Best trails in Samaria National Park

4.1(2,460 reviews)

Greece
:
#1 of 13 national parks

The Samaria Gorge offers a 13 km main hiking path and an additional 2 km to Agia Roumeli. The hike typically takes 6-7 hours with rest stops. Vehicles are prohibited, and the route descends from 1227m to sea level, transitioning from forest to a rocky riverbed with potential river crossings. Hiking is restricted to the main path for safety and environmental protection. Basic facilities are available, and visitors are responsible for their safety.

The gorge is usually open between April and October, with exact opening dates determined annually. Entry is allowed from Xyloskalo (07:00-13:00 or 13:00-15:00 for a short 2km hike) and Agia Roumeli (07:00-13:00 or 13:00-16:00 for a short 2km hike), with all visitors needing to exit by 18:00. Unplanned closures can occur due to safety or environmental reasons, so checking for announcements is advised.

Access to Xyloskalo is by car or public bus from Chania. Agia Roumeli is reachable only by boat from Chora Sfakion, Sougia, or Paleochora. Hiking options include the full route from either entrance or shorter hikes returning to the entry point. Hiking from Agia Roumeli to Xyloskalo is possible but involves a steep final section. Public bus and ferry schedules should be checked in advance. Children are permitted with adult supervision, and dogs must be leashed.

Top trails

Samaria Gorge (Samaria Gorge) An absolute must if you are a hiker and want to experience Crete in its mountainous grandeur. The hike begins in the mountains and for the first few kilometers, it is a winding descent. At the end of the mountainous part the rest of the descent follows a rocky dry river bed. The mountainous landscape and the views of the cliffs are truly spectacular. Fairly easy walk that may occasionally be shared with donkeys. Many water points along the route and Byzantine...

#2 - Xyloskalo - Afchenas - Gigilos

4.5(182)

•Hard

•5.5 mi

Xyloskalo - Afchenas - Gigilos (Ξυλόσκαλο - Αυχένας - Γκίγκιλος) A very important and rugged route, which starts from Xyloskalo of Omalos. Same starting point as Samaria Gorge but completely different destination: Gigilos peak. The uphill path that starts from there, is generally well waymarked and visible and passes through cliffs with rocky forms, a natural arch and screes. The route meets the source Linoseli and then ascends to the col of Gigilo, where it continues east to Gigilo peak....

#3 - Aradena Gorge - Marmara

4.6(119)

•Hard

•6.4 mi

Aradena Gorge - Marmara (Φαράγγι Αράδαινας - Μάρμαρα) There is parking right behind the bridge and this is where the hike starts. Trail first goes through the deserted village of Aradena and down the steep slope into the gorge. After a short time, you will be under the wooden beam bridge. Don't be frightened if a car is driving over the bridge, as it does sounds like a rock fall. The rest of the way is characterized by rocky and rough ground in the first half, from time to time you have to...

#4 - Xyloskalo to Agios Nikolaos church

Xyloskalo to Agios Nikolaos church (Ξυλόσκαλο - ξωκλήσι Αγίου Νικολάου) From the Xyloskalo area, starts the famous Samaria Gorge Trail. The course is downhill with many zigzags and ends at Agios Nikolaos church. This is the initial part of the entire gorge trail, where the hiker can stop for rest and water. The view of the mountain΄s cliffs is magnificent and imposing. The return to Xyloskalo is by the same route.

#5 - The E4 European Path: Agia Roumeli - Loutro

4.5(97)

•Moderate

•8.7 mi

The E4 European Path: Agia Roumeli - Loutro (Ευρωπαϊκό Μονοπάτι Ε4: Αγία Ρούμελη - Λουτρό) This route of the European Trail E4 starts from Agia Roumeli, crosses the river and continues east parallel to the coastline, right next to the sea. Meets the chapel of Agios Pavlos and continues passing through the coastal Vigla hill. Further on it meets the exit of the gorge of Aradena in the bay of Marmara. After crossing the beach and passing the two small beaches of Lykos and Finikas, it climbs to...

