A must-do hike in Crete, the Samaria Gorge offers spectacular scenery in the heart of the national park of the same name. The trail starts at Xyloskalo (1,250 metres above sea level) and descends to the coastal village of Agia Roumeli, following an impressive 16-kilometre canyon.
The route is very well marked: just follow the descent along the entire route. The start is the most demanding part, with a steep and sometimes slippery slope; handrails have been installed to make it easier to progress. The path then alternates between pine forests, rocky passages and river crossings, before reaching the narrowest part of the gorge, which is only a few metres wide.
Throughout the journey, several clearly marked checkpoints allow you to measure your progress and find places to rest. The arrival in Agia Roumeli, on the shores of the Libyan Sea, rewards your efforts with the opportunity to swim and enjoy the village's taverns.
Details
–
-
Activity: Walking -
Distance: 14.33 km
-
Average duration: 7h 45
-
Difficulty: Difficult
-
-
Back to start: No
-
Ascent: + 1,270 m
-
Descent: - 2,512 m
-
-
Highest point: 1,260 m
-
Lowest point: 1 m
-
Country: Greece
-
Start: N 35.307663° / E 23.918506°
-
End: N 35.229125° / E 23.960371°
Waypoints
- S : km 0 - alt. 1,260 m - Entrance to the Samaria Gorge
- 1 : km 10.8 - alt. 195 m - Gates
- 2 : km 12.62 - alt. 56 m - Palaia Agia Roumeli
- E : km 14.33 - alt. 18 m - Agia Roumeli
Other walks in the area
From Sougia to the archaeological site of Lissos
From Chora Sfakion to Loutro
From Chora Sfakion to Loutros
Descent of the Imbros Gorge
For more walks, use our search engine .
The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.