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Samaria Gorge (the Long way)

Samaria Gorge (the Long way)

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Walk the longest Gorge in Europe and admire mother nature at its best! Experience a contradictory landscape between green shading trails and dry rock soil with a rewarding deep blue waters beach at its end. The Long way excursion operates every Thursday, with pick-ups: West Heraklion (Lygaria, Agia Pelagia & Fodele). Our excursion includes: Pick-up service at or near your hotel & return, Tour Escort. Available Tour Languages are: Dutch, English, French, German.

 

Tour info

Duration:
1 Day
Transport:
Bus/Boat
Tour Type:
Walking Tours
SKU:
VC-03-011
Group size:
~50 pax

Accompanied service

Guides Transport Insurance

Schedule

07:00: Stop in Skaleta for breakfast and WC

07:20: Departure from Skaleta

10:00: Omalos Plateau, 15 min. preparation and beginning of hiking

10:30: Gorge Entrance

17:45: Boat’s departure from Agia Roumeli to Sfakia

18:45: Arrival at Sfakia and boarding on coaches

20:30: Stop in Skaleta for snack & WC

Special offer

Description

Samaria Gorge (the long way) 

(Disclaimer: Not all the parts shown on this video are scheduled to be visited on this excursion)

Samaria Gorge Long Way Excursion: Walk the longest Gorge in Europe and admire mother nature at its best! Experience a contradictory landscape between green shading trails and dry rock soil with a rewarding deep blue waters beach at its end...

Pick-up's from:
Lygaria, Agia Pelagia, Fodele. [Check the pick-up table list below to find out which is the most convenient pick-up point & time, near your hotel]

Operating Days:
Every Thursday

Languages:
Thursday: Dutch, English, French, German

Tour includes:
Pick-up service at or near your hotel & return, Tour escort

Extra Fees (not included in the price)
Extras payable on the spot: Boat ticket to Sfakia 13.50€ (adult), 6.80€ (Children), Gorge entrance: 5€
Extras payable on our website: -

Tour highlights:
Xyloskalo, Agia Roumeli (optional lunch or swimming at the Libyan sea), Boat trip, Sfakia

Direction:
Southwest Crete

Duration:
17 hours approximately - 500 Km (from/to Heraklion)

Essentials:
Hiking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a jacket, swimsuit and an extra pair of socks

Overview:
Come with us to explore Samaria Gorge. This excursion is one of the longest but also one of the most beautiful.

Our adventure starts very early in the morning and our first stop is in Skaleta for breakfast.

Then we move to Omalos Plateau. There the walk starts from Xiloskalo, where we enter this vast canyon of 18 km.

We usually need 6-7 hours to cross the gorge. The path follows the route of the ancient river Taras. On the way, we can see the caves that formed a natural shelter for the Cretans in war times and now they are the natural habitat of the well-known wild goats or kri-kri. Halfway we come across the village of Santa Maria, which is currently abandoned. Three kilometres prior to our exiting this gorge, we reach the Iron Gates (Sideroportes), the narrowest spot of the route, just a few meters wide but 300 meters high.

A bit later we arrive in the small fishing village of Agia Roumeli, where we have quite a long time to lunch and to get a refreshing swim before boarding the slip that leads us back along the coast to Sfakia. There, our coaches wait for us to get back to the hotels.

Essential Tips for Conquering Samaria Gorge: A Hiker's Guide:
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, please keep the following points in mind:
1. Hydration is Key: Carry at least 2 liters of water per person to stay hydrated during the 18km hike.
2. Sun Protection: Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and lightweight clothing to shield yourself from the sun.
3. Comfortable Footwear: Use sturdy and comfortable hiking shoes or boots with good grip to navigate the rocky terrain.
4. Snacks and Energy: Bring energy-rich snacks like nuts, fruits, and energy bars to keep you fueled along the trail.
5. Swimwear and Towel: Pack swimwear if you'd like to take a refreshing dip in the sea at the end of the hike.
6. Respect Nature: The gorge is a protected area, so please do not litter and stay on marked paths.
7. Listen to Guides: Pay attention to your tour guides and follow their instructions for a safe journey.

Age Definition:
Adults: Over 12 years old  (Full fare)
Children: 4-12 years old  (50% discount)
Infants: 0-3 years old  (Free of charge // No seat reserved)

Booking Guiding Lines:
Your Tour Language: Please check in the description which tour languages are available per day, and make sure your desired language is available on your chosen date
Your Pick-up Point: Please check the list with all available pick-up points (and hours) from your area, on the table below

Pick-up Table
Just to help you see which pick-up suits you best, here's a table of hotel accommodations and their nearest pick-ups:

LET US HELP! Please don't hesitate to contact us, in order to help you out choose the best pick-up that suits you best!

CANCELLATION
1. Customers who for any reason fail to participate in our excursions are obliged to inform us at least 24 hours in advance. Otherwise, no refund will be given. Cancelling at least 24 hours prior to departure, 100% full refund!
2. VisitCrete.com reserves the right to alter or cancel any tour, due to adverse weather conditions or, insufficient passenger number or, force majeure.

IMPORTANT INFO
► We do return money in case of bad weather (when the excursion is cancelled by the organizer tour operator).
► IMPORTANT: You need to be at least 10 minutes prior to your pick-up time at your pick-up point.

Discover SAMARIA GORGE

All you need to know about Samaria gorge in this article:
- Samaria's Gorge Geology
- Samaria's Gorge History
- Tips (What you will see, What to have with you, Download the App)
- Useful Information about Samaria Gorge
ARTICLE: Journey Through the Natural Wonders of Crete! A Dive Into the Mystical Samaria Gorge!

 

For further information or bookings please call at telephone No. (+30) 2810341560

 

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This excursion is eligible for the Summer 2024 Special Offer Discount!VisitCrete's Excursions Special Offers 2024

You don't need to do any further action! Discount will be calculated automatically, as you book...

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