Discovering Samaria Gorge: Crete's Epic Hiking Adventure

Hiking through the Samaria Gorge in Crete is a remarkable adventure that takes you through one of Europe's most iconic natural wonders. Here's a description of the Samaria Gorge hike:

🥾Start in Omalos: Your journey begins in the mountain village of Omalos, where you'll find the entrance to the gorge. The hike usually starts early in the morning to make the most of the day.

🧗‍♀️ Steep Descents: As you descend into the gorge, you'll encounter a series of steep and sometimes challenging switchbacks. The rocky terrain requires sturdy hiking boots, and you'll navigate uneven paths as you make your way down.

🌄 Iron Gates: One of the highlights of the hike is the "Iron Gates," a narrow passage where the cliffs dramatically rise on either side, creating a stunning natural corridor. This is a popular spot for photos.

🐐Rich Flora and Fauna:** Along the trail, you'll encounter a diverse range of plant life, including unique Cretan herbs and wildflowers. Keep an eye out for wildlife, such as the Kri-Kri (Cretan Ibex), which is endemic to the area.

🏚️Village of Samaria:Midway through your hike, you'll reach the abandoned village of Samaria. Explore the charming stone buildings, the church, and imagine the life of the former inhabitants.

🦭Cooling Streams:** The hike often includes crossing the stream that flows through the gorge. These refreshing stops are perfect for cooling off during the warmer months.

🏞️Impressive Scenery:Throughout the hike, you'll be surrounded by breathtaking scenery, with towering cliffs, rugged terrain, and the sound of birds echoing through the gorge.

🌊End in Agia Roumeli:** After approximately 5-7 hours of hiking, you'll reach the coastal village of Agia Roumeli, where the gorge meets the Libyan Sea. Here, you can relax on the pebble beach, take a refreshing dip in the sea, and enjoy a meal at one of the local tavernas.

🛥️Return by Boat:Most hikers choose to return to their starting point by taking a ferry from Agia Roumeli to Chora Sfakion or Sougia, where buses or taxis can transport them back to Omalos.

The Samaria Gorge hike offers not only physical challenges but also an opportunity to connect with the natural beauty and history of Crete. It’s an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

***🥾🎥We will be posting full hike footage from gopro soon, this is just a little preview 🇬🇷***

#crete #samariagorge #gorge #samaria #hikingcrete

Caption
00:00 Bus Ride
01:28 Breakfast spot
01:50 Start of the hike
04:45 Village of Samaria
11:17 Iron Gates - most iconic spot
13:40 Agia Roumeli