SAMARIA Gorge Walk: full day from area Heraklion CRETE
Traveler rating
4.3/5
Based on 12 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is SAMARIA Gorge Walk: full day from area Heraklion CRETE worth booking?
SAMARIA Gorge Walk: full day from area Heraklion CRETE is a 16-hour experience in Heraklion, Greece, from $33 per person. It scores 64 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.3/5 rating across 12 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 64 / 100
- Rating
- 4.3/5 (12)
- Duration
- 16 hours
- From
- $33 per person
The 18 km hike starts in Xyloskalo. You will discover a wide variety of fauna and flora, much of which is unique and found exclusively on this island, and you see the Kri-Kri, the wild Cretan goat. The ever-changing view
What you get
- Gasoline
- Pick up / drop off Malia till Amoudara(Heraklion)
- Escort on coach, Samaria Gorge and boat
- Transport by air-conditioned coach
- Liability Insurance Coverage by ALLIANZ
- Tue-Thu-Sat:ENGLISH, GERMAN, FRENCH. Tue: POLISH. Thu-Sat:DUTCH
About this experience
The 18 km hike starts in Xyloskalo. You will discover a wide variety of fauna and flora, much of which is unique and found exclusively on this island, and you see the Kri-Kri, the wild Cretan goat. The ever-changing view and the wonderful scent of pinewood and Cretan Herbs make this walk, which is rocky at some points, a wonderful experience and make all the effort worthwhile. The isolated, deserted village of Samaria makes the ideal place for a rest before you continue to the 'Iron Gates', the point where the canyon walls are so close that they almost touch each other. Enjoy the fantastic rock formations and take advantage of this unique chance to taste the fresh , cold spring water. The walk ends at the small fishing village of Ayia Roumeli, with plenty of tavernas for you to enjoy a tasty meal and that well-earned drink. Relax on the beach and cool off in the turquoise waters of the Libyan Sea.
What's included
Included
- Gasoline
- Pick up / drop off Malia till Amoudara(Heraklion)
- Escort on coach, Samaria Gorge and boat
- Transport by air-conditioned coach
- Liability Insurance Coverage by ALLIANZ
- Tue-Thu-Sat:ENGLISH, GERMAN, FRENCH. Tue: POLISH. Thu-Sat:DUTCH
Not included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Boat: 15€ per adult, 7.5 € euro per 5-12yr child to pay on the coach at your guide
- Drinks and food at the stops
- Entrance fees
What you'll see and do
Rethymnon
After a bus drive of about 3h, we stop for about 25min so you can buy something to eat or drink and use the toilets.
240 minutes here
Omalos
On our way to the Samaria gorge, the last stop where you can buy your needs for during the walk.
10 minutes here
Samaria Gorge National Park
The largest gorge of Europe, 18km long and takes around 4,5 hours to walk. Escorted by our experienced tour guide.
300 minutes here · Admission not included
Agia Roumeli
At the end of the gorge, you have enough time to relax and take a refreshing swim and have lunch at one of the local small taverns. The boat brings you to Chora Sfakion.
120 minutes here
Sfakia
After a boat trip of about 1h, your coach waits for you to start the way back.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Transfer = Malia till Karteros
Transfer: Karteros, Kokini Hani, Gournes, Gouves, Analipsi, Anissaras, Hersonissos, Stalis, Malia Languages: ENGLISH = Tue-Thu-Sat; FRENCH = Tue-Thu-Sat; GERMAN = Tue-Thu-Sat; POLISH = Tue; DUTCH = Thu-Sat Pickup included
Transfer: Amoudara & Heraklion
Transfer: Amoudara, Heraklion Languages: ENGLISH = Tue-Thu-Sat; FRENCH = Tue-Thu-Sat; GERMAN = Tue-Thu-Sat; POLISH = Tue; DUTCH = Thu-Sat Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, en, pl, fr, nl
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Tue, Thu, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Eye travel
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Operates in most weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Travel time is added on the time duration. Keep in mind that the way to Samara, and back, is a LONG drive!
