Getting to the Gorge by car
For those who prefer to get to the Gorge by car, renting a car is easy. Renting a car provides the flexibility to make your own schedule for your visit to the gorge and a comfortable return with your family or friends.
There are several ways you can get to the gorge with a car, depending on the route you choose.
Rent a Car
Starting Point
Xyloskalo
Starting from Xyloskalo,one way back is by taking the ferry from Agia Roumeli to Sougia, followed by the public bus, which awaits passengers to return to the entrance of Samaria Gorge to collect their cars. You may find it helpful to know that there is an organized excursion that follows this route. It is important to note that the buses may not run at all times, especially early in the season, so it is best to check with the bus company beforehand. Alternatively, you can arrange to return to the Gorge by taxi. You can purchase ferry and bus tickets at the Coffee Shop located at the gorge's entrance. The other way is walking down the gorge as far as you wish and walk back up to Omalos. But beware, the return is pretty steep.It is also the only option that is allowed after around 13.00 where the National Park wardens will only let visitors walk down to Agios Nikolaos (around 4km) but not beyond (the idea being that you don’t have enough time left to get through the gorge during daylight hours if you start so late).
Starting Point
Sougia
Another option to visit the Samaria Gorge is to take a ferry from Sougia to Agia Roumeli. It's worth noting that there is an organized excursion offering this route. The benefit of taking this ferry is that it departs earlier and the journey is shorter, meaning you can arrive in Agia Roumeli one to two hours earlier than if you were coming from Hora Sfakion. This extra time allows you to explore the gorge beyond the 'Gates', where the scenery becomes truly spectacular. Starting earlier also means you'll be walking in cooler temperatures and encountering fewer people walking down the gorge. If you're feeling up to it, you could even walk all the way to the village of Samaria if you maintain a good pace. When you're ready to head back, simply retrace your steps and walk down to Agia Roumeli to catch your ferry back to Sougia.
Starting Point
Paleochora
Starting from Paleochora,one way back is by taking the ferry from Agia Roumeli to Paleochora.The benefit of taking this ferry is that it departs earlier and the journey is shorter, meaning you can arrive in Agia Roumeli one to two hours earlier than if you were coming from Hora Sfakion. This extra time allows you to explore the gorge beyond the 'Gates', where the scenery becomes truly spectacular. Starting earlier also means you'll be walking in cooler temperatures and encountering fewer people walking down the gorge. If you're feeling up to it, you could even walk all the way to the village of Samaria if you maintain a good pace. When you're ready to head back, simply retrace your steps and walk down to Agia Roumeli to catch your ferry back to Paleochora.
Starting Point
Hora Sfakion
To visit the Samaria Gorge, some travelers take the ferry from Hora Sfakion, which usually departs around 10:30 am, and return with the afternoon ferry (departure times may vary, but expect to arrive back in Hora Sfakion in the late afternoon). The ferry ride offers beautiful coastal views, but keep in mind that once you arrive in Agia Roumeli around 11:30 am or noon, you may not have enough time to explore the lower part of the gorge unless you're willing to walk quickly. Many visitors only make it as far as the 'Gates', before turning back to Agia Roumeli. It's worth noting that walking in the midday heat with little shade can be challenging, and you'll likely be walking in the opposite direction of most people who are coming from the top of the gorge. All things considered, taking the ferry to Agia Roumeli may not be the most ideal way to experience the Samaria Gorge.