Samaria Gorge Hiking Day Tour From Rethymno
Description
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!
Tour Options
Itinerary
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.
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.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
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.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- 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
Reviews(15)
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.
