
Samaria Gorge Trek: Full-Day Excursion from Rethymno with Guide
Traveler rating
4.5/5
Based on 53 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Samaria Gorge Trek: Full-Day Excursion from Rethymno with Guide worth booking?
Samaria Gorge Trek: Full-Day Excursion from Rethymno with Guide is a 12-hour experience in Chania, Greece, from $43 per person. It scores 72 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.5/5 rating across 53 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 72 / 100
- Rating
- 4.5/5 (53)
- Duration
- 12 hours
- From
- $43 per person
Enjoy a challenging trek through one of the longest and most famous gorges in Europe. On this excursion from Rethymno you’ll marvel at natural wonders throughout the day, from the White Mountains to thousand-year-old forests and more. Your escort will be there to explain all the necessary information about your hike and provide you the tickets for the entrance and ferry boat. Entrance fee : 5€ (children up to the age of 15 years old are free of charge). Ferry fee : 13€ ( Sougia ferry). These fees have to be paid to the guide upon arrival. After your breakfast you enter the Samaria Gorge. At the end of the trek you’ll visit the village of Agia Roumeli, where you’ll find a number of taverns, bars and shops. Enjoy some free time to take a swim or have some lunch. Late in the afternoon you’ll board a boat that will take you from Agia Roumeli to Sfakia, where the bus will be waiting to transfer you back to the starting point.
What you get
About this experience
Enjoy a challenging trek through one of the longest and most famous gorges in Europe. On this excursion from Rethymno you’ll marvel at natural wonders throughout the day, from the White Mountains to thousand-year-old forests and more. Your escort will be there to explain all the necessary information about your hike and provide you the tickets for the entrance and ferry boat. Entrance fee : 5€ (children up to the age of 15 years old are free of charge). Ferry fee : 13€ ( Sougia ferry). These fees have to be paid to the guide upon arrival. After your breakfast you enter the Samaria Gorge. At the end of the trek you’ll visit the village of Agia Roumeli, where you’ll find a number of taverns, bars and shops. Enjoy some free time to take a swim or have some lunch. Late in the afternoon you’ll board a boat that will take you from Agia Roumeli to Sfakia, where the bus will be waiting to transfer you back to the starting point.
What's included
Included
- Hotel pick-up and drop off (at Panormo, Scaleta, Adele, Platanias, Missiria, Rethymno town, Atsipopoulo, Kavros and Georgioupoli)
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Private guided tour at the Samaria Gorge (if trekking guide option selected)
- Professional English , German and French Guide
Not included
- Boat ticket
- Personal expenses and Food and drinks
- No pickup from remote hotels such as Grand Rimondi (pick up is from Creta star bus stop)
- Entrance fees
- Entrance fees
- Boat ticket (Up to 12 years old)
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 60 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
from Adele,Platanias,Misiria
Pickup included
Guided with Private Transfer
Guided with Private Transfer Pickup included
from Gerani,Georgioupoli,Kavro
Pickup included
from Rethymno Town,Atsipopoulo
Pickup included
from Panormo,Scaleta,Sfakaki
Samaria Gorge from Rethymno: Enjoy a challenging trek through one of the longest and most famous gorges in Europe. Pickup included
Private Transfer WITHOUT GUIDE
Pickup included
From Bali - English Guide only
Pickup included
Bali Guided Private Transfer
Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, en, fr
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- PLATANOS TOURS
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Comfortable shoes
- At the time of booking please mention your hotel name and location. You will be notified by email about the pickup point and time
- Pickup begins up to 60 minutes before tour starts and is done from central meeting points near the hotels, only in the areas of Panormo, Scaleta, Adele, Platanias, Missiria, Rethymno town, Atsipopoulo, Kavros Gerani and Georgioupoli
- The 5 to 6-hour trek is challenging. You must have good trekking shoes or at least a sturdy pair of trainers
- This trek is not recommended for children under the age of 8, pregnant women or anyone with health problems
- Swimming suits
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 53 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Organization
6 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Physical effort
5 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Pace and timing
3 mentionsSeveral reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
53 verified traveler reviews for Samaria Gorge Trek: Full-Day Excursion from Rethymno with Guide. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Missing Trip - Vacation RIP
Terrible organization; contacting the office was practically impossible. We bought a tour to the Samaria Gorge via GetYourGuide, specifically altering our travel plans because pickup from our location was only available on a single day—different from what we had originally scheduled. We were informed that pickup would be between 6:00 and 7:00 AM, with specific details to follow 24 hours before the tour. They failed to do so, so the evening before the trip, we decided to call and ask for the exact time to avoid waiting on the street for an hour. Naturally, we couldn't get through to any of the listed numbers (even though we called during business hours). We sent an email instead, and the reply arrived at 5:20 PM the day before the trip; it essentially stated, "Pickup from your location won't happen tomorrow; we can offer an alternative date"—but we were due to leave Crete by then (and I should add that the Samaria Gorge was actually open that day). We asked where we could go (to which town) to be picked up, since we wouldn't be there for the alternative date they proposed; the reply was, "We sincerely apologize; we can offer..." (followed by the exact same date as before). We strongly advise against using this service; it reflects an unprofessional attitude and a lack of respect for others. I wonder if they would have notified us at all that they weren't coming, or if—had we not written to them—we would have ended up standing on the street waiting for them in vain. We had really set our hearts on this tour, and the evening before the scheduled trip is a terrible time to have to look for an alternative.
