Conquer Cretes Natural Marvel: Samaria Gorge Tour from Rethymno

Embark on the most epic Crete hiking tour, an unforgettable Samaria Gorge hike through Europe's longest gorge, from the White Mountains to the Libyan Sea.

Highlights:

• Hike through the longest gorge in Europe (11 miles) lies at 4000 ft
• Visit the village of Agia Roumeli
• Enjoy swimming in the Libyan Sea

Includes:

• Pick-up and drop-off at the Rethymno area
• Guide
• Transportation by bus

Please note: The pick up starts from the area of Panormo and ends at the area. We pick up and drop off the customers close to their hotel. This walk is NOT recommended for children under the age of 6, pregnant women, or people with health problems!

• 05:30-06:30: Pick-up from the Rethymno area
• Start of hike: Begin descent into Samaria Gorge from Xyloskalo
• Hike duration: Approximately 56 hours through forests, rivers, and ancient paths
• End of hike: arrive at Agia Roumeli on the Libyan Sea
• 20:00-21:00: Return to your original pick-up point in Rethymno

Into the Depths of Crete: The Start of Your Gorge Journey

Your Samaria Gorge tour Rethymno begins early in the morning with pickup from your accommodation, followed by a scenic ride through the majestic White Mountains. At 1,200 meters above sea level, youll arrive at the trailhead in Xyloskalo, the starting point of your epic hike.

The first steps of this Crete hiking tour set the tone, with craggy rocks, pine forests, and canyon views that stretch endlessly ahead. As the air cools and the landscape opens, the power and serenity of the gorge surround you. This is more than a tour, an immersion into Crete's soul.

Following the River of Time: Nature and History Intertwined

As you descend deeper into the Samaria Gorge, a rhythmic trail follows the path of the ancient Taras River. Along the way, youll see mountain springs, massive plane trees, and hidden caves once used as wartime shelters. Midway through the hike, youll reach the eerie ruins of the settlement of Samaria, abandoned in 1962 and now a quiet monument to the lives once lived here.

Keep your eyes open for the elusive kri-kri, Crete's wild mountain goat, as you wind your way past cliffs and ancient stone paths on one of Europe's most legendary hiking routes.

The Iron Gates and the Libyan Sea: Your Hike's Grand Finale

After hours of unforgettable hiking, the gorge narrows into the dramatic Iron Gates or Sideroportes, a narrow corridor flanked by cliffs rising over 300 meters high. This striking contrast of space and scale is a highlight of the Samaria Gorge hike, leaving even seasoned trekkers speechless.

Soon after, you'll reach Agia Roumeli, a peaceful village on the Libyan coast where your day trip ends with rest, refreshment, and a well-earned swim in the sea. Enjoy a meal at a seaside taverna before boarding the ferry to Chora Sfakion, where the bus will take you back to Rethymno.

Why This Is the Ultimate Samaria Gorge Day Trip from Rethymno

This is no ordinary Crete hiking tour, it's a once-in-a-lifetime hike through history, wilderness, and beauty. Covering 16 kilometers of rugged terrain, the Samaria Gorge day trip blends raw nature with cultural legacy. With expert guides, organized transfers, and carefully planned timing, the journey is as seamless as it is adventurous.

Whether you're a seasoned hiker or simply seeking an unforgettable challenge, this Rethymno to Samaria Gorge experience delivers unmatched rewards from ancient trails to sunlit seas.

Book Your Samaria Gorge Adventure Today

Ready to walk the path of legends? Join the iconic Samaria Gorge tour in Rethymno and conquer the longest gorge in Europe on foot. With spectacular scenery, historical wonders, and the soul of Crete beneath your feet, this day of hiking promises memories for a lifetime.

Book now to secure your spot on one of Crete's most iconic outdoor adventures. The Samaria Gorge awaits; let nature move you.