Samaria Gorge

Samaria gorge in Cania, Crete is of unparalleled beauty as well as the most renowned. Its beauty, grandeur and wildness are unique.
It is one of the longest and most imposing gorges in Europe and one of the main attractions for tourists in Western Crete. Samaria gorge is of unparalleled beauty as well as the most renowned. Its beauty, grandeur and wildness are unique.
It is 16 km in length and its width ranges from 3.5 to 150 metres, with vertical cliffs which may reach a sheer 500 metres in height. In order to traverse it one needs approximately 5 to 6 hours and the gorge is open from May to October. It is a national park inside which one will find rare types of Cretan flora from the cypress and the pine tree to the dittany and the wildflower, while it is also the natural habitat of the wild goat or the Kri Kri.
The gorge begins at Xiloskalo (Wooden Stairs) which, as the name suggests, is a wooden staircase descending steeply to the river bed through an impressive forest of trees and exceptional views. At the bottom, near the small church of Agios Nikolaos, one can relax for a few minutes and enjoy the view. The deep shade of the trees and the cool water running by make this a perfect place to rest. The path then follows the river bed. Here the mountains tower more than 2,000 metres above sea level.
The well kept footpath leads along the entire length of the gorge to the beaches of Agia Roumeli. Through the heart of the White Mountains to the sparkling, clean beaches of the clear blue Libyan Sea
Agia Roumeli lies at the end of the gorge. From here boats take you to Hora Sfakion where buses transport visitors back to Chania.
Remember that the walk through is a one-way venture as you start from an altitude of about 800m above sea level going down to zero. For this reason you will probably use public transport from Hania to arrive early morning in Omalos, and at midday you can catch a boat from Agia Roumeli to Chora Sfakion. From there, again by bus, you will arrive back to Hania to meet your transport.
Alternatively you can buy this excursion as a package. You will be picked up from your hotel, in the morning and will be brought back in the evening.
For more information contact us to: info@ experttravel. gr