For hiking enthusiasts, a day trip to Samaria Gorge from Chania is a bucket list dream. Trek through the rugged Cretan terrain, spot rare animals, and drink in mountain and ocean views at the same time.

The UNESCO-listed Samaria Gorge hike is surrounded by the White Mountains and presents a 16-kilometer challenge that can take four to eight hours to complete.

Continue reading to learn more about the Samaria Gorge, one of the most exciting day trips from Chania.

Getting to Samaria Gorge from Chania

The entrance to the Samaria National Park at Xyloskalo is about 40 kilometers south of Chania, on the southwest of Crete.

By car: The drive to Xyloskalo takes about 1 hour. To return, you can either backtrack to Xyloskalo on foot, or take a ferry from Agia Roumeli to Sougia and from there a bus or taxi back to your car.
By bus: A public bus runs a few times a day from Chania’s KTEL station to Omalos, taking just over 1 hour.
Guided tour to Samaria Gorge from Chania: This is the most recommended and popular mode of transport for travelers looking for day trips to Samaria Gorge. You will be fetched from your hotel in Chania and travel by private minivan to Samaria Gorge. A tour guide is included along the way, as well as ferry costs, and you will be dropped back at your hotel.

Ticket prices for Samaria Gorge

The entrance fee for the Samaria Gorge is €5 for adults. Children under 15 years old and visitors with disabilities can enter for free.

Samaria Gorge visit days

The Samaria National Park is typically is open to the public from May 1 to Oct. 15. For safety reasons, the park is closed when it’s raining or when temperatures are extremely high.

Samaria Gorge opening hours

Samaria National Park is open every day, from 7 AM to 6 PM. The last admissions time depends on which section of the gorge you access.

Entire 16-kilometer route: 1 PM
First 2 kilometers from Xyloskalo: 3 PM
First 2 kilometers from Agia Roumeli: 4 PM

Typical itinerary of day trips to Samaria Gorge from Chania

Day trips to Samaria Gorge generally begin with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Chania. Make your way to the Omalos plateau in the White Mountains, where your hiking journey begins.

With a knowledgeable guide, you’ll enter the Samaria Gorge National Park and set off on a 16-kilometer hike, which usually takes about 6 hours to complete. Along with the incredible views, you will spot wild goats, birds of prey and a deserted village.

At Agia Roumeli you can go for a swim at the beach, grab lunch or wander through the cobbled streets, before taking the ferry boat to Sougia or Chora Sfakion. From there, you will take the return bus to Chania.

Best Day Trips to Samaria Gorge from Chania

Guided Tours to Samaria Gorge from Chania

Wake with the sunrise and enjoy a guided tour through one of Europe’s most famous gorges as you begin your descent down Samaria Gorge. Discover an abandoned village, spot wildlife and cross waterways. There are eight stops in total before ending the afternoon trek at Agia Roumeli, where you catch the ferry to Sougia or Chora Sfakion for your return bus to Chania.

Our pick: Full-Day Samaria Gorge Trek Excursion

Includes: Roundtrip bus transfers, English-speaking guide
Price: €36 for adults, €18 for children (5-12)
Duration: 12 hours

Roundtrip transfers to Samaria Gorge from Chania

Experienced hikers and travelers desiring a more intimate experience visiting the Samaria Gorge may opt for private return transfers from Chania. After being dropped off at the northern entrance, you will get to explore the National Park on your own. If you decide to hike through the entire gorge, you must then take the ferry from Agia Roumeli to Sougia or Chora Sfakion for your pickup.

Our pick: Private Roundtrip Transfer to Samaria

Includes: Private transfers, hotel pickup and drop-off, English-speaking driver, snacks and water
Price: €57 to €70 per person for group of 4 to 8 travelers
Duration: 14 hours

Prices of Samaria Gorge Tours from Chania

Day trips from Chania to Samaria Gorge generally cost between €30 and €40.

Prices for private tours to Samaria Gorge range from €50 to €70 per person, depending on the size of your group.

What to see and do in Samaria Gorge

Wild life

As one of the longest gorges in Europe, Samaria National Park has tons of interesting fauna and landscapes. Try to spot native wildlife roaming around, from the endangered Kri-Kri goat to Cretan wildcats. If you’re lucky, you may even see a rare bearded vulture swooping by or a Cretan badger scurrying along the plains.

Hiking highlights

You can choose to begin your hike at Xyloskalo or Agia Roumeli, with the first option being the most popular. There are eight key stops along the way, where you can rest and refill your water bottles.

Among the highlights are the “wish stones” near the Agios Nikolaos church and third resting stop. At the sixth stop, you can see the deserted village of Samaria, while after the eighth stop (Christo) you can pass through the Iron Gates.

Agia Roumeli

Most hiking trips to Samaria Gorge end at Agia Roumeli, a seaside village on the southern coast of Crete. After your excursion and before you take the ferry to Sougia, you can head to the beach for a refreshing swim, or hit the town for some shopping and a hearty meal at one of the local tavernas or restaurants.

Best time to visit Samaria Gorge

The best time to for a day tour to Samaria Gorge is at the beginning of May and September through October. The weather is cooler than compared to mid-summer like June and July. September and October are also especially quieter than the bustling summer period.

Tours to Samaria Gorge from other cities in Crete

Travel tips

The first three kilometers of the hike are most challenging. Be careful, take your time and travel at a steady pace.
Wear comfortable hiking shoes, light clothing and sunscreen, as well as a hat and sunglasses. You may also bring first aid plasters and mosquito repellant.
You can refill your water bottle from the fresh springs along the hike.
Bring snacks, such as nuts and dried fruit, to keep your energy levels up.
Don't forget your towel if you plan on going for a swim when you reach Agia Roumeli!

Samaria Gorge: Day Trips and Tours from Chania