Navigation Walking Crete - Gorge walks Walking Samaria Gorge :: Home :: Greek islands ::. Crete ::.. Gorge walks ..... Samaria ::... Prassano :: Poland :: Links :: Sitemap Web site counter Samaria Gorge (Farági Samariás). A must to many a tourists and a challenge as well because of the distance to walk. About 18 km under the burning sun. But don't cheat yourself out of an exciting experience. I have heard a lot of whimper the following day, but it is a fact that almost anyone can walk the gorge without any problems but fatigue. Samaria Gorge is conservation area since 1962 and now a National Park, so do not try to find an alternativ route to the sea. You can reach the entrance, the Xiloskala, from the Omalos plateau in 1200 m a.s.l. and the way down the stairs is steep 800 m. Takes about 1 h 30 min. Don't be undeterred by the lot of people in the start of the trail. As soon as your down the stairs the crowd spreads and you can walk more or less alone. The first to catch your eye on your way down the stairs is the huge wall of rock towering up on your right. The Mount Gingilos (2080 m a.s.l.) looks impressive from here. The old trees in the ravine are mainly cypress and pine and a survival of the original forest of Crete. The old chapel Agios Nikolaos you will meet shortly after you are down the river bed. Time for a rest and a refilling of your waterback. Next to meet about one hour later is the old village Samaria. The inhabitants were relocated when the gorge was made a conservation area in 1962. Now it is an emergency station and resting place. It is here they keep the 'ambulance' ready for the unsuccessful. You'll see it every time you walk the gorge. The donkey ambulance in action. So don't fool around and do take care when you walk the gorge. Picture: Samaria Gorge. The Samaria village ahead. ... continue next row top Picture: Crete. Samaria Gorge. The Iron Gate. The next location you will meet is the Iron Gate. The gorge is only 3 m wide and the cliffs sheer. 300 m to the top. In early spring it happens there is too much water in the river at this point and the walk on boards then to avoid getting one's feet wet. The rest of the walk is undramatically and you end up at the coast in the village Agia Roumeli. Time for a rest and a large cool beer or another refreshment. You can cool down in the sea as well before the boat takes you to Hora Sfakion and the buses to bring you home. If you wish to stay in Agia Roumeli there is several boarding houses and guesthouse in the village. Picture: Crete. Samaria Gorge. The walk in brief: Distance: 18 km. 6-7 hours. Grade: An easy straightforward walk but strenuous if you are not used to long walks. Descent: 1200 m. Equipment: Walking boots, walking trainers or sandals (if you are used to them). Sunhat and water. Open: April/May - October depending on rainfall. Charge to enter. How to get there: Local bus from Hania to Omalos (Xiloskala). Journey time 1 h. The very early departures are preferable. First bus at 6.15 am. How to return: Boat to Hora Sfakion departures 4 times from Agia Roumeli in the afternoon. Voyage time 1 h 30 min. From Hora Sfakion to Hania by local bus. Journey time about 2 h. ^ top of page Part of erikpetersen.dk Design wepsites.dk Updated 03-03-2007 Copyright: Erik Petersen All rights reserved epwalks.com