The Iron Gates of Samaria Gorge
Hike through Crete's natural wonder, Samaria Gorge, and witness the awe-inspiring Iron Gates, where towering cliffs meet in a dramatic display.
The Iron Gates, correctly known as 'Portes' (meaning doors or gates), mark the most iconic and breathtaking point in Samaria Gorge. Here, the towering rock faces close in dramatically, squeezing the path to a mere four meters while the cliffs rise almost vertically to heights of up to 300 meters. This creates a stunning corridor that evokes a sense of awe and wonder, a true testament to the power of nature sculpted over millennia. The Iron Gates are located roughly 12 kilometers from the northern entrance of the Samaria Gorge at Xyloskalo, about an hour away from Agia Roumeli. The full Samaria Gorge hike stretches 16 kilometers, descending from the White Mountains to the coastal village of Agia Roumeli on the Libyan Sea. The gorge is open to hikers from May to October, weather permitting. The Samaria Gorge became a National Park in 1962 and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1981, aiming to protect the habitat of the Kri-Kri goat and other endemic species. The Iron Gates not only represent a geological marvel but also a key part of this protected ecosystem.
Local tips
- Start your hike early to avoid the midday heat and the largest crowds.
- Wear sturdy hiking boots and bring plenty of water.
- Consider hiking from Agia Roumeli to the Iron Gates if you prefer a shorter, less strenuous walk.
A brief summary to Iron Gates
- Μονοπ. Αγία Ρουμέλη - Σαμαριά, Παλαιά Αγία Ρούμελη, 730 11, GR
- +302821045570
Getting There
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Walking
From the village of Samaria, follow the well-marked trail for approximately 3.1 kilometers towards the exit of the National Park. From the park's exit, continue for another 1.8 kilometers to reach Agia Roumeli. The Iron Gates are located roughly 1.5km from the Agia Roumeli outpost. The entire route from Xyloskalo is 16km.
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Public Transport
To reach the Iron Gates via public transport, take a bus from Chania to Omalos. From Omalos, hike down the Samaria Gorge. After your hike, a ferry from Agia Roumeli to either Chora Sfakion, Sougia, or Paleochora is required. From those towns, you can take a bus back to Chania. A bus ticket from Chania to Omalos costs approximately €7.50. The entrance fee to the gorge is €10. Ferry tickets from Agia Roumeli range from €16-€17.20. Bus tickets from Chora Sfakion or Sougia back to Chania range from €7.10-€8.30.
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Boat
For a less strenuous approach, take a ferry to Agia Roumeli from Chora Sfakion, Sougia, or Paleochora. From Agia Roumeli, walk approximately 4.5 hours into the gorge to reach the Iron Gates. Ferry tickets to Agia Roumeli range from approximately €16-€17.20. Keep in mind that you will also need to purchase a ticket for the Samaria Gorge, which costs €10.
