The Samaria Gorge is one of Crete’s most dramatic landscapes, offering a challenging but rewarding trek through towering cliffs, dense forests, and past rivers and wildflowers. This 16-kilometer hike, located in the White Mountains of western Crete, begins at the Omalos Plateau and descends into the depths of the gorge. Along the way, hikers will encounter ancient cypress trees, crystal-clear springs, and rugged rock formations that have been carved by millennia of water flow.
One of the most famous sections of the hike is the “Iron Gates,” where the gorge narrows to just four meters wide between sheer rock walls that rise over 300 meters high. It’s a dramatic sight that makes you feel dwarfed by nature’s power. The gorge is also home to wildlife such as the kri-kri, the Cretan wild goat, and birds like vultures and eagles, adding to the experience for nature lovers.
The trek ends at the coastal village of Agia Roumeli, where hikers can cool off with a swim in the Libyan Sea before catching a boat to nearby villages. For those seeking adventure, the Samaria Gorge is a bucket-list experience, offering a blend of natural beauty, wildlife, and the satisfaction of completing one of Europe’s most famous hikes.
