サマリア渓谷 - ハニアからの長い道のり

An extraordinary trip in the gorge of Samaria. One of the best experiences you can have in Crete. Excellent guide (Nikos) very knowledgeable reassuring and funny. The trek is hard but rewarding and anybody in reasonable physical shape can do it. Highly recommended!

I initially signed up for the short hike, but the tour operator sized me up and said I could do it, and I’m glad I did. I’m average in health and experience, and was able to do this difficult-level hike. You are essentially paying for the convenience of a nice chartered bus, which is def worth it if you’re not planning to stay in the area. Your legs will thank you. Pay heed to the additional non-included fees and bring some smaller denomination euros for the ferry (the tour operator goes ahead and purchases them). So the itinerary we had (helpful to know beforehand) is: 1. Pickup at the area close to you 2. Stop at a small cafe for somewhat overpriced breakfast (they sell hiking poles here, not sure how much) 3. Stop at the gorge (where there is another cafe and you will line up to pay the entrance fee) 4. Hike the gorge (there will be 3 meeting points w/ recommended leave times if you need to take a slower pace) 5. Exit the south entrance and walk ahead another km or 2 to a recommended bar/taverna (there are other options in the town of Agia Roumeli but you will end up meeting at that bar at a certain time to pickup your ferry tickets). Note: I did see a van along the way out of the south entrance that looked like would take you to Agia Roumeli for 2€. 6. The ferry leaves to the town of Sougia, where you will disembark and find your tour bus (among many, but not difficult to find). I’d say give yourself 13-14 hrs total spent. This is a challenging hike for sure. Mainly because of the footing/terrain. Not a guided tour, so you’re able to go at your own speed and stop along the way. If you find yourself struggling you can meet up with the tour guide at one of the 3 meeting spots, as she is taking up the rear. Starting early is the best time, to take advantage of shade and cooler temps. There are plenty of cutouts for resting. You can fill up fresh mountain water along the way. Stay hydrated. Bring snacks and comfy shoes— this hike will work your quads and knees. A lot of unsure footing, which my only criticism is— you’re so busy trying not to bust your face open, you don’t get to look up much. So, poles recommended but not required. It can get crowded esp. as the day wears on, but if you let people through you can get away from some of the obnoxious chatter of other hikers. You will have hiked about 16km (10 miles) when all is through. Worth it!