Gorges in Crete

Hello everybody

I'm interested in walking/ hiking through Crete's famous gorges but apparently the Samaria Gorge doe not open until May ? Could someone please clarify that , or tell me how I can find out if it will open before that ?

Failing the above could someone please recommend a good walk/ gorge. We will be based in Chania with a car.

Many Thanks

It does not open until the 1st May however some years depending on the weather and the amount of rain, it has opened slightly earlier. I guess you just have to call If you need to know for sure if the gorge is open on a specific day phone +30 28210 67179

There also is the Imbros Gorge, open year round.
http://www.west-crete.com/imbros-gorge.htm

Thanks - very useful

Looks good, and easy! thanks for the alternative

Some other gorges in Crete

http://www.explorecrete.com/hiking/gorges.html

My understanding is because there was so little winter rain, the park will open this year on 15th April. Now if only I could remember where I read that!

The Samaria Gorge will open on 15 April 2016.

Thank you to everyone who replied. I'm now trying to work out if I should a) take a tour for 30E b) drive to Sougia and get the bus leaves at 7am c) take the bus from Chania (leaves at 7.45 am)

Does anyone know if option (c) will leave me enough time to comfortably walk and enjoy the gorge ? Also, is it easy to find the bus stop in Sougia or Skafia to catch the bus back to Chania ?

Is there any advantage of going on an organised tour ?

Many Thanks in advance

I am planning on doing the same trip and from what I've read the disadvantages of doing the organised tour is that it's more expensive and more crowded. The bus in Sougia waits for the ferry- I am guessing most of the people will be going to catch it.

The walk supposedly takes 7 hours max- that's leaving lots of time for breaks and taking pictures. You can do it apparently in 4 hours.

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