Best trails in Samaria National Park
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
- (1574)•Hard•9.4 mi•Est. 14.5–16 hrSamaria 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...
- (182)•Hard•5.5 miXyloskalo - 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....
- (119)•Hard•6.4 miAradena 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...
- (59)•Hard•4.1 mi•Est. 6.5–7.5 hrXyloskalo 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.
- (97)•Moderate•8.7 miThe 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...
- (42)•Hard•9.6 mi•Est. 6.5–7 hrAradena - 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,...
- (45)•Hard•7.6 mi•Est. 6–6.5 hrAradena 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...
- (46)•Hard•5.8 mi•Est. 3.5–4 hrXyloskalo - 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.
- (35)•Hard•7.3 mi•Est. 4.5–5 hrOmalos - 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...
- (29)•Moderate•1.7 mi•Est. 1–1.5 hrAgia 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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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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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 2,517 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.
Are there any trails with beaches in Samaria National Park?
Yes, there are 7 trails with beaches in Samaria National Park, including Aradena Gorge - Marmara, The E4 European Path: Agia Roumeli - Loutro, Aradena - Anopoli - Loutro - Aradena Gorge, Aradena Gorge - Marmara - Livaniana, and The E4 European Path: Domata - Agios Pavlos.
Are there any trails with caves in Samaria National Park?
Yes, there are 6 trails with caves in Samaria National Park, including The E4 European Path: Agia Roumeli - Loutro, Aradena - Anopoli - Loutro - Aradena Gorge, Agios Ioannis - Kormokopos Cave, The E4 European Path: Agios Pavlos - Chora Sfakion, and Anopoli - Pachnes Peak - Katsiveli Plateau.
Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Samaria National Park?
Yes, there are 18 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Samaria National Park, including Xyloskalo - Afchenas - Gigilos, Xyloskalo - Kallergi Refuge - Steni Mira, Omalos - Koukoule - Kallergi Refuge Loop, Passage of Rousies - Pachnes, and Kallergi Refuge - Mavri Summit Loop.
Are there any trails with gorges in Samaria National Park?
Yes, there are 7 trails with gorges in Samaria National Park, including Samaria Gorge, Xyloskalo to Agios Nikolaos church, The E4 European Path: Agios Pavlos - Chora Sfakion, The E4 European Path: Poikilassos to Domata, and Agia Roumeli - Eligias Gorge up to Fliskounias.
Are there any trails with picnic areas in Samaria National Park?
Yes, there are 2 trails with picnic areas in Samaria National Park, including Samaria Gorge and Xyloskalo to Agios Nikolaos church.
Are there any trails with huts in Samaria National Park?
Yes, there are 5 trails with huts in Samaria National Park, including Xyloskalo - Kallergi Refuge - Steni Mira, Omalos - Koukoule - Kallergi Refuge Loop, The E4 European Path: Kallergi Refuge - Katsiveli Refuge - Livadha, Anopoli - Pachnes Peak - Katsiveli Plateau, and Rousies - Katsiveli - Agio Pnevma - Spathi - Volikas Hut.
Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Samaria National Park?
Yes, there is one trail with a scenic viewpoint in Samaria National Park: Gonia - Pachnes - Zacharokefala.
Are there any trails with castles in Samaria National Park?
Yes, there are 9 trails with castles in Samaria National Park, including The E4 European Path: Agia Roumeli - Loutro, Aradena - Anopoli - Loutro - Aradena Gorge, Aradena Gorge - Marmara - Livaniana, Agia Roumeli - Western Castle - Palea Agia Roumeli, and The E4 European Path: Agios Pavlos - Chora Sfakion.
Are there any trails with springs in Samaria National Park?
Yes, there are 5 trails with springs in Samaria National Park, including Xyloskalo - Afchenas - Gigilos, Agios Ioannis - Potamos, Kallergi to Agios Loannis, Xyloskalo - Agia Roumeli, and Gonia - Pachnes - Zacharokefala.
Are there any trails with historical ruins in Samaria National Park?
Yes, there are 3 trails with historical ruins in Samaria National Park, including Agia Roumeli - Western Castle - Palea Agia Roumeli, Agia Roumeli - Papoures, and Xyloskalo - Agia Roumeli.
