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kcixcy

Active member
I am not sure I am up for an 11 mile hike (I think that is how long it is!). Do I need to hike the whole thing to take some great photos of the gorge? I am trying to picture what it is like there.

In another thread, someone said to take the ferry to Sfakia. I Heard that you can see some of it and only hike in a short way. Is that where most of the pretty photo opps are? I also heard great things about the beach in that village!

What do you guys think?
 
I've done this walk a few times and can say that the gorge becomes more interesting towards half way through to the end of the walk. So, if you are starting at the "land" end then you do have to do the whole walk. If you start at the beach end you probably have to still walk half way up and half way back. You are probably better off just doing it one way and when you get to the beach you can take a ferry back.
It all depends on how fit you are. I did it in my 20s and I didn't plan at all, I even didn't have walking shoes, just flip-flops. So, young and fit it's an easy walk in the beautiful natural environment with lots of fresh water springs along the way - bring a water bottle to fill up along the way.
I'm a lot older than that now but I still feel that I could do the walk but would need to make sure I have prepared with correct footwear, water, maybe a bit of food, etc. But still doable. It's a long walk but not a challenging walk in terms of the terrain.
It's up to you. You have to gauge your level of fitness. If you are ok walking for hours in a park at home, then you should be ok walking the Samaria Gorge.
Good luck! Let us know how you go!
 
No, you don’t have to walk the entire gorge. From Sfakia, you take the ANENDYK Ferries to Agia Roumeli. (Ferries also leave from the southern ports of Paleochora and Sougia.) “The Iron Gates” is the iconic photo of the Samaria Gorge and it is quite doable from Agia Roumeli. I don’t remember exactly how long it took, but there was plenty of time to walk, take photos, interact with the goats that greeted us (They especially love you if you’re carrying any kind of snack!), have a superb fish lunch, and catch the afternoon ferry back to Sfakia. Leaving Chania, Sfakia can be reached via public bus and the bus schedule is geared to the ferry schedule.(KTEL Chania)

Sfakia itself is also a convenient base; from there you can explore the incredible beaches of the South Coast and also drive up to the mountain villages like Anopoli. There are taxi boats that will take you to pristine beaches, better than the Sfakia town beach. Depending on when you go, be sure to catch any festivals that might be happening in either Sfakia or Anopoli; an experience like no other!

 
No, you don’t have to walk the entire gorge. From Sfakia, you take the ANENDYK Ferries to Agia Roumeli. (Ferries also leave from the southern ports of Paleochora and Sougia.) “The Iron Gates” is the iconic photo of the Samaria Gorge and it is quite doable from Agia Roumeli. I don’t remember exactly how long it took, but there was plenty of time to walk, take photos, interact with the goats that greeted us (They especially love you if you’re carrying any kind of snack!), have a superb fish lunch, and catch the afternoon ferry back to Sfakia. Leaving Chania, Sfakia can be reached via public bus and the bus schedule is geared to the ferry schedule.(KTEL Chania)

Sfakia itself is also a convenient base; from there you can explore the incredible beaches of the South Coast and also drive up to the mountain villages like Anopoli. There are taxi boats that will take you to pristine beaches, better than the Sfakia town beach. Depending on when you go, be sure to catch any festivals that might be happening in either Sfakia or Anopoli; an experience like no other!

Here’s a description of the Gates:
“One of the most showstopping parts of hiking Samaria Gorge is a stretch of the trail referred to as “the Gates.” This aptly-named part of the impressive hike denotes a slightly claustrophobic but impressive area where the sides of the gorge close in, leaving a gap of only four meters (13 feet) for hikers to slip through. This creates a lasting effect on those who navigate it, particularly as the gorge walls also reach straight up to 300 meters (980 feet) along this stretch.”

Either way you choose to do it, it will be a full day trip because the last part (ferry from Agia Roumeli and bus back to Chania) is the same. The Samaria Gorge is beautiful start to finish, so I think that it really depends on how much hiking you want to do and in what kind of weather. Summer temperatures can get very hot.
 
I know, I’m giving far too many replies, but you could also consider the shorter (3-4 hour) Aradena Gorge hike if you decide to base yourself in Sfakia for a few days. My photo was taken from the South Coast ferry. This gorge ends at Marmara Beach, near the lovely village of Loutro. You won’t be lacking for photo ops in the Prefecture of Chania…..or places to hike!
 
My sister and I did the whole Samaria Gorge hike - starting at the top and hiking to the bottom, to the beach. We shopped a bit in the village where I bought some delicious honey, then I fell asleep on a beach chair in the beautiful sunshine. The constant downhill didn't feel great on my knees but it was fine. At the time I think I may have been 39. My parents did some of the Aradena Gorge hike while sis and I were at Samaria and they loved it. Chania area is magical, I was only there for 5 nights during that trip and it wasn't enough!
 
I am leaning towards taking the ferry to the village and hiking in just a bit from that way - from what I understand, this is where all the best views are anyway?
 

Scenic Road Trips to Do in Crete? Advice?

I am curious about doing a road trip in Crete and would love some advice on the most scenic routes and must-see spots! I’ve heard the island is perfect for driving, with stunning coastal views, charming villages, and historical sites at every turn.

Some routes I’m considering:
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  • Rethymno to Preveli Beach: Worth the detour for the palm forest?
  • Heraklion to Lassithi Plateau: I’m intrigued by the windmills and traditional vibe.
I’m also curious about lesser-known gems, like picturesque mountain villages or unique accommodations to stay overnight. Any tips on navigating Crete’s winding roads or favorite roadside tavernas?

Would love to hear your experiences and recommendations! What’s the one drive you’d say I cannot miss?

Touring Crete for History Lovers

I’ve been to Crete several times and absolutely love the island, but I’ve always approached it through the lens of beaches, villages, and food. This summer, someone in our group is a huge history buff, so I’d love to shape part of our itinerary around Crete’s historical sites and experiences.

Of course, we’ll visit Knossos, but beyond that, I’m looking for less obvious ruins, museums, and historical spots that are truly worth seeing. Any recommendations for Minoan, Venetian, or