XYLOSKALO
0m
Available:
NEROUTSIKO
1700m 40'min
Available:
SYKIA
1200m 25'min
Available:
AG.NIKOLAOS
900m 25'min
Available:
VRYSSI
900m 20'min
Available:
PRINARI
1100m 20'min
Available:
SAMARIA
1200m 25'min
Available:
PERDIKA
1100m 15'min
Available:
CHRISTOS
3100m 70'min
Available:
AGIA ROUMELI
3000m 70'min
Available:
MAIN ROUTE
Samaria gorge spans about 13 kilometers and terminates at the Agia Roumeli village beach, which is an additional 3 kilometers away. A leisurely hike along the main path can take up to 5 to 5 ½ hours, depending on how often you pause for rest and photos, as well as your physical fitness. The suggested hiking duration is based on a moderate level of fitness, a relaxed pace with no more than 4 to 5 stops for rest or photo opportunities, and appropriate hiking footwear. However, time management is ultimately at the discretion of the hiker.

  • 1700m 40'min

    NEROUTSIKO

    Starting from Xyloskalo, the first part of your route 3km is the most difficult one because the terrain is full of stones and it is downhill. In some parts, there is a wooden fence to help you walk. After the first 1.7 km, you will meet the 1st resting stop (Neroutsiko) where you will find drinking water and a toilet.

  • 1200m 25'min

    SYKIA

    The 2nd resting stop (Riza Sikias) is 1.1 km away and also has water and a toilet.

  • 900m 25'min

    AGIOS NIKOLAOS

    Before the 3rd stop (Agios Nikolaos) 0.9 km you will see a lot of stones one on top of the other. It is said that if you put the stones like this and make a wish it will come true. At this resting stop, you can visit the small church of Agios Nikolaos. You will also find drinking water and a toilet. From now on the road is not so downhill but it has a lot of big rocks.

  • 900m 20'min

    VRYSSI

    At the 4th stop (Vrysi) 0.9 km you will find only drinking water.

  • 1100m 20'min

    PRINARI

    At the 5th resting stop (Prinari) 1.3 km you will find again only drinking water.

  • 1200m 25'min

    SAMARIA

    The 6th stop 1.2 km is in the abandoned village of Samaria. It is the biggest resting stop and it lies in the middle of the route. Here you will find drinking water, toilets, and a first aid station. There you will also see Cretan wild goats (Kri Kri).

  • 1100m 15'min

    PERDIKA

    After 1.1 km you will arrive at the 7th resting point called Perdika where you will find drinking water.

  • 3100m 70'min

    CHRISTOS

    At the last stop (Christos) you will find water and toilets. On the last part of your journey, you will pass through the most famous point of the gorge, the famous “Sideroportes” (iron gates) or “Portes” (doors) the narrowest part of the gorge which is only 3 meters wide.

  • 3000m 70'min

    AGIA ROUMELI

    At the exit of the gorge of Samaria, you will have walked 13km. You need to walk 3 more in order to get to Agia Roumeli village. Head straight to the beach and have a refreshing swim in the Libyan sea.
A SHORT WALK FROM XYLOSKALO
If you arrive at Omalos bycar and wish to return to it, you have the option to walk down the gorge as far as you desire and then make your way back up to Omalos. However, it's important to note that the return hike is quite steep. This option is only allowed for visitors who start their hike early in the morning. After 1 pm, National Park wardens will only permit visitors to walk down to Agios Nikolaos, which is approximately 4km from the entrance of the park. Visitors will not be allowed to go beyond this point as it's unsafe to complete the entire hike during daylight hours if you start late in the day.
THE EASY WAY
Another option for visitors who do not wish to undertake the full 16 km route is to take a bus or driveto Sfakia, Sougia, or Paleochora. From there, they can take a boat ride on ANENDYK to Agia Roumeli, where they can start the hike in reverse.
Starting from Hora Sfakion
To reach Agia Roumeli from Hora Sfakion, you can take the ferry which typically departs at 10:30 am and returns in the late afternoon. While the ride offers scenic coastal views, the downside is that you arrive at Agia Roumeli around 11:30 am or noon, leaving little time to explore the lower part of the gorge unless you hurry. Due to the midday heat and limited shade, most people only walk up to the 'Gates', situated approximately 1.5 km from the Agia Roumeli outpost, before returning to Agia Roumeli. Additionally, keep in mind that you will be walking against the flow of people who started from the top of the gorge.
Starting from Sougia or Paleochora
Alternatively taking the ferry from Sougia or Paleochora to Agia Roumeli, which has the advantage of departing earlier and having a shorter journey time than the ferry from Hora Sfakion. This means that you can arrive in Agia Roumeli one to two hours earlier, providing more time to explore the gorge beyond the 'Gates', where the scenery is particularly breathtaking. Additionally, starting earlier means you'll be exposed to less heat, and encounter fewer people walking down the gorge. Once you've finished exploring, you can turn back and walk back down to Agia Roumeli to catch your ferry back to Sougia or Paleochora. In both cases, visitors are also required to purchase an entrance ticket that costs 5€, as they would if they started from Xyloskalo.
REVERSED ROUTE
For visitors who prefer a more challenging hike for the whole gorge experience, an alternative route involves trekking from Agia Roumeli to Xyloskalo. It is advisable to start the hike early in the morning after spending the night in Agia Roumeli.It's essential to note that the last few kilometers of the trail can be particularly strenuous, as the path is steep and requires a significant physical effort. This route is recommended only for physically fit individuals.