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Samaria Gorge

Samaria Gorge, a natural wonder located in the Chania region of southwest Crete,is a popular destination for tourists from around the world. The gorge, which is a World Biosphere Reserve, became a National Park in 1962 in order to provide a sanctuary for the rare kri-kri (Cretan goat), as well as other endemic species of plants and animals.

While some sources report that the gorge is 18 kilometers long, this measurement actually refers to the distance between the northern entrance of the park at an altitude of 1,250 meters in Omalos and the village of Agia Roumeli on the shores of the Libyan Sea. The gorge itself is actually 16 kilometers long, with the most famous section being the narrowest part, known as the Gates or 'Iron Gates', where the sides of the gorge close in to just four meters wide and almost 300 meters high.

The village of Samariá, after which the gorge is named, was once located within the park, but it was abandoned in 1962 to make way for the creation of the National Park. The name of the village and gorge comes from an ancient church called Óssia María.Hikers who choose to walk the 13-kilometer route through Samaria National Park will be rewarded with stunning views of the rugged terrain, diverse plant and animal life, and crystal-clear streams. After exiting the park, it is an additional three-kilometer walk to the village of Agia Roumeli.

Samaria Gorge is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, which is one of the reasons why it was declared a National Park and a World Biosphere Reserve. The gorge has a unique and diverse ecosystem due to its location in a transitional zone between the Mediterranean and continental climate zones.

The area is characterized by steep cliffs, deep ravines, and river valleys, which provide a variety of habitats for plant and animal life. The Samaria Gorge is a remarkable hub of biodiversity, boasting a rich array of over 300 species and subspecies of flora and 900 species of fauna, a great number of which are unique to this particular region. This diverse ecosystem has given rise to 21 distinct types of habitat within the gorge.

The fauna present in the area include the Cretan wildcat (Felis silvestris cretensis), the Cretan badger (Arkalon), the Creten marten (Zourida), the Cretan weasel (Kaloyannou), the Blasius’ Horseshoe Bat (Rhinolophus blasii), and the much-loved Cretan wild goat (Capra aegagrus cretica), also known as the Kri Kri, Agrimi Goat, and Cretan Ibex.

Bird enthusiasts can delight in sightings of the Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), buzzard, and the elusive Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus), alongside many other smaller bird species. On the south coast of the National Park, the Mediterranean Monk Seal (Monachus monachus) can be found dwelling in the sea caves.

The Samaria Gorge is home to numerous endemic plant species such as the Cretan zelkova tree (Zelkova abelicea) and the flowering plant Bupleurum kakiskalae. One-third of the 1,800 known species and subspecies of Cretan flora are present in the Samaria Gorge, including the Anthemis samariensis, a perennial chasmophyte plant that was only discovered in 2007. The area is still being explored, with new species being discovered and documented.The Samaria Gorge is not only a natural wonder, but also a living laboratory of flora and fauna, offering a unique opportunity to observe and study a wide range of plant and animal life in their natural habitats.

Reaching the Gorge of Samaria with an organized tour

The most popular way to experience the Samaria Gorge is by booking an organized tour with a group bus. Pick-up and drop-off services are available from your hotel, with air-conditioned buses and an expert guide, to enhance your experience.

The tour fee includes transportation (bus fares and the ferry fare from Agia Roumeli to Sougia), entrance fees to the gorge and the cost of a professional guide, so you don't have to worry about any details.

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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.

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