The World Famous Samaria Gorge
The Samaria Gorge in Crete, Greece, stands as one of Europe's most awe-inspiring natural wonders and is a centrepiece of the White Mountains National Park. Stretching for 16km from the Omalos Plateau at an altitude of 1,250 meters down to the Libyan Sea at Agia Roumeli, it ranks as the longest gorge in Europe and is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Whilst hiking the Gorge, you can marvel at natural wonders throughout the day, from the White Mountains to thousand-year-old forests and more.
Hiking the Samaria Gorge is an unforgettable experience, drawing over a quarter million adventurers each year. The journey begins at the Xyloskalo trailhead (where a cafe-restaurant and small shop are located) and takes between four to seven hours to complete, depending on pace and stops. Along the way, hikers descend through a dramatic canyon bounded by sheer cliffs that rise up to 500 meters, while the path narrows in places to just a few meters wide at the famed "Iron Gates" (Portes), creating a stunning and sometimes humbling atmosphere. The hike is somewhat challenging and requires a moderate to fair level of fitness - be aware that it can be very hot in the Gorge during the peak of summer.
One of the highlights is the diverse wildlife, especially the elusive kri-kri, a wild Cretan goat unique to the region, also know as the Cretan Ibex. The gorge is home to over 450 species of plants and animals—70 of which are endemic to Crete—such as the striking pink rockrose and the rare Cretan ebony. With luck, you might also spot griffon vultures or bearded vultures circling above, testifying to the gorge's rich biodiversity.
Along the route, hikers pass ancient ruins, remnants of Venetian castles, prehistoric settlements, and the old village of Samaria. This village, now uninhabited, once sheltered locals during historical conflicts and WWII, giving the area not just natural significance but cultural and historical depth.
At the journey's close, visitors are greeted by the turquoise waters of the Libyan Sea in Agia Roumeli, where a refreshing swim awaits. For many, this combination of spectacular scenery, rare wildlife, and historical intrigue makes the Samaria Gorge not only Crete's most celebrated hike but also one of Greece's greatest outdoor adventures.
The best way from Halases Panorama Villa to reach Xyloskalo trailhead is by organised 'guided' tour from Georgioupolis, which typically include transportation to and from the gorge, as well as the ferry tickets from Agia Roumeli to Sfakia. If you like, there are truly guided tours, but self-guided hikes are the most commonly used ways of exploring the Samaria Gorge. From Halases Panorama Villa it's about 15 min drive to Georgioupolis, from where it's about 1.5 hrs drive by bus to the Gorge. Therefore, it's a long day with an early start if you don't want to stay the night at Agia Roumeli. Make sure you pack essentials: bring water, snacks (food is not available inside the gorge), sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable hiking shoes.