Samaria Gorge Trek: Full-Day Excursion from Rethymno with Guide

Terrible organization; contacting the office was practically impossible. We bought a tour to the Samaria Gorge via GetYourGuide, specifically altering our travel plans because pickup from our location was only available on a single day—different from what we had originally scheduled. We were informed that pickup would be between 6:00 and 7:00 AM, with specific details to follow 24 hours before the tour. They failed to do so, so the evening before the trip, we decided to call and ask for the exact time to avoid waiting on the street for an hour. Naturally, we couldn't get through to any of the listed numbers (even though we called during business hours). We sent an email instead, and the reply arrived at 5:20 PM the day before the trip; it essentially stated, "Pickup from your location won't happen tomorrow; we can offer an alternative date"—but we were due to leave Crete by then (and I should add that the Samaria Gorge was actually open that day). We asked where we could go (to which town) to be picked up, since we wouldn't be there for the alternative date they proposed; the reply was, "We sincerely apologize; we can offer..." (followed by the exact same date as before). We strongly advise against using this service; it reflects an unprofessional attitude and a lack of respect for others. I wonder if they would have notified us at all that they weren't coming, or if—had we not written to them—we would have ended up standing on the street waiting for them in vain. We had really set our hearts on this tour, and the evening before the scheduled trip is a terrible time to have to look for an alternative.

Picked up from Rethymno on time, clear directions as to where to go. Bus stopped for breakfast before going to the gorge. Guide gave info on the bus. Able to do the gorge at own pace and it was amazing - one of the best natural wonders we have seen. Plenty of time to swim at the beach after. Definitely the gorge requires you to be fit and active - lots of areas with no paths where you end up clambeong over boulders.

Booked through GetYourGuide, everything went well and well organized by Platonos Tours. Clear infomail with pick-up instructions and tips. Bus punctual to the appointment. Good guidance by Pia. Gave on the bus explanations about the region and also a lot of useful advice about the trip through the gorge. Before the descent starts, stop at a tavern in Omalos where you can eat and do some shopping. The salty cookies are useful. The trip through the gorge is quite arduous in the warm July month, but also wonderful. There are plenty of rest points with water taps. Bringing a lot of drinks is not necessary, but food is. Afterwards sufficient rest time in Agia Roumeli. Boat and return by bus also well arranged. It's a long day (picked up at 6.25am and only back in Rethymnon around 8.30pm). But it was worth the effort and the muscle pain afterwards;-)

Admin was spot on picked up on time in the location sent to us with a drop pin in google maps. Guide was outstanding.

There should be an informational note in paper form about attendance, time calculation per stop on tour etc. It was very difficult to remember all the information given at 07:00 a.m. orally, which should then be remembered to the evening when we were leaving when the guide was not present. Is also such a hard ride that people get tired and struggle to remember everything afterwards. It should be written on the website that one recommend walking shoes/mountain shoes for these environments. I had regular sneakers and there was no grip or enough support at all - because there stood "comfortable shoes" for recommendation. Can also inform that this is a 6-7 hour long walk of 16 km in the mountains and absolutely demanding, not for ages 1-99 that is on their website. Otherwise a lovely trip, good guide and driver, great surroundings.

Views were amazing, definitely worth it. Hike was wearing, but manageable and each mile walked was a different experience. Tour itself was pretty easy and hands off, hiked the gorge at our own pace with plenty of time for pictures. Met back up with the group for the ferry ride back to the bus.

Fantastic hike. Water and toilets along the way, walk in sturdy shoes as it's uneven for the whole length and walking poles will help to support if you have dodgy knees!! Plus the coach called at a cafe just before the Samaria gorge hike so we could eat, buy a lunch snack, drink ( fabulous orange juice) and use the facilities. Awesome walk, tiring day but we loved it.

A lot of reading about long days due to very early pick-ups and being back late kept us from making this trip until we came across it! We were then somewhat in the luxury position that we would be picked up at 7:45 and were therefore the last (from Adelianos Kampos). After a 2 hour drive we made another stop at a tavern just before the samaria gorge where you could still go to the toilet and also buy food to take away! Finally started the gap at 10:30 and with good condition and fit really do well! For yourself comfortable shoes is fine! Along the way are enough points to tap water so a small bottle of 500 ml is enough plus possibly some refreshments (few Snickers like us) We were able to step through so were already at 14:00 down by the water, so then there was still time to enjoy a snack and a drink! But normally I think at least an hour longer work! Boat was delayed but normally it would go at 17:30. After the boat trip of one hour it was another 2 hours drive and were back before 21:00. All in all very positive experience! Communication good (were called in the morning themselves that the bus was 10 minutes later), guide also very clear what to expect and where to be at what time!

+1

Our bus arrived on time. Air conditioned. Our host Pia was great. Spoke to us in English, French and German. Very clever. The walk through the gorge was beautiful but be prepared it is an exhausting walk. Finished with a refreshing dip in the sea and a beer. Over all the day was brilliant and I would consider doing it again one day once my legs have recovered 🤣

+1

Our family of 5 (kids 19, 16, 16) took a Samaria Gorge group excursion with Platanos Tours this week and had a perfect experience. This more than a full day. We met our bus close to our vacation rental at 6am. We were dropped off at 8pm. I can be cheap when I think I can make my own arrangements and considered that briefly. In retrospect, I can't believe I considered that for an instant. Platanos Tours: 1) were exactly on time for pickup. 2) drove us in a very comfortable charter bus 1-1/2 hours to a taverna close to the park entrance. 3) Gave us a little more than a half hour for a quick breakfast. 4) drove us to the park entrance. 5) QUICKLY procured entrance tickets to the park (we paid that in addition to the tour fee). 6) sent a guide down through the all day gorge hike to ensure there were no stragglers in need of assistance. 7) at the end, the guide procured ferry tix for all (also not included in the tour fee). 8) drove us back another 1-1/2 hours for drop off. Our guide, Pia, was great! Pleasant, patient, and most importantly, clearly communicated a lot details over the course of the day that were critical for a good experience. Our driver (I'm sorry I can't give him a shout-out by name! But our trip was 14 Jul 2025) was great! Maybe something I would have under appreciated in the morning, but after two 1-1/2 trips through the hair-pin switchbacks of the White Mountains, I had a newfound gratitude for this guy's driving!! At ~30 euro/ each, this tour was a tremendous value.