Samariá Gorge National Park Canyon

Samariá Gorge National Park on Crete protects the Samariá Gorge, a long mountain canyon carved in the White Mountains (Lefka Ori). The gorge and its trail are among Crete’s most visited natural attractions.

A linear hiking route descends from the Omalos plateau at Xyloskalo roughly 16 kilometres to the coastal village of Agia Roumeli, offering steep limestone walls, shaded riverbed sections and the famous narrow passage known as the Gates (Portes). The route passes varied terrain and provides opportunities to see local flora and the wild Cretan goat (kri-kri) in its native habitat.

The gorge has been known locally for centuries and was designated as a protected area in the 20th century to conserve its unique landscape and biodiversity; its popularity as a managed walking route increased after formal protection and trail development.

Samariá Gorge lies on southwestern Crete in the White Mountains. The common access points are the Omalos plateau above the gorge and the south-coast village of Agia Roumeli; the nearest large city is Chania to the northwest.

• Trail length and duration: The main hiking route through the gorge is about 16 kilometres long and typically takes most walkers 5-7 hours to complete downhill.
• Narrowest point and height: The narrowest section, the Gates (Portes), narrows to only a few metres between high limestone walls, and the gorge reaches heights of several hundred metres above the trail.

What to See#

• Xyloskalo trailhead (start): Trailhead at Xyloskalo on the Omalos plateau marks the start of the standard 16-kilometre descent through the gorge to Agia Roumeli on the Libyan Sea.
• Portes (The Gates): The narrowest part of the gorge, known as the Gates (Portes), is a section where the rock walls close to only a few metres apart and is a key highlight of the walk.
• Agia Roumeli (exit and ferry point): Agia Roumeli is the coastal village where the gorge trail finishes and from which ferries run along the south coast to Chora Sfakion and Sougia during the season.

Most walkers begin at Xyloskalo (Omalos plateau) near the village of Omalos; a KTEL Samaria bus runs from Chania to Omalos in the morning during the tourist season. Alternatively, organized tours provide transport from Chania or Rethymno. The standard route finishes in Agia Roumeli, where ferries run to Chora Sfakion or Sougia.

• Start early at Xyloskalo trailhead to secure a ferry or bus spot back from the sea village of Agia Roumeli-the gorge is one way for most hikers.
• Wear sturdy shoes and expect long stretches on scree; many underestimate how much ankle work is needed.
• Bring cash and water; there are small kiosks and a taverna at the gorge's mouth in Agia Roumeli but nothing inside the narrow canyon.