Samaria Gorge – All Inclusive

Our journey begins at Xyloskalo, the northern entrance to Samaria Gorge, located at approximately 1,200 metres above sea level in the heart of the White Mountains.

Surrounded by impressive mountain peaks and spectacular views, this is where we prepare for our hike and begin our descent into one of the most famous gorges in Europe.

From the very first steps, the landscape reveals a completely different side of Crete – wild, mountainous and untouched.

We continue through the magnificent Samaria Gorge, a place of extraordinary natural beauty and one of Crete’s most iconic destinations.

The area became a National Park in 1962, protecting its remarkable landscape, rich vegetation and wildlife.

As we make our way through the gorge, the scenery constantly changes – from forests of pine and cypress trees to rocky passages, mountain springs and imposing cliffs.

But Samaria is more than a natural wonder. For centuries, the gorge was used by local people as a refuge and passageway, particularly during periods of conflict and resistance.

Today, walking through Samaria is not simply a hike – it is a journey through the nature and history of Crete.

Samaria is also one of the most important natural habitats of the famous Cretan wild goat, the kri-kri.

This rare animal is closely associated with the island and lives freely within the protected environment of the National Park.

Keep your eyes open during the hike – you may be lucky enough to spot one among the rocks and mountain slopes.

One of the most impressive moments of the hike is reaching the legendary Iron Gates – Sideroportes.

Here, the gorge becomes dramatically narrow, with the passage measuring only around 3 metres wide, while enormous rock walls rise hundreds of metres above you.

Standing between these towering cliffs is one of the most memorable experiences of the entire journey and the perfect reward after walking through the heart of the gorge.

At the end of our hike, we arrive at the peaceful seaside village of Agia Roumeli, accessible mainly by boat or on foot.

After completing the gorge, enjoy well-deserved free time to rest, have something to eat or cool down with a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Libyan Sea.

The combination of dramatic mountains and deep blue sea makes Agia Roumeli the perfect place to relax after the adventure.

From Agia Roumeli, we board the ferry and enjoy a beautiful journey along the spectacular coastline of southern Crete.

Sit back and admire the White Mountains meeting the Libyan Sea before continuing our return journey by comfortable coach to your pick-up location.

It is the perfect ending to an extraordinary day in the Cretan wilderness.