#6 - Aradena - Anopoli - Loutro - Aradena Gorge

Aradena - Anopoli - Loutro - Aradena Gorge (Αράδαινα - Ανώπολη - Λουτρό - Φαράγγι Αράδαινας) A very interesting route that starts from the village of Aradena and heads east following the road and the old path to get down to the Anopoli plateau. Following the old path, the route descends through a very beautiful cobbled path towards the sea and the coastal Loutro. There, heading west along the coast, the route reaches Marmara beach. It then enters and crosses to the north, the Aradena Gorge,...

#7 - Aradena Gorge - Marmara - Livaniana

Aradena Gorge - Marmara - Livaniana (Φαράγγι Αράδαινας - Μάρμαρα - Λιβανιανά) The Aradena Gorge, the deepest gorge in Chania, is less known and shorter in length than the other famous cretan gorges, yet equally impressive and popular. It runs from the southern slopes of the White Mountains to the small Marmara beach. The hike is demanding and not recommended for people without any walking experience. The route is absolutely breathtaking. Do not forget to visit the Aradena village. The return...

#8 - Xyloskalo - Kallergi Refuge - Steni Mira

Xyloskalo - Refuge Kallergi - Steni Mira (Ξυλόσκαλο - Καταφύγιο Καλλέργη - Στενή Μοίρα) The route starts from Xyloskalo place and ascends with a good path and then on a dirt road to the White Mountains Kallergi Refuge. The trail is difficult but the view and the uniqueness of the landscape are worth it. From the Refuge the course descends southwest to the location of Steni Mira, the eastern end of the Omalos plateau.

#9 - Omalos - Koukoule - Kallergi Refuge Loop

Omalos - Koukoule - Kallergi Refuge Loop (Ομαλός - Κουκουλέ - Καταφύγιο Καλλέργη κυκλική) The first part of the course runs on asphalt, towards Samaria. After 45 minutes of asphalt, it turns left into a wide gravel road (4 wheel drive - keep right at the house), until it finally reaches the top of the mountain at Kallergi Refuge. From there, the trail continues to the north. But in some point it comes across a large cairn. Eventually it arrives at the blue dots route and continues going in...

#10 - Agia Roumeli - Western Castle - Palea Agia Roumeli

Agia Roumeli - Western Castle - Palea Agia Roumeli (Αγία Ρουμέλη - Δυτικός Κουλές - Παλαιά Αγία Ρούμελη) From Agia Roumeli the route ascends northeast along an old path that leads to West Koules, a ruined Turkish castle with fantastic views to the village and the South Cretan Sea. The route continues further north, in the gorge of Samaria, where it meets the Palia Agia Roumeli, with many restored houses. The views to the coastal settlement, the gorge of Samaria, the castle Koules, are so...

Showing results 1–10 of 42

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Visitor info

Contact

Passes & fees

Fee required

Phone

2821 045570

The ticket to be issued is mandatory for your entry into the National Park of Samaria. With the ticket, you contribute significantly to the implementation of basic works in the Gorge of Samaria, such as the cleaning-maintenance of the main path, the maintenance & improvement of infrastructure, and the supervision of the area along the main path.

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Trail reviews for Samaria National Park

3,969 trailgoers Busiest in September

Andre Galea

Jun 4, 2025

Easy to parkBathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

This was a highħight of our trip to Crete! Moderate difficulty mainly due to distance and some slipperiness on the downhill paths and gravel. Prepare - water (but my too much as there are regular stops with watering fountains and the stream water is drinkable and delicious), snacks/fruit, preferably hiking shoes to reduce slipping (we only had normal trainers on holiday), cash (€5 parking, the rest we paid by card, although had cash as wasn't sure). We drove to Xyloskalo from Chania (1 hr), parked, bought our return bus ticket (€7 each), bought entry tickets for the Samaria National Park (€10 each), did the trail until Agia Roumeli beach (total 18km in 5h30 according to my FitBit tracking). The km markings along the trail were showing less from my tracking. At the destination we had a fresh dip in the sea, bought the ferry tickets to Sougia beach (€16 each) and had lunch. The ferry leaves at 17:30 and lasts 40 mins. Then you get the return bus to Xyloskalo to get back to the car. Have fun!

