There is no better way to experience the real side of Crete, than to traverse the island's unspoiled soil, swim in its crystal waters and stroll down its traditional villages. This hiking tour of the Samaria Gorge will give you the opportunity to do all 3 and in your own pace.
Samaria Gorge is one of the most scenic national parks in Europe, this gorge stretches more than 10 miles to the south coastal region and offers many hiking trails.
If you search for unique hiking experience in Crete the Samaria is the place!
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ English & German speaking hiking escort
✔ All taxes, VAT inclusive
✔ Pick up/drop off from designated spots around Rethymno with an air-conditioned luxury bus
✖ Admission to Samaria (5 € per adult, children under 15 free of charge)
✖ Boat ticket (13 € per adult, 5.50 € per child 5-12 years old)
✖ Personal expenses, extra beverages or meals
✖ Customary tips to your driver and escort
Pickup Locations
1. Hotel Alexandra Perivolia
2. Hotel Medusa
3. Hotel Rethymno Village
4. Hotel John Mari
5. Hotel Stella Katrin
6. Olympic Palladium Hotel
7. Steris Elegant Beach Hotel Apartment
8. Pearl Beach
9. Hotel Zania
10. Rethymno Residence Hotel and Suites
11. Axos Hotel
12. Hotel Babis
13. Grecotel Creta Palace
14. Grecotel Plaza Beach House
15. Adel Paradise
16. Hotel Palladion
17. Radamanthys Apartments
18. Pavlos Apartments
19. Aegean Pearl
20. Creta Seafront Residences
Additional Info: Kindly advise your accommodation in order to arrange the pick up service. We will send you confirmation email with all the details you will need.
Itinerary
1
Omalos
Early in the morning, you will be picked up from designated spots around Rethymno via a luxurious bus and reach the starting point of your tour in Omalos Plateau around 7 am.
The panoramic view of the gorge from the plateau is a photo delight, so after a short stop for pictures, you will begin descending the 600 wooden steps that will take you inside the Samaria gorge.
2
Samaria Gorge National Park
A National Park and World's Biosphere Reserve, the Samaria Gorge is a scar on the spine of Crete, but one so uniquely beautiful that you wish it never goes away. Extending 13 km long (8 miles), the ravine is home to several endemic species, with the most prominent being the goat Kri-kri, which can't be found anywhere else in the world. Shadowed by the adjacent White Mountains and with plenty of drinking water to be found along the way in many natural springs, this self-paced hike will create unique memories for every traveler.
Behind your group, there will always be a hiking escort to ensure everyone's safety and provide assistance if needed.
At around 17:00 you will board a boat to the picturesque village of Sougia, where you will start your trip back to the place where you were picked up from.
Additional info
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• It is advisable to bring the following items with you: sunscreen, sunglasses and hat
• It is important to stay hydrated, so bring a bottle of water (you can refill it in the gorge's springs) and a light snack (fruits etc.)
• You can swim at Agia Roumeli beach just after you exit the gorge so make you have a swimsuit and beach towel with you
• Half way down the gorge lies the old village of Samaria, which has a telephone for communication with the police, a pharmacy, and two mules to transport injured persons.
• The trip is not recommended for any person with a history of knee problems, high blood pressure, cardiac and pulmonary problems, pregnant women and for anybody who suffers from vertigo/fear of heights
