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Why the
Samaria Gorge
in Greece is special
 The
Samaria Gorge in Crete in southern Greece offers an unforgettable day hike through a steep-sided
stream bed in a stunning mountainous environment.
Tips & insights on
the Samaria Gorge
You
walk 16 kilometers (11 miles) while descending 1250 meters (4100 feet). The hike
ends on a seashore on the other side of this island. There's nothing but water
separating you in Greece from Africa.
Getting
to and from the Samaria Gorge takes a little time. Here's the basic itinerary:
 Hania
to trailhead - Take a public or tour bus from Hania up a steep mountain to
the Samaria Gorge trailhead near Omalos village.
Samaria
Gorge - Walk down the length of its river bed.
Agia
Roumeli - Your hike ends at this tiny seaside Agia Roumeli village. Rest
your feet while eating or sipping a drink. You can also relax on the beach.
Return
to Hania - Unfortunately, Agia Roumeli is not connected to the Crete road
system. You have two basic options to get back to Hania. You could doubleback
by hiking up the trail (very few people have the time or energy left to do it).
Or, you could take the quicker and easier option: Take a 30-minute ferry ride
from Agia Roumeli to Hora Sfakion village where you board a waiting nonstop bus
to Hania.
The
highlight of the hike is passing through the Portes (see photo). The opening of
the "Iron Gates" (as it is popularly called in English) narrows to about 3.5
meters (12 feet). The steep sides reach higher than a 50-story building. For
scale, notice the red-outfitted person in the photo.
I've
seen Type A trekkers rushing down the trail as if the point of being there is to
see how fast they can traverse it. Some do it in 2 or so hours. Take your time.
Allow 5 to 7 hours so you can stop to appreciate the marvelous gorgescape,
unique wildlife, and fresh herbal scents in one the most secluded areas of
Greece.
Samaria
Gorge is popular. Some days several thousand tourists come. Because numerous
chatting people diminish the serenity of this natural wonder, do what I did. I was
at the trail gate at dawn when it opened. This meant that I could take my time
but would always be far ahead of the first tour-bus group.
The
trail is open only during the normally rainless season, from late April through
October. Heavy rains make passage hazardous if not impossible. The trickling
stream becomes a torrent and cliff rocks fall.
Health advice
Wear
comfortable, thick-sole shoes (the trail is pebbly and stony). Put on a hat and
sun screen. Tote a snack and some water.
The
hike can take a painful toll on your legs if you do not regularly take long
walks.
Be
especially wary of the first 2 kilometers (1.5 miles) of the most famous
trail in Greece. It can cause knee
injury because it mainly consists of a long series of stepped inclines that
descend rapidly to the stream bed far below. Plant your feet slowly to minimize
impact on your knees.
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