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Trail · Chania, Creta
Garganta de Samaria (Farangi Samarias)
The one-day hike through the Samaria Gorge, a national park since 1962: 16 km downhill from the Omalos plateau to the Libyan Sea at Agia Roumeli, passing the Portões which are 4 meters wide.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Garganta de Samaria (Farangi Samarias)
The Samaria Gorge is the most famous hike in Greece. It starts at Xyloskalo on the Omalos plateau, at about 1,230 meters altitude, and descends 13 km inside the national park to the exit, plus another 3 km to the village of Agia Roumeli on the Libyan Sea. The narrowest section, the Portões (Portes or Sideroportes), is about 4 meters wide between walls nearly 300 meters high. Halfway along is the abandoned village of Samaria, with a Byzantine church and springs.
The gorge has been a national park since 1962 and is home to the Cretan wild goat, the kri-kri, which sometimes appears near the trail. The hike is entirely downhill, over loose rocks and stretches of riverbed, and takes five to seven hours; the knees suffer more than the lungs. There are guard posts, drinking-water springs and toilets along the route. Agia Roumeli has no road access: exit is by boat to Chora Sfakion or Sougia, where buses are waiting.
The gorge is usually open from May to October, when there is no flood risk; the exact opening depends on the weather and can be postponed. On days of extreme heat or heavy rain the park closes. Those who don’t want to do the whole trail can start in Agia Roumeli and hike up to the Portões, a two- to three-hour outing.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
A full day: five to seven hours of walking, plus the bus to Omalos, the boat and the return bus.
Best time
From May to October, during the open season; May, June, September and October are milder. Start early, around 7 or 8 a.m., to walk in the morning shade and arrive in time for the boat. Check the conditions on the day, because the park can close due to heat or rain.
How to get there
The starting point, Xyloskalo, is in Omalos, about 43 km from Chania, roughly an hour by car on a mountain road. KTEL buses leave Chania early in the morning. At the end, the boat from Agia Roumeli takes you to Chora Sfakion or Sougia, where buses return to Chania. Organized tours include everything; confirm timetables.
Tip
Bring at least two liters of water per person, snacks, a hat, sunscreen and hiking shoes with a firm sole; no sandals. Poles help on the descent. Buy the ticket at the entrance and keep it: it is checked at the exit. If you go by private car you will have to return to Omalos to collect it, so most people go by bus or tour.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Garganta de Samaria (Farangi Samarias)
Is the Samaria Gorge difficult?
It's long and non-technical: 16 km downhill over loose rocks, taking five to seven hours. It requires good fitness and healthy knees. It is not recommended for small children or those with mobility difficulties.
When does the Samaria Gorge open?
It usually opens from May to October, depending on the weather. On days of extreme heat or heavy rain the park closes. Check the status on the day of your walk.
How do you return from Agia Roumeli?
By boat, to Chora Sfakion or Sougia, because the village has no road. Buses wait at the ports to return to Chania. Check the time of the last boat when you arrive.
Can you do only part of the gorge?
Yes. From Agia Roumeli you can hike up to the Gates and back in two to three hours. From Xyloskalo you can descend partway and return, but the ascent is strenuous.