The breathtakingly beautiful Samaria Gorge is a World Biosphere Reserve and one of the Greek islands of Crete’s major tourist attractions. Created by a small river flowing from the White Mountains in the interior, the gorge is one of several on the island. Soaring cliff faces, the rare kri-kri goat and other endemic plant and bird species call this fascinating area home.

On a day trip from Rethymno to Samaria Gorge, you don’t have to only focus on the main destination. There is plenty of natural beauty, charming local villages and tales of Greek myth and history to keep you entertained and captivated along the route.

Here's all you need to know about Samaria Gorge, one of the most exciting day trips from Rethymno.

How to get to Samaria Gorge from Rethymno?

The Samaria Gorge National Park is located in the southwest of Crete, originating in the White Mountains about 68 kilometers from Rethymno. There are a variety of options when it comes to getting to the gorge.

From Rethymno to Samaria Gorge by car

You can vary your route, or enjoy a flexible schedule by self-driving to Samaria Gorge. The drive takes around 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic and sightseeing you do on the way. From Rethymno, follow the E75 highway to Chania before exiting towards Souda and following the signs for the Omalos plateau.

From Rethymno to Samaria Gorge by bus

The public bus service between Rethymno and Chania takes around an hour. Once in Chania, you will need to connect on a bus to Omalos, which is an additional 1.5 hour journey.

Guided tours to Samaria Gorge from Rethymno

There are a selection of guided tour options for visitors staying in Rethymno wanting to visit the Samaria Gorge. Guided tours typically include a hotel pickup, transportation to the gorge, entrance fees and an experienced guide to explain more about the area’s history and natural wonders.

How much does the entrance ticket to Samaria Gorge cost?

The entrance to Samaria Gorge is €5 for adults , while children under 15 years of age and students get free entry. There are no seasonal price variations, but it is always advisable to check the official National Parks website for updated information.

What is the typical itinerary?

A typical day trip to Samaria Gorge begins with a hotel pickup or meeting at a designated point in Rethymno. You will travel to the gorge in a minibus or bus and may stop for a short coffee break at Omalos plateau.

After arriving at the entrance to the gorge, you will receive a brief orientation before beginning your hiking excursion. This is a full-day trekking activity and you will cover around 16 kilometers as you cut through the Samarian landscape.

Once you exit the gorge, you will pay a visit to the village of Agia Roumeli where you can take a break and enjoy a meal and refreshments. There may even be time for a swim. The ferry at Agia Roumeli will take you to Sfakia where your transport will be waiting for the return journey to Rethymno.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Samaria Gorge?

There are a number of tour operators that offer day excursions from Rethymno to Samaria Gorge. The itinerary of most tours is very similar, with the group size being the core differentiator.

Full-day guided tours to Samaria Gorge from Rethymno

Departing early in the morning for Rethymno, a full-day tour begins with a journey along Crete’s north coast before turning inland and ascending the White Mountains.

At the Omalos plateau, you will disembark from your vehicle and begin your walk descending from a height of 1,100 meters and down to the coastal village of Agia Roumeil in the south.

The walk is relatively strenuous and you will be glad for the opportunity for some rest and a meal before embarking on a ferry journey to Sfakia, where you will once again board your transport for the journey back to Rethymno.

All tours begin with a safety briefing and orientation on arrival at Samaria Gorge and visitors are equipped with a map and recommended timings for each sector of the walk. This allows you to pace yourself to make sure you complete the trek in good time.

How much does a day trip to Samaria Gorge from Rethymno cost?

Group size is the biggest determinant of tour prices to Samaria Gorge, with groups being limited to around 10-15 people.

A full-day guided tour to Samaria Gorge from Rethymno for a group of 15 will cost about €35 per person. Smaller group sizes of 10 may cost about €40 per person.

Although children over 5 years old can join at half price, it must be noted that the challenging hike is not recommended for younger children.

What will you see and do?

Samaria Gorge is a unique natural landscape filled with diverse flora and fauna. As you hike through the gorge, you will encounter stone bridges, abandoned settlements and pass through the narrowest point of the gorge called the “Iron Gates.”

You can take in stunning views of the surrounding mountains, explore the abandoned village of Samaria and possibly spot a rare Cretan wild goat, the kri-kri.

After completing your hike, relax and swim in the clear waters at Sougia or Agia Roumeli and enjoy a light meal at a traditional Cretan tavern.

The ferry departs Agia Roumeli in the afternoon and travels to Sfakia where your bus or minivan is waiting to collect you for your return trip.

What are the opening times?

Visits to Samaria Gorge are possible from the beginning of May until mid-October. The park opens at 7 AM.

After 3 PM visitors are only allowed to walk no more than 2 kilometers from either Xyloskalo or Agia Roumeli. Overnight stays and camping are not permitted.

When is the best time to visit Samaria Gorge?

The best time for a visit to Samaria Gorge is during spring (May and June) and autumn (September and October). The weather is mild and the gorge is less crowded, making for ideal .

The gorge usually closes in the winter months due to weather conditions.

Are there any tours to Samaria Gorge from other cities in Crete?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Crete:

Travel tips

Wear study and comfortable hiking boots for the rocky and uneven terrain.
Carry plenty of water and snacks with you.
Start hiking as early as possible to be done before the heat of the day and to ensure you exit before the park closes.
Check the weather forecast before hiking as heavy rain can lead to the closure of the gorge for safety reasons.

Samaria Gorge: Day Trips and Tours from Rethymno