. Once out of the park I was able to catch a shuttle bus (€2) to Agia Roumeli Where we picked up the ferry to Hora Sfakion where the bus awaited. I was back in my hotel by 20.15 marking the end of an excellent day. Note though that park entrance €10 and ferry fare €15 are not included in the price, but a total cost of around £50 for three hours in the bus plus the services of a guide is really good value.

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.

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.

Brilliant guide: perfect timings, information. Spectacular hike. Cannot recommend highly enough. Thank you!

Great adventure , beautiful views all along the way and well organised.Good transfer to and from the Samaria Gorge.I would recommend it to all that like hiking.

The trip is worth the money. You could also plan it by yourself but I couldn't be bothered with it. The guide, Marianne, was really helpful. There isn't any group walking, so you can hike at your own pace. The canyon is beautiful and a wonder of nature, it's a must see especially for nature lovers. Hiking boots and sticks are recommend.

Very beautiful excursion in the mythical Samaria gorges. The bus transfer went very well, punctual and comfortable. Isabelle, our guide was friendly and efficient! Great service!

Booking was easy and meeting points were clear but some confusion over my booking nearly prevented me being on the bus. Guide said she didn't have me listed but allowed me on when I pushed. Guide later when collecting entrance and boat fee on the bus then found me and confirmed my full name and marked me off on her list that i apparnarly wasnt on but then at the start of the gorge went back to not having a booking for me, saying I wasn't on her list and requesting proof of payment despite finding me on her list when we were travelling!! A little stressful but luckily I had all the proof! Samaria gorge was spectacular, 16km of stunning scenery, one of the best hikes ever!

Very pleasant and very friendly guide, the bus driver drove very skillfully and pleasantly. Beautiful challenging hike, especially in high temperatures it can be very hard.

Early in the morning pick up from the hotel than breakfast at the restaurant near the entrance. Getting the tickets and start the hiking trip. Really breathing scene and caring guide, wonderful experience.