Day trip

Crete: Samaria Gorge Day Trip

4.2 / 5

6 reviews

Activity provider: Altino Travel
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    Day trip

    Crete: Samaria Gorge Day Trip

    Activity provider: Altino Travel
    Likely to sell out
    Likely to sell out

    From US$ 50.03 per person

    Hike the entirety of the longest gorge in Europe in one day. Marvel at one of Greece's natural treasures, filled with unique flora and fauna. Gaze up at the nearly 1,200-foot-tall cliffs rising above you.

    About this activity

    Free cancellation
    Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
    Covid-19 precautions
    Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
    Reserve now & pay later
    Keep your travel plans flexible—book your spot and pay nothing today. Learn more
    Duration 15 - 19 hours
    Check availability to see starting times.
    Live tour guide
    English, German, French
    Pickup included
    Please wait on the main road in front of your Hotel

    Experience

    Highlights
    • Experience Europe's Grand Canyon
    • Walk along the bottom of the massive gorge, squeezing through tight passages as narrow as 10 feet
    • Sail from Agia Roumeli to Sfakia across the stunning Aegean
    Full description
    After pickup from your hotel in Agios Nikolaos or Elounda, you’ll head straight to the Omalos plateau, followed by Xyloskalo, the northernmost entrance to the Samaria Gorge. The walk begins with a descent into the bottom of the gorge, changing altitude by over 600 meters. Gaze up at the stark, lush cliffs that line the narrow canyon, keeping your eyes peeled for the rare kri-kri goat, a species endemic to Crete and known for its massive, curled horns. About halfway into the walk, you’ll find the ruins of the Samaria Village, whose inhabitants were relocated after the region was designated as a national park. After a small rest, you’ll continue through the Gorge, passing the church of Osia Maria, from which the gorge takes its name. Shortly thereafter, reach the most famous portion of gorge—the Gates, where the path narrows to less than 10 feet, while cliffs rise over 1,000 feet in the air. With the majority of the path behind you, you’ll soon enter the Agia Roumeli village, set against the stunning Aegean Sea, where you’ll hop on a boat bound for a bus to take you back to your accommodation.
    Includes
    • Hotel pick up and drop off from the areas of Agios Nikolaos and Elounda
    • Experienced guide to take you through the gorge
    • 5 EUR entrance fee to Samaria
    • 11 EUR boat ticket from Agia Roumeli to Sfakia
    Not suitable for
    • Children under 7 years
    • Pregnant women
    • People with mobility impairments
    Covid-19 precautions
    Safety measures in place
    • All required protective equipment is provided
    • All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
    • You must keep social distance while in vehicles
    • The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds

    Select participants and date

    Participants

    Date

    Important information

    What to bring

    • Sunglasses
    • Sun hat
    • Swimwear
    • Snacks
    • Hiking shoes
    • Sunscreen
    • Water

    Not allowed

    • Pets
    • Smoking

    Know before you go

    •  This tour is not recommended for people with limited mobility or health problems, as it involves a 16-kilometer, or 10-mile, hike.
    Customer reviews

    Overall rating

    4.2 /5

    based on 6 reviews

    Review summary

    • Guide
      3/5
    • Transportation
      3/5
    • Value for money
      4/5
    • Safety
      2/5

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    The tour was definitely worth it! In summer I imagine it to be stressful because it will certainly be much fuller (it was already a little busy). I was picked up in the east of the island, without any problems, minibus came 10 minutes before the scheduled time. It was unfavorable for me that we were not allowed to eat in the bus from Iraklion bus to the first tavern (2 hours drive). I was already on the road for 2 hours and the first hunger came at 6 a.m. and not at 8 ... if I had known that beforehand, I would have eaten something when I switched to the bus. The first tavern was useful and not expensive, the second one can be left out. Far too expensive and the catering options not better than at the first tavern. For the gorge you have a certain time in which the route has to be mastered, otherwise you will not reach the last boat. Mileage information can be seen everywhere. Toilet paper is not always available.

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    October 23, 2019

    B
    Birte – Germany Verified booking

    Helpful?

    - French I recommend this activity. Very pretty landscapes to discover. On the other hand, two caveats: the guide who does not provide much explanation and the bus driver who drives dangerously. For information, we were staying on the Agios Nikolaos side and it took us more than 5 hours by bus to reach the starting point. - English I recommend this activity. Very beautiful landscapes to discover. On the other hand, there are two drawbacks: the guide who does not provide much explanation and the bus driver who drives dangerously. For information, we were staying near Agios Nikolaos and it took us more than 5 hours by bus to reach the starting point.

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    July 27, 2019

    G
    GetYourGuide traveler – France Verified booking

    Helpful?

    Get on time, good bus (s), good information, nice guide!

    Unfortunately, a driver, by minibus at the end, drove like a madman in the dark. Fully drawn lines and speed limits were completely ignored! At pointing out, he was demonstratively driving slowly instead. We arrived without any problems but it was a pity for an otherwise very nice ride ... the other driver drove excellent!

    July 10, 2019

    G
    Göran – Sweden Verified booking

    Helpful?

    Product ID: 245747