Travel Guide to Samaria

Getting There

• Car

  If you are driving, start from Chania, which is approximately 45 km away from the entrance of the Samaria Gorge. Take the E65 road heading south towards Sfakia. Follow the signs for Samaria Gorge National Park. There is a parking area located near the entrance, where you can park your car for a small fee of around €5-€10 per day. Once parked, head towards the entrance gate of the gorge.

• Public Transportation

  To reach Samaria Gorge using public transport, you can take a KTEL bus from Chania to the village of Omalos, which is the starting point for the hike. The bus departs regularly and the ticket costs approximately €7-€10. Once you arrive in Omalos, follow the signs to the entrance of the gorge, which is about a 15-minute walk from the bus stop.

• Hiking

  Upon entering the gorge, prepare for a hike that will take approximately 5-7 hours to navigate to the exit in Agia Roumeli. Ensure you have proper footwear, water, and snacks. The trail is well-marked but can be challenging in some areas, so be cautious and take your time. Once you reach Agia Roumeli, you can enjoy a meal at a local taverna while waiting for the ferry to take you back to Chora Sfakion.

• Ferry

  After completing your hike and arriving in Agia Roumeli, you can take a ferry to Chora Sfakion. The ferry ride takes about 30 minutes and costs approximately €12. Ferries run several times a day, but check the schedule as it may vary depending on the season.

• Return Transportation

  Once you arrive at Chora Sfakion, you can take a KTEL bus back to Chania or your starting point. The bus fare is similar to the journey from Chania to Omalos, costing around €7-€10.