Samaria Gorge hike: a practical guide

The Pezoparea team · Updated 4 November 2026 · 7 min read

Samaria Gorge is a mostly downhill walk of about 16 km, from Xyloskalo (1,230 m) to Agia Roumeli on the Libyan Sea. It takes 5–7 hours. It opens in spring and closes at the end of October, the ticket is €10, and the only way out is by boat to Chora Sfakion or Sougia.

Samaria is Greece's best-known gorge, in Samaria National Park in Crete's White Mountains. It is managed by NECCA (the Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency), which sets the opening dates, closures and ticket price. The walk is not technical, but it needs stamina for a long descent and some planning for the way back.

How long is the Samaria Gorge hike?

From Xyloskalo to Agia Roumeli it's about 16 km. The first kilometres are a steep descent on steps through the forest. After that the trail eases, passes the abandoned village of Samaria and reaches the Iron Gates (Portes), the narrowest point, where the walls are only a few metres apart. Most people take 5–7 hours including breaks.

What are the options for hiking Samaria?

When is Samaria Gorge open?

The park regulations allow operation from 10 April to 31 October, but the exact opening date changes every year. In 2026 it opened on 19 May. In November it is closed.

For the full crossing you can enter from 07:00 to 13:00. After 13:00 you can only take a short walk, the first 2 km from either entrance. Everyone must be out of the gorge by 18:00.

The gorge also closes mid-season when rain, strong wind or very high wildfire risk is forecast. On 31 July 2026, for example, both entrances stayed shut because of winds up to Beaufort 9. Check the notices on samaria-tickets.necca.gov.gr or necca.gov.gr before you set off.

How much is the Samaria Gorge ticket?

An individual ticket is €10 per day. Families pay €6 per person and organized groups of more than 10 people €8 per person. Under-18s and over-65s enter free. You can buy the ticket at the entrance or online at samaria-tickets.necca.gov.gr. If you go with a tour, ask whether the ticket is included.

How do I get to Xyloskalo and back from Agia Roumeli?

Xyloskalo is on the Omalos plateau, about 44 km from Chania. Get there by KTEL bus from Chania (about an hour), by taxi or on an organized trip. Agia Roumeli has no road. You leave by boat to Chora Sfakion or Sougia and continue by bus. The last boat usually leaves around 17:30, but timetables change with the season. That's why Samaria is one of the few hikes where a guided group genuinely solves the transport puzzle.

If you go independently, find the boat timetable from Agia Roumeli before entering the gorge. Miss the last boat and you'll be spending the night in the village.

What should I bring?

• Hiking shoes with good grip, since riverbed stones are slippery
• Trekking poles to save your knees on the descent
• 1 litre of water: there are springs along the way, but don't rely on them alone
• Snacks and a light lunch
• Hat and sunscreen for the last, exposed section
• Swimwear for the sea at Agia Roumeli
• Cash for the boat and food

How do I hike Samaria with a group?

Cretan clubs such as EOS Chania and EOS Heraklion walk Samaria every season, often combined with other Sfakia gorges. From Athens, some hiking companies run multi-day trips to western Crete with Samaria as the main day. On Pezoparea you'll find them on the Crete page and with the gorge filter. If you're visiting from abroad, the organizer's page will tell you whether the guide speaks English.

Dates, prices and opening hours change. Confirm with NECCA or the organizer before you go.