Things to do in Samaria Gorge
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Hiking the Gorge
The hike from Xyloskalo (the name of the steep stone pathway with wooden rails that gives access to the gorge), to Agia Roumeli on the coast takes from about four hours for the sprinters to six hours for the strollers. Early in the season it's sometimes necessary to wade through the stream. Later, as the flow drops, it's possible to use rocks as stepping stones.
The Samaria Gorge hike is not a Sunday stroll; it is long and, at times, hard. Do not attempt it if you are not used to walking. If you find that the going is too tough within the first hour, there are park wardens with donkeys who will take you back to the beginning. They will be on the look out for stragglers.
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Agia Roumeli Beach
The gorge ends at the 12.5km mark just north of the almost abandoned village of Old Agia Roumeli. From here it's a further uninteresting 2km hike to the welcoming seaside resort of Agia Roumeli, with its much- appreciated fine pebble beach and sparkling sea, where most hikers can be seen between after midday taking a refreshing dip or at least bathing sore and aching feet. Be warned, falling rocks can be a hazard and people have been injured, including two fatal incidents in 2006.
On extremely hot days the gorge is closed for safety reasons.
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Samaria Gorge
Hiking through the Samaria Gorge is one of the 'must-dos' of Crete and attracts both serious hikers and people for whom it is clearly a one-off experience. Despite the crowds - more than 170,000 people walk the gorge each year - a hike through this stupendous gorge is still an experience to remember.
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Xyloskalo
The hike from Xyloskalo, to Agia Roumeli on the coast takes from about four hours for the sprinters to six hours for the strollers. Early in the season it's sometimes necessary to wade through the stream. Later, as the flow drops, it's possible to use rocks as stepping stones.
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Iron Gates
From Samaria the gorge then narrows and becomes more dramatic until, at the 11km mark, the walls are only 3.5m apart - the famous Iron Gates. Here, a rickety wooden pathway leads hikers the 20m or so over the water and through to the other side.
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Saint Maria of Egypt
Just south of the abandoned village of Samaria is a small church dedicated to Saint Maria of Egypt, after whom the gorge is named.
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Farangi Restaurant & Rooms
On the beach road, Farangi has a range of Cretan specials and taverna standards as well as friendly service and beer on tap. There are some tidy well-equipped rooms above the restaurant with a fridge, kettle and TV, some with sea views.
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