Explore Samaria Gorge – Unique trekking journey in Greece

1. Overview of Samaria Gorge

Samaria Gorge is located in Samaria National Park, southwest of Crete, Greece (Photo source: Collected)

The Samaria Gorge is located in the Samaria National Park, southwest of the island of Crete, Greece. With a length of about 16 km, this gorge starts from the village of Omalos at an altitude of more than 1,200 m and ends at the coastal village of Agia Roumeli, where it flows into the Libyan Sea. The narrowest point of the gorge, called the “Iron Gates”, is only about 3 m wide but the cliffs on both sides are more than 300 m high, creating a majestic and impressive scene.

In 1962, the area was declared a national park and became a top trekking destination in Europe. When exploring the Samaria Gorge, you will easily encounter rare flora and fauna, especially the wild goat Kri-Kri - the symbol of Crete.

2. Reasons to experience the Samaria Gorge exploration journey

Samaria Gorge has a breathtaking landscape that makes anyone want to conquer (Photo source: Collected)

There are many reasons why Samaria Gorge is a dream destination for nature lovers and trekking enthusiasts:

• Steep rock walls, winding streams and rich ecosystems create a magnificent natural picture.
• Physical challenge: The 4–7 hour journey requires endurance and flexibility, bringing a strong sense of conquest upon reaching the destination.
• Cultural and historical value: The canyon was once a shelter for the Cretan people during the war against invasion, preserving many unique historical stories.
• Experience “off-the-beaten-path”: This is a journey away from the hustle and bustle of tourist cities to immerse yourself in pristine nature.

3. The ideal time to explore Samaria Gorge

Samaria National Park is only open to visitors from May to October when the weather is dry (Photo source: Collected)

Samaria National Park is only open to visitors from May to October, when the weather is dry and safe for trekking. The two most ideal times are:

• May – June: The weather is cool, the streams are still full after winter, and wild flowers bloom brightly on both sides of the path.
• September – October: Pleasant climate, fewer tourists than peak season, creating a quiet space to fully enjoy the beautiful scenery.

If you explore Samaria Gorge in mid-summer (July – August), be prepared for high temperatures, especially in the less shaded sections.

4. Trekking route when exploring Samaria Gorge

Trekking through Samaria Gorge (Photo source: Collected)

The trail starts at the entrance to Xyloskalo, Omalos village, where you will be greeted by panoramic views down the gorge. From here, the trail descends steeply over stone steps, through pine and cypress forests.

First stage (Xyloskalo – Samaria Village): About 7 km long, this route has many downhill sections, passes through dense forests and wooden bridges over streams. Samaria Village is an abandoned village since the 1960s, now an ideal resting place.

Middle Stage (Samaria Village – Iron Gates): This is the most beautiful part of the Samaria Gorge exploration, as you go deep into the narrowest point of the gorge, where the two cliffs seem to touch each other.

Final Stage (Iron Gates – Agia Roumeli): This section is relatively flat, leading you to the beautiful beach of Agia Roumeli – a worthy reward after a long journey.

5. Outstanding experiences when exploring Samaria Gorge

Exploring Samaria Gorge is one of the most impressive trekking experiences (Photo source: Collected)

During the journey, you will admire and experience many interesting things:

• Admire pristine nature: From small waterfalls, rich vegetation to giant rocks with strange shapes.
• Meet the Kri-Kri goat: A wild goat found only on the island of Crete, often found on high cliffs.
• Explore historical sites: Ancient chapels, village ruins and stories of people hiding in the canyon.
• Relax at Agia Roumeli Beach: After a long journey, there is nothing better than taking a dip in the blue waters of the Libyan sea.

Exploring Samaria Gorge is one of the most impressive trekking experiences in Europe. This journey not only brings you majestic natural landscapes but also helps you learn about the history and culture of Crete. Whether you are a professional trekker or simply a nature lover, Samaria Gorge will definitely leave you with unforgettable memories.

Source : https://www.vietravel.com/vn/am-thuc-kham-pha/kham-pha-hem-nui-samaria-gorge-v17753.aspx