Adventurous Escape to Samaria Gorge

Through the Gorge We Go!

Hey fellow travelers! Emily here, reporting live from the breathtaking Samaria Gorge in Crete. Today marked the start of our 11-day adventure with friends, and what a start it was! I'm still buzzing from the incredible scenery and the sense of accomplishment after completing this iconic hike. It's amazing to think that just a few hours ago, we were having breakfast at Pension Paradise on the Omalos plateau, fueling up for the trek ahead. Now, I'm sitting here, reflecting on the day with a satisfied smile, ready to share all the details with you.


Experience the stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife of Samaria Gorge, a premier hiking destination on Crete's breathtaking landscape.
The day began early, as most epic adventures do. After our flight from Berlin to Crete yesterday, the promise of the Samaria Gorge was the perfect motivation to jump out of bed. We enjoyed a hearty breakfast at Pension Paradise on the Omalos plateau, a charming spot that set the tone for a day immersed in Cretan hospitality. The air was crisp, and the views were simply stunning, offering a panoramic vista of the White Mountains. Knowing that snow often blankets the plateau in December, I was glad I packed my warmest jacket. It felt like the perfect launchpad for our hiking adventure. After breakfast, we took a moment to appreciate the Omalos plateau, a vast expanse surrounded by the dramatic White Mountains. The plateau, sitting at an elevation between 1,040 and 1,250 meters, provided a cool escape.

Discover the natural beauty and rich history of Omalos Plateau, Crete's stunning hiking paradise with breathtaking landscapes.
Then it was time to start our descent into the famed Samaria Gorge. The entrance to the gorge, known as Xyloskalo, is about 3.5 km away from the main part of the Omalos plateau. As we began our descent, the views were nothing short of spectacular. Towering cliffs framed the path, and the further we went, the more the landscape transformed. The trail wound its way down, and the initial descent was definitely a bit challenging.

Sometimes, the most scenic roads in life are the ones you least expect to travel.

The Samaria Gorge is the longest gorge in Europe, stretching 16 kilometers. The hike itself is about 13 km through the Samaria National Park, with an additional 3 km walk to Agia Roumeli from the park exit. Luckily, there was a minibus available to skip that last stretch for a small fee. I was so grateful for that option after a long day of hiking!
As we hiked, the scenery was constantly changing. The rugged terrain, the towering cliffs, the ancient forests – it was all so captivating. We even kept an eye out for the elusive kri-kri, the Cretan wild goat, though we didn't spot any today. The gorge is home to a unique biodiversity, and it felt special to be walking through such a protected natural environment. It's worth noting that the entrance fee to the gorge is 10€, and it's important to keep your ticket for checks at the exit. This is to ensure everyone's safety, so the park rangers know who has entered and exited the gorge.
Around midday, we stopped for lunch at Taverna Tarra. Refueling with some traditional Cretan fare was exactly what we needed to keep our energy levels up. The food was simple, fresh, and delicious – a perfect representation of the local cuisine.

Experience authentic Greek cuisine at Taverna Tarra in Agia Roumeli – where flavor meets tradition amidst stunning natural beauty.
The most dramatic part of the gorge is near the end, at the spot known as the Iron Gates. Here, the gorge narrows to just a few meters wide, with the rock walls soaring hundreds of meters above. It's an awe-inspiring sight and a reminder of the powerful forces that shaped this landscape. As we neared the end of the hike, the terrain leveled out, and the path led us to the coastal village of Agia Roumeli.
Agia Roumeli is a charming village that's only accessible by foot or boat. After the hike, it was the perfect place to relax and unwind. We headed straight for the beach and took a refreshing dip in the Libyan Sea. The water was invigorating, washing away the sweat and dust of the trail. After our swim, we strolled along the beach to POSEIDON COCKTAIL BEACH BAR, a spot I'd read about that came highly recommended. I ordered a Strawberry Daiquiri, which my friend recommended, and it was the perfect way to celebrate completing the Samaria Gorge hike. The bar had amazing views, super clean facilities and friendly staff.

Discover the beauty of Agia Roumeli at Poseidon Cocktail Beach Bar, where exquisite cocktails meet breathtaking sea views for an unforgettable experience.
For dinner, we decided to try SAMARIA restaurant, conveniently located near our accommodation. The restaurant prides itself on using fresh, local ingredients, and you can really taste the difference. I opted for a traditional Cretan dish, savoring the flavors of the island. It was the perfect end to a day filled with adventure and natural beauty. I was so tired that I could have fallen asleep at the table, but the thoughts of tomorrow kept me awake.

Experience authentic Greek cuisine at Samaria, where every meal comes with stunning sea views in Agia Roumeli.

Looking ahead to tomorrow, we plan to explore more of Agia Roumeli. We're hoping to visit the ancient castle of Agia Roumeli and perhaps do a bit of souvenir shopping at the Traditional Market. For now, though, it's time to rest and recharge for another day of Cretan adventures. I am also excited to try the breakfast at Rousios tomorrow!

Until tomorrow, keep exploring!