Why visit Samaria Gorge
Hiking the 16km-long Samaria Gorge, one of Europe's longest canyons, is high on the list of must-dos for many visitors to Crete. There’s an undeniable raw beauty to the canyon, with its soaring cliffs and needlenose passageways. The hike begins at an elevation of 1230m just south of Omalos at Xyloskalo and ends in the coastal village of Agia Roumeli. It's also possible to do it the 'lazy way': hiking a shorter distance by starting at Agia Roumeli. The only way out of Agia Roumeli is by taking the boat to Sougia or Hora Sfakion, which are served by bus and taxi back to Hania.
Meet your new travel partner
Stay connected in Samaria Gorge
Holafly eSIM provides unlimited mobile data with no hidden fees, giving you peace of mind wherever you travel. Stay connected even after your plan ends with Always On. Use code LONELYPLANET for an exclusive discount.
Take your Greece trip with Lonely Planet Journeys
Pick one of our ready-to-book trips or fully customize your own with help from our local experts.
bookable trip
Beyond Antiquity: Greek Wonders and Cycladic Shores in 10 Days
10 days / 9 nights
highlights
- 1 Strolling along the Santorini shoreline on a sunset hike from Fira to Oia
- 2 Adventuring through antiquity on a guided visit to the relics and ruins of the Acropolis
- 3 Sampling Santorini's volcanic-made wines, from Vinsanto to Assyrtiko
from $3,600
per person
Explore more trips
Explore more trips

12 days / 11 nights
Dreams of Greece: 12 Days in Athens and the Cycladic Islands
FROM $3,750
per person
Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.
in partnership with getyourguide

