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.
The best time for the Samaria trek is in April and May, when wildflowers brighten the trail. Keep your eyes peeled for the endemic kri-kri, a shy endangered wild goat.
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Samaria Gorge.
Cretan
Perched just over the spectacular drop of Samaria Gorge, with eagles occasionally circling outside its wraparound windows, this cosy restaurant dishes up classic Cretan and Greek meals, and offers the last chance to use indoor plumbing before you set off to hike the gorge. The owners also have a cafe (open 7am to 1pm) at the gorge entrance.