samaria gorge
samaria gorge - The Iron Gates
Samaria gorge crete is 18 km long and is the second longest in Europe. The most famous part of the gorge is the section known as the 'Iron Gates', where the sides of Samaria Gorge close to about 4 meters in and reach up to 500 meters high. The northern entrance to the gorge is 1,250 m above sea level. Samaria Gorge descends practically to sea level, opening out a couple of kilometres above the village of Agia Roumeli.
samaria gorge - A National Park
Samaria Gorge became a Greek Islands national park in 1962, particularly as a refuge for the rare Kri-kri (Cretan goat), which is largely restricted to the park and a small island just off the shore of Agia Marina. There are several other endemic species in the Samaria Gorge and surrounding area, as well as many other species of flower, bird, etc. The village of Samaria lies just inside the Gorge. It was finally abandoned by the last remaining inhabitants in 1962 to make way for the park. The Greece village and Samaria Gorge take their name from the village's ancient church Óssia María (St Mary).
Organised Excursions to visit samaria gorge
The Samaria Gorge officially opens 1st May and closes 31st October but this depends very much on local weather conditions. If there is too much rain, the Samaria Gorge is impassable since the actual path follows the riverbed. There are several ways to enjoy the Samaria Gorge. Organized excursions are offered by various local travel agents including Freelance Holidays which include a guide.
samaria gorge - How to get there
The local KTEL bus offers a daily service to and from Samaria Gorge. If you have a car you can go to the top and admire it or you can drive to the south coast (Sougia) and catch the ferry to the bottom and walk up to the narrowest point. If some of your party wants to walk Samaria Gorge completely from the top, whilst the rest of the party meets you at the bottom, this is possible too. If you do the Samaria Gorge on your own, make sure you start off from your accommodation by 6am in order to be at the top for 8am. The last ferry at Agia Roumeli usually departs around 4pm. Note that if the guard at the top of Samaria Gorge does not allow you to enter, this means that the ferries aren’t running, so unless you are prepared to spend the night in Agia Roumeli, do not start the walk.
Some Tips for walking samaria gorge
Note: Walking boots or trainers are a must! It's a good idea to take your own snacks & drinks to keep you going through the day and a water bottle, which can be refilled at one of the many springs en-route. There are plenty of tavernas at the end in Agia Roumeli. If you suffer from a heart condition, high blood pressure, vertigo, knee disorders or are pregnant- THE GORGE IS OFF LIMITS TO YOU, for your own safety! This is not an easy walk. It’s 18 kms of sometimes very steep and rough terrain. The heat is also a factor that you must keep in mind.
Walking samaria gorge (4-6 hours)
From Chania head southwards into the White Mountains (Lefka Ori). You will pass through the shepherds' village of Lakki on the way to the Omalos Plateau, which is 4,000 feet above sea level. At the plateau, there are several taverans for a quick cup of coffee /drink. The actual start of the Samaria Gorge walk is a further 5 km at the Xiloskala ('Wooden Staircase'). With the awe-inspiring Mount Gingilos on your right, you descend into the Samaria Gorge rather steeply at first (1,000 m in the first 2 km!).
samaria gorge - An 11 Mile Walk
This is the beginning of the 11 mile Samaria Gorge walk through the longest gorge in Europe, taking you through spectacular scenery and the habitats of the Kri-Kri and rare herbs and flowers, such as Paeonia clusii, the large white peony. Samaria Gorge - The Village - half way. The abandoned village of Samaria marks the halfway point, but the highlight of the walk is the sight of the so-called 'Iron Gates', where the two walls of the gorge are so close you can almost touch both at the same time! The walk ends in the village of Agia Roumeli, where you can slake your thirst, have a well-earned lunch, sunbathe or swim in the Libyan Sea.
samaria gorge - The Ferry
There's only one way out and that's by sea - a pleasant 1 hour journey by ferry will take you along the south coast to the village of Sougia (to the west ) or Sfakia (to the East). If you have pre-purchased your bus ticket from KTEL, you must make sure you get on the ferry to Sfakia.
The Lazy Way to walk samaria gorge
If you are unable or unwilling to walk the full length of Samaria Gorge, it is possible to admire the narrowest point. Your day would start with the ferry in the morning approx. 10.00 from either Sfakia or Sougia which will take you to Agia Roumeli. From here you follow the path /riverbed until the ‘Iron Gates’, you then turn around and walk back to Agia Roumeli.
samaria sorge - A National Park a must for fit walkers 18km long, the second longest gorge in Europe
The Samaria Gorge officially opens 1st May and closes 31st October
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