Hiking
Samaria Gorge: the bus, the boat and what to know before you hike
The Samaria Gorge runs 16 kilometres from the mountains down to the Libyan Sea. Most people take five to seven hours, and the hike ends in a village with no road. Here is how to plan the day from Chania, and what to bring.
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In short: the Samaria Gorge
The gorge is open from May to October, weather permitting. You start at Xyloskalo high in Lefka Ori and walk down to Agia Roumeli by the sea. From there you take a boat to Hora Sfakion or Sougia, and a bus back. Stay in Chania the night before, so you catch the first bus.
Our first choice in Chania: Check availability and prices at La Maison Ottomane
The hike itself
The path starts at Xyloskalo, 1,227 metres above sea level, and runs almost entirely downhill. The first hour is steep, with steps and loose stones. Further down the gorge narrows, and at Sideroportes the walls are only a few metres apart.
Along the way you pass the abandoned village of Samaria, with a rest area, water and toilets. The last kilometres follow the riverbed down to Agia Roumeli, where you can swim and eat before the boat.
Good to know: The entrance closes early in the afternoon, because you have to make the boat. Check the opening hours and whether the gorge is open that day, as it can close in rain and strong wind.
Getting there and back
Bus: KTEL runs from the bus station in Chania to Xyloskalo early in the morning. The ride takes about an hour and three quarters. In the evening buses return from Hora Sfakion and Sougia.
Boat: From Agia Roumeli boats run to Hora Sfakion, about an hour, and to Sougia, about 45 minutes. There is no road out of Agia Roumeli, so the boat is the only way out.
Organised tour: Many people choose a package with bus and boat from Chania or their hotel. It is the easiest option, especially if you stay outside town.
Tours from Chania: See experiences and tickets in Chania
What to bring
Good hiking shoes with grip, not sandals
At least two litres of water, which you can refill on the way
A sun hat and sunscreen
Food and snacks
Swimwear for the beach at Agia Roumeli
Cash for the ticket, the boat and food
Lefka Ori
The gorge cuts through the White Mountains, Lefka Ori, in southwest Crete. Photo: Ian Yates / Unsplash
The hotels we pick in Chania
The buses to Samaria leave from Chania, so the easiest option is to stay in town the night before. Choose a hotel near the old town, and you can walk to the bus station in the morning.
La Maison Ottomane
La Maison Ottomane is a small bed and breakfast in the old town of Chania, with a terrace and a garden. Parking is included, and the hotel is happy to advise on trips in the area. After a long day in the gorge it is good to come back to a quiet house in the middle of town.
Best for: travellers who want a quiet place to sleep before a long day.
Good to know: Breakfast starts at nine, so buy something on the way if you take the first bus.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at La Maison Ottomane
Domus Renier Boutique Hotel
Domus Renier sits in the old town of Chania, with the ZEPOS restaurant, a bar and a terrace. The hotel can arrange airport transfers, and breakfast is included. The restaurant is open all day, so you can eat whenever the bus gets back.
Best for: couples who want to celebrate the hike with dinner by the harbour.
Good to know: The hotel can arrange airport transfers.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Domus Renier Boutique Hotel
Porto Veneziano Hotel
Porto Veneziano sits on the waterfront in Chania harbour, with breakfast and parking included. The hotel has car hire on site, a café and a bar. Guests praise the breakfast, which you need before a long day in the gorge. In the evening the harbour promenade and its restaurants are right outside.
Best for: travellers with a hire car who want to park near the old town.
Good to know: It is a three-star hotel, so the rooms are simple and practical.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Porto Veneziano Hotel
Our first choice before Samaria
La Maison Ottomane
La Maison Ottomane is a small hotel in the old town of Chania, with breakfast and parking included. It is a short way to the bus station, where the buses to Samaria leave in the morning. After the hike you come back to the lanes and the restaurants by the harbour.
Frequently asked questions about the Samaria Gorge
How long does it take to hike the Samaria Gorge?
Most people take between five and seven hours for the 16 kilometres. Fast hikers manage it in four hours, but then they see little along the way. Allow time for breaks, a swim and food in Agia Roumeli before the boat. The first hour is the steepest, so take it slowly at the start.
When is the Samaria Gorge open?
The gorge is usually open from 1 May to the end of October. It can close at short notice because of rain, strong wind or the risk of rockfall. The entrance opens early in the morning and closes early in the afternoon. Always check the status for the day before you leave Chania.
Is the Samaria Gorge difficult?
The hike is long, but not technically difficult. It runs almost entirely downhill, which is hard on the knees. You should be used to walking for several hours on rough ground. Good shoes matter more than fitness. The hike is not suitable for small children.
Can you hike the Samaria Gorge without a tour?
Yes, it is easy by bus and boat. Take the KTEL bus from Chania to Xyloskalo in the morning, walk down to Agia Roumeli, and take the boat to Hora Sfakion or Sougia. From there the bus returns to Chania. Check that the boat and bus times fit together before you go.