Family Adventure in the Samaria Gorge

A Gorge-ous Start to Our Cretan Adventure

As I sit here, the sounds of Crete slowly fading into the background, I can't help but smile, reflecting on our first day in this beautiful corner of the world. Today was all about immersing ourselves in the raw, untamed beauty of the Samaria Gorge, a place I've dreamt of visiting for years. The anticipation was palpable as Greta, Marko, and I set off, ready to embrace the challenge and the breathtaking scenery that awaited us. It’s days like these that remind me why we crave these family adventures – the shared experiences, the unexpected discoveries, and the simple joy of being together in a new and awe-inspiring place.


Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Samaria, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, perfect for hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers seeking adventure.

The journey began early, with a hearty breakfast at Taverna Tarra. I opted for traditional Greek yogurt with honey, while Greta enjoyed a spinach pie, and Marko, ever the predictable one, devoured a stack of pancakes. Fueled up, we made our way towards the entrance of the Samaria Gorge. The air was crisp, carrying the scent of wildflowers. April in Crete is simply magical, with the island awakening from its winter slumber, painting the landscapes in vibrant hues.


Experience authentic Greek cuisine at Taverna Tarra in Agia Roumeli – where flavor meets tradition amidst stunning natural beauty.

Before embarking on our trek, we stopped by the Information Centre of Lefka Ori National Park. It was a worthwhile visit, providing us with valuable insights into the gorge's unique ecosystem and history. Marko was particularly fascinated by the exhibits detailing the local flora and fauna. I learned that the park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and home to rare species like the kri-kri goat and golden eagles.


Explore the natural beauty and rich biodiversity of Lefka Ori at the Information Centre, your gateway to Crete's stunning national park.

Finally, the moment arrived – we stepped into the gorge. The initial descent was steep, a bit challenging, but the views…oh, the views! Towering cliffs embraced us, their rugged faces adorned with greenery. The path wound its way through the gorge, sometimes rocky, sometimes sandy, always captivating. Marko, with the boundless energy of a six-year-old, was in his element, scrambling over rocks and splashing through the stream that trickled along the gorge floor. Greta and I took a more measured pace, soaking in the scenery and snapping photos to capture the memories.

Nature is not a place to visit. It is home.

The hike itself was more strenuous than I'd anticipated. I really should have remembered to pack my portable phone charger! I was so busy making sure we had enough water and snacks that I completely spaced it. Fortunately, Greta's phone had enough juice to last us the day. As we ventured deeper, the gorge narrowed, and the sunlight filtered through the towering rock walls, creating an ethereal glow. We passed the abandoned village of Samaria, a poignant reminder of the gorge's history and the people who once called it home. I tried to imagine what life must have been like for them, living in such a remote and rugged landscape.


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

Along the way, we encountered fellow hikers from all corners of the globe, each drawn to this natural wonder. Exchanging smiles and words of encouragement created a sense of camaraderie, a shared appreciation for the beauty and challenge of the Samaria Gorge. I even practiced my Croatian with a couple from Zagreb, reminiscing about my childhood in Varaždin. It's funny how travel can connect you with people and places you thought you'd left behind.

After hours of hiking, we finally reached the southern end of the gorge. The sense of accomplishment was immense, a feeling amplified by the stunning vista that greeted us – the azure waters of the Libyan Sea stretching out to the horizon. We had made it! A refreshing dip in the sea was the perfect reward, washing away the sweat and fatigue of the day.

From there, we took a small bus to Agia Roumeli, a charming coastal village accessible only by foot or boat. It felt like stepping into another world, a place where time slows down and the simple pleasures of life take center stage. After checking in to our rooms, we indulged in a well-deserved dinner at Rousios. The grilled chicken souvlaki was divine, the best I've had in ages, and the fresh lemonade was the perfect thirst quencher after our long hike. Marko, predictably, opted for pizza, but even he admitted that the souvlaki smelled amazing.


Experience authentic Greek cuisine at Rousios in Agia Roumeli, where tradition meets stunning landscapes and unforgettable flavors.

Before dinner, we took a stroll through the Agora Products Boutique. Greta was immediately drawn to the local crafts and souvenirs. Marko, however, was more interested in the selection of sweets. We ended up buying a few small gifts for friends back home and a bag of traditional Cretan honey candies for Marko. I was impressed by the variety of Greek products that were on offer.


Explore Agora Products Boutique in Chania for unique gifts and authentic Cretan crafts that encapsulate the island's rich heritage.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the village, we found ourselves reflecting on the day's adventures. The Samaria Gorge had lived up to all our expectations, and more. It was a challenging hike, but the stunning scenery, the sense of accomplishment, and the shared experience with my family made it all worthwhile.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore the Iron Gates, Castle Agia Roumeli and Kormokopou Cave. I'm particularly excited about the Iron Gates, the narrowest part of the gorge, which I hear are truly awe-inspiring. We'll also be sure to check out the POSEIDON COCKTAIL BEACH BAR for a refreshing drink after a day of exploring. For breakfast we are planning to visit Pension Paradise. It sounds like another day filled with adventure and discovery. But for now, it's time to rest, recharge, and savor the memories of our first day in Crete.

As I close my eyes, I can still feel the warmth of the sun on my skin, hear the sound of the stream trickling through the gorge, and see the smiles on Greta's and Marko's faces. These are the moments I cherish, the moments that make all the planning and preparation worthwhile. Crete, you have captured our hearts, and we can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.

I'm also looking forward to the next few days. I've packed my hiking boots, backpacks, water bottles, sunscreen, first aid kit and maps of the area. I'm prepared for anything!

The hike through Samaria Gorge was more than just a trek through a beautiful landscape; it was a journey into the heart of Crete, a connection to its history, its nature, and its people. It's an experience I'll cherish forever, and I can't wait to share more of our Cretan adventure with you.

I'm already anticipating the culinary delights that await us. The local cuisine is something I am very much looking forward to exploring.

I'm looking forward to tomorrows adventures!