- Not suitable for people with overweight
- Not for people with leg, knees, hip, back, heart problems or asthma.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 12 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
6 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
3 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Physical effort
3 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
12 verified traveler reviews for SAMARIA Gorge Walk: full day from area Heraklion CRETE. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Excellent hike
The Samaria gorge hike was a great experience. If you like hiking - do it. The guide - Maritsa, was excellent. The pickup was on time which is also very important.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your appreciation.
via Tripadvisor
Challenging hike through some beautiful landscapes
I really enjoyed this trip. As we only booked it the day before we were due to go, there was a mix up with the collection from our hotel and the coach didn't turn up at the agreed time. We called the tour operator and they sent a taxi immediately to collect us and catch up with the coach further down the line. These things happen, but the operator responded very quickly and got us on our way which was appreciated. Note this is a long day as it says in the description . The coach ride out to the start of the hike is about 3 hours including a 20 min stop off at a service station for a bite to eat and to use the facilities. The guides on the coach provided lots of information about the hike and were friendly and professional. The hike itself is a challenging one. Almost all down hill but over rocky terrain. You start off high in the mountains and it was a little cold but once we got going the sun came out and it was baking hot. The walk took us about 5 hours to complete, and was about 12 miles in total but the terrain made it tough. The views are stunning though. Top tips - wear layers and comfortable footwear, take a water bottle (there are natural springs on the route), sun cream and cash for a well earnt beer at the end.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your detailed feedback!
via Tripadvisor
Unforgettable experience
Amazing and unforgettable experience, wonderful views. Be prepared for a hard work on your holiday, this is not for faith hearted but highly recommended
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your feedback!
via Viator
Endurance test - but worth it!
Where to start!! It needs a warning! This is not a “walk” (don’t think it’s a gentle amble in a Gorge). It’s a trial, it’s hard and the whole day is an endurance. Having said that, it’s an achievement. We were picked up at 04:40, then proceeded 5 hours of pick ups and travel. Once you arrive at the Gorge it’s down hill for several km (which sounds ok, but the pressure on your calf and toes is tough), not a single step is without potential slip or accident, you can’t really look about as every step has to be considered due to rocks, uneven ground, gorge edge). Each stop for photos is as quick as possible, due to time pressures. If you don’t get to boat on time there’s no other way back. Saw 2 injuries dealt with by park rangers sited along the route. We walked steadily and without break for 5-5 1/2 hrs. (We had a hour and a half time grace before boat deadline - well done us!). Boat trip pleasant (good to see other hobblers and not feel like the only non pro hiker ). Back for 4-4 1/2 coach trip home. Stop at same pit stop for a €3 pitta. A tip to organizers - we had upset passengers over coach seating. If you want them to keep their seat for duration of trip - tell them!
Response from the operator: Thank you for your informative feedback!
via Tripadvisor
Stunning views
Stunning views. It definitely worth to go. In general I liked it, made amazing photos. It was a bit hot downside the george, so it's importnant not to forget to refill the bottle. +Nice nature. There is a beach after walk, where you can swim, if you finish a bit earlier. -Guide perfectly speaks at least 5 languages. -I would prefer if a guide would be with us during the whole walk. Sometimes I felt lost and couldn't enjoy the beautifulness of George. Personally I went to tour, not on my own, because I travelled alone. -We couldn't find the guide after the walk, although we had to take our boat tickets. She came just 10 min before the boat left. -Guide said us we would be able to buy some food when we stopped, but it's only sandwiches. I would take some food with me for the walk. After the walk there are good taverns where you can buy good food.
Response from the operator: This is not a ''guided'' tour. There is an escort who can help you. She can not stay with you during the whole walk because everyone has their own speed. She stays at the back to assure that everyone is on time down to catch the boat. Yes, for breakfast there are only sandwishes/croissants/fruit... What else would you take with you from the hotel? The escort gives you the tickets just before boarding, because this is normal. And so the chanse of loosing the tickets is less.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 16 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Thu, Sat
- Price range
- $33 to $63
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 4
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Eye travel, who run 16 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 58.4.
See everything Eye travel runsWhy this scores 64
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
SAMARIA Gorge Walk: full day from area Heraklion CRETE: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Heraklion.
How much does SAMARIA Gorge Walk: full day from area Heraklion CRETE cost?
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Prices start at $33 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Heraklion 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 Walk: full day from area Heraklion CRETE take?
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Plan for about 16 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 Heraklion is not rushed.
Is SAMARIA Gorge Walk: full day from area Heraklion CRETE worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 64 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.3/5 across 12 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Heraklion, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule SAMARIA Gorge Walk: full day from area Heraklion CRETE?
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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 Walk: full day from area Heraklion CRETE suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 16-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book SAMARIA Gorge Walk: full day from area Heraklion CRETE?
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Around 4 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 Heraklion 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 Heraklion and add a light layer if any part of the 16-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does SAMARIA Gorge Walk: full day from area Heraklion CRETE 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 Heraklion 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 Heraklion?
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On Outty we rank every Heraklion experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Knossos - Zeus Cave - Old Traditional Villages-Olive Oil Factory, Knossos & Lasithi Plateau: Zeus Cave, Villages, Olive Oil Tour, 5Hour Safari Tour in Crete(Heraklion)with Quad,Jeep,Buggy & Lunch. 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 Heraklion?
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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 Heraklion?
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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.
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