via Tripadvisor
Great day out in nature
Picked up from Rethymno on time, clear directions as to where to go. Bus stopped for breakfast before going to the gorge. Guide gave info on the bus. Able to do the gorge at own pace and it was amazing - one of the best natural wonders we have seen. Plenty of time to swim at the beach after. Definitely the gorge requires you to be fit and active - lots of areas with no paths where you end up clambeong over boulders.
Response from the operator: thank you for the review
via Viator
Beautiful gorge with outstanding scenery.
Admin was spot on picked up on time in the location sent to us with a drop pin in google maps. Guide was outstanding.
Response from the operator: thank you for the review
via Viator
Beautiful experience
Views were amazing, definitely worth it. Hike was wearing, but manageable and each mile walked was a different experience. Tour itself was pretty easy and hands off, hiked the gorge at our own pace with plenty of time for pictures. Met back up with the group for the ferry ride back to the bus.
Response from the operator: thank you for the review
via Viator
May 2026 Samaria Hike
Fantastic hike. Water and toilets along the way, walk in sturdy shoes as it's uneven for the whole length and walking poles will help to support if you have dodgy knees!! Plus the coach called at a cafe just before the Samaria gorge hike so we could eat, buy a lunch snack, drink ( fabulous orange juice) and use the facilities. Awesome walk, tiring day but we loved it.
Response from the operator: thank you for the review
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 12 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $43 to $630
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 19
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by PLATANOS TOURS, who run 38 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 55.5.
See everything PLATANOS TOURS runsWhy this scores 72
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Samaria Gorge Trek: Full-Day Excursion from Rethymno with Guide: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Chania.
How much does Samaria Gorge Trek: Full-Day Excursion from Rethymno with Guide cost?
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Prices start at $43 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Chania usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Samaria Gorge Trek: Full-Day Excursion from Rethymno with Guide take?
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Plan for about 12 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Chania is not rushed.
Is Samaria Gorge Trek: Full-Day Excursion from Rethymno with Guide worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 72 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.5/5 across 53 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Chania, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Samaria Gorge Trek: Full-Day Excursion from Rethymno with Guide?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Samaria Gorge Trek: Full-Day Excursion from Rethymno with Guide suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 12-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Samaria Gorge Trek: Full-Day Excursion from Rethymno with Guide?
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Around 19 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Chania can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Chania and add a light layer if any part of the 12-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Samaria Gorge Trek: Full-Day Excursion from Rethymno with Guide start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Chania within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Chania?
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On Outty we rank every Chania experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Cretan Safari – 4x4 Adventure to Preveli Beach with Lunch, Elafonisi & Falasarna Small Group Tour from Chania w/snacks, Half-Day Rethymno Quad Safari. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Chania?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Chania?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Samaria Gorge Trek: Full-Day Excursion from Rethymno with Guide?
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Included: Hotel pick-up and drop off (at Panormo, Scaleta, Adele, Platanias, Missiria, Rethymno town; In-vehicle air conditioning; Private guided tour at the Samaria Gorge (if trekking guide option selected); and Professional English , German and French Guide. Not included: Boat ticket; Personal expenses and Food and drinks; No pickup from remote hotels such as Grand Rimondi (pick up is from Creta star bus stop); and Entrance fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Samaria Gorge Trek: Full-Day Excursion from Rethymno with Guide include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 248 listed pickup locations in and around Chania. Be ready about 60 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Samaria Gorge Trek: Full-Day Excursion from Rethymno with Guide offered in?
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It is offered in German, English and French. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Samaria Gorge Trek: Full-Day Excursion from Rethymno with Guide?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Samaria Gorge Trek: Full-Day Excursion from Rethymno with Guide wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers; and This trek is not recommended for children under the age of 8, pregnant women or anyone wit. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Samaria Gorge Trek: Full-Day Excursion from Rethymno with Guide if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Samaria Gorge Trek: Full-Day Excursion from Rethymno with Guide?
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Across 53 reviews averaging 4.5 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, organization, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
What booking options are available for Samaria Gorge Trek: Full-Day Excursion from Rethymno with Guide?
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There are 8 options to choose from, including from Adele,Platanias,Misiria, Guided with Private Transfer, from Gerani,Georgioupoli,Kavro, from Rethymno Town,Atsipopoulo. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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