Location
Samaria Gorge
Omalos, Chania
Samaria Gorge – Omalos, Chania
Samaria Gorge is a 16-kilometer one-way hiking route in Crete, open seasonally (usually from May to the end of October), depending on weather conditions. The entrance is located on the Omalos Plateau (approx. 1,200 m above sea level), and the trail ends in the village of Agia Roumeli on the Libyan Sea. Omalos can be reached by private car (paid parking is available near the entrance) or by bus from Chania. After completing the hike, return transport from Agia Roumeli is by ferry to Chora Sfakion or Sougia, where onward bus connections are available. Ferries usually depart around 17:30, so the hike should be started early in the morning—ideally between 7:00 and 8:00. The trail is physically demanding: the initial descent is steep, the terrain is rocky, and there is a real risk of injury or dehydration. Proper trekking footwear, sun protection, walking poles, and at least 2 liters of water per person are strongly recommended. Along the route there are points with drinking water, benches, and toilets. There is no possibility of exiting the gorge earlier once the hike has begun. From a logistical standpoint, the easiest option is to use local tour operators, which provide transport, tickets, and often a guide. Entry to Samaria National Park is paid. Tickets are available online at **samaria-tickets.necca.gov.gr**, and current information on accessibility and opening status can be found at **[www.samaria.gr](http://www.samaria.gr)**.
Description
Samaria Gorge is a 16-kilometer one-way hiking route in Crete, open seasonally (usually from May to the end of October), depending on weather conditions. The entrance is located on the Omalos Plateau (approx. 1,200 m above sea level), and the trail ends in the village of Agia Roumeli on the Libyan Sea. Omalos can be reached by private car (paid parking is available near the entrance) or by bus from Chania. After completing the hike, return transport from Agia Roumeli is by ferry to Chora Sfakion or Sougia, where onward bus connections are available.
Ferries usually depart around 17:30, so the hike should be started early in the morning—ideally between 7:00 and 8:00. The trail is physically demanding: the initial descent is steep, the terrain is rocky, and there is a real risk of injury or dehydration. Proper trekking footwear, sun protection, walking poles, and at least 2 liters of water per person are strongly recommended. Along the route there are points with drinking water, benches, and toilets. There is no possibility of exiting the gorge earlier once the hike has begun.
From a logistical standpoint, the easiest option is to use local tour operators, which provide transport, tickets, and often a guide. Entry to Samaria National Park is paid. Tickets are available online at **samaria-tickets.necca.gov.gr**, and current information on accessibility and opening status can be found at **[www.samaria.gr](http://www.samaria.gr)**.
Location
Omalos, Chania
Coordinates: 35.30804, 23.91836