Samaria Gorge

Introduction

The Samaria Gorge, located in the White Mountains National Park (Lefka Ori) in Crete, is one of the longest and most spectacular gorges in Europe. This excursion offers an unforgettable adventure through breathtaking landscapes, unique flora and fauna and ancient vestiges of civilisation.

Description

### Excursion to the Samaria Gorge


#### Description of the Excursion:

**Point of Departure:**
- The excursion starts from the village of Xyloskalo, located at an altitude of 1,230 metres. It can be reached by bus or car from Chania, a journey that takes about 1.5 hours.

**Path:**
- The gorge stretches for about 16 km, ending in the village of Agia Roumeli, on the coast of the Libyan Sea.
- The path is mostly downhill and well signposted, but requires good physical condition and stamina.

**Difficulty:**
- The hike is of moderate to demanding difficulty. The initial descent is steep, with stretches of rocky and uneven terrain.
- The average time to complete the hike is 5-7 hours, depending on pace and breaks.

Main Attractions:**
- **Iron Gate:** The narrowest point in the gorge, with walls rising up to 300 metres high and only 3-4 metres apart.
- **Church of Agios Nikolaos:** A picturesque resting place along the route, surrounded by centuries-old plane trees.
- **Flora and Fauna:** The gorge is a refuge for many endemic species of plants and animals, including the kri-kri goat, the symbol of Crete.
- **Village of Samaria:** An old abandoned village that offers a glimpse into Cretan rural life.

**What to bring:**
- Sturdy hiking shoes
- Layered clothing to adapt to temperature variations
- Water (at least 2 litres) and energy snacks
- Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
- First aid kit and route map

**Useful Tips:**
- Start early to avoid the heat and complete the hike in daylight.
- Check the weather conditions and make sure the gorge is open, as it can be closed in bad weather.
- Be aware of your fitness level and abilities before embarking on the hike.
- Don't leave any rubbish and respect the natural environment.

**Earrival at Agia Roumeli:**
- The coastal village of Agia Roumeli marks the end of the hike. Here, hikers can relax on the beach and cool off with a dip in the sea.
- From Agia Roumeli, you must take a ferry to nearby villages such as Sougia or Hora Sfakion, from where you can catch a bus back to Chania or other destinations.

The Samaria Gorge offers one of the most extraordinary trekking experiences in Europe, immersing hikers in a natural landscape of unique beauty and rich history. This excursion is a must-do adventure for anyone visiting Crete and wishing to explore the natural wonders of the island.