Difficulty: Moderate

Samaria Gorge

Brenda Villecco

Sep 11, 2025•Hiking

Not crowdedBathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

A Crete MUST SEE!! Such an amazing trail with so many great views. The beginning of the trail (~3 km) is a pretty steep decline and most of the trail is loose rocks varying in size. I would highly recommend wearing hiking boots with ankle support as the terrain is rocky, uneven and the smooth rocks can be slippery at times. If you have bad knees or anything of the sort, I would proceed this trail with caution. It’s mainly downhill, with some short flat parts. There are multiple bathrooms along the way as well as fresh spring water refill stations. A 1.5 L water bladder is plenty big because of the refill stations - but I would definitely pack lunch and snacks because it is a long hike. Around the halfway mark (~7.5 km in) you’ll reach Samaria village which is a nice rest stop to have lunch. After this mark, most of the shade goes away so bring a hat and sunglasses. Wear light weight clothing as it gets warm quick but bring a light long sleeve for the beginning as it’s cold at the top of the mountain. I recommend wearing a bathing suit under your hiking clothes because you can swim at agia roumeli beach at the end of the hike. I would go with an organized group so you have bus and ferry transfers pre booked

Conditions: Bugs, Dusty, Wildflowers, Dry ground, Well maintained

Samaria Gorge

Abigael McGuire

Sep 11, 2025•Hiking

Left Agia Roumeli at 7am and was shaded until around 9:15am. Made it to Marmara around 11 (7.3 miles) and tapped out and took the water taxi to Loutro (had hiked Samaria Gorge the day before and was carrying a 20 lb pack). Two liters of water was perfect. The last fourth of the hike in the sun was brutal even in September. EDIT: Did loutro to marmara leg — as someone who is afraid of heights, I was totally fine. I didn’t allow myself to look down and I just turned my body to hug the cliff. There are rocks to hold on to the entire time.

Difficulty: Moderate

The E4 European Path: Agia Roumeli - Loutro

- Clessa -

May 20, 2025•Hiking

Easy to parkNot crowdedBathrooms availableGreat views

Difficult hike because of lots of rocks and the return is all uphill. However, there is a small tavern at the end of the outward journey where you can eat something very nice. Plan the whole uphill return trip. Landscapes similar to Samaria, but less grandiose! I recommend this beautiful hike.

This text has been translated.

Conditions: Bugs, Wildflowers

Agia Irini Gorge

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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Samaria National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Samaria National Park is Samaria Gorge, which has a 4.8 star rating from 1,574 reviews. This trail is 9.4 mi long with an elevation gain of 8,750 ft.

What is the longest trail in Samaria National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Samaria National Park is Paleochora - Hora Sfakion. This trail is estimated to be 47.3 mi long.

How many trails are in Samaria National Park?

There are 42 trails in Samaria National Park. These trails have an average 4.1-star rating from 2,460 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Samaria National Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, Samaria National Park has you covered. Paleochora - Hora Sfakion boasts the most elevation gain with 18,569 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Paleochora - Sougia - Chora Sfakion - Frangokastello, which will get you 9,071 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Samaria National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 3 camping trails in Samaria National Park and the most popular is Aradena Gorge - Marmara - Livaniana with an average 4.8 star rating from 45 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Samaria National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there is 1 running trail in Samaria National Park which is Agia Roumeli - Papoures with an average 4.2 star rating from 6 community reviews.