Is Samaria Gorge open now?
According to the Rules and regulations of the National Park, Samaria Gorge opens on 1st May until 15st October each year, from 6 am until 4 pm.
Can you drive through Samaria Gorge?
Driving here with your own rental car is only feasible unless you plan to hike back (which is impossible — since the route down takes 6-8 hours and the same applies to going back) or take a ferry to Sougia from where you will need to take the bus back to Omalos. Check the ferry schedule before opting for this option.
How long does it take to hike the Samaria Gorge?
The trail is open only during daylight hours—if you enter the park after 2 pm, you will be permitted only to hike the upper portion. Experienced hikers with plenty of stamina can do the entire trail in as little as three hours, but that’s rushing it.
Is Samaria Gorge worth it?
If you can’t be bothered reading through my drivel and pretentiously filtered photos then here’s the TLDR; Yes, it’s definitely worth it! The hike itself took us 6 hours. It’s all downhill which I suppose could be painful if you have bad knees especially as the stones can be a little slippery in places.
How difficult is Samaria Gorge?
Samaria Gorge hike difficulty: It is a medium-difficult hike. It’s mostly downhill and this is gonna test your knees. The most challenging part is right at the beginning of the walk, in the first 6km of the trail, with a couple of steep downhills followed by two demanding hikes.
What is the longest gorge in Europe?
the Samaria Gorge
In the prefecture of Chania (also written “Hania”), the Samaria Gorge is the longest in Europe (total length 16km), and one of the most impressive gorges in Greece. It starts from Xylóskalo, at an altitude of 1230m. The width of the gorge is 150m at its widest point and 3m at its narrowest.
What do you wear to Samaria Gorge?
Wear a white T-shirt, a hat and don’t forget your sunblock. Especially after passing Samaria village, there are no trees along the trail to protect you from the sun. Wear soft sneakers with notched soles. They are essential so as not to slip on the steep path.
What can I bring to Samaria Gorge?
List of things to take with you to the Samaria Gorge
- You should wear light clothes but carry with you a jacket for the early morning.
- Good walking shoes.
- A small bottle of water, you will be able to refill it along the way from the springs.
- A hat and sun cream.
- A light snack like nuts to keep your energy levels high.
How hard is Samaria Gorge hike?
Do you need hiking boots for Samaria Gorge?
Hiking boots are not necessary for most people walking the Samaria Gorge. Much of the lower trail is on rounded river rock, and good hiking shoes seem to handle these better than boots. Since it’s a long hike, you will want to have some food with you to keep your energy up.
Is Samaria Gorge safe?
The gorge will also be closed on rainy days (when there is a danger of rock falls). In winter, high water makes the gorge of Samaria dangerous and impassable.
When is the Samaria Gorge closed to the public?
Samaria gorge is open from late April until the end of October, and can be closed during those months due to weather conditions as a safety precaution. The river can rush through the gorge after heavy rain and become very dangerous.
How to get to the Samaria Gorge in Crete?
Day tours to Walk the Gorge are offered from all capital cities of Crete, which makes a very full day, or take the local bus and you may catch the boat out of Agia Roumeli, stay in either Chora Sfakion, Sougia or Paleohora or take the bus back to the capital. We hope you will enjoy this true paradise in the heart of Crete.
How did the Samaria Gorge get its name?
The village and the gorge get their name from the church Ossia Maria from the 14th Century. The village has been restored, and is a good opportunity to see traditional Cretan architecture, and makes a lovely picnic spot.
What kind of flowers are in Samaria Gorge?
Sage, marjoram, thyme, wild orchids and lillies and the healing herb Dictamo are all found here. Oleander flowers burst bright pink along the trails. The empty village of Samaria is about halfway along the gorge, the villagers were relocated for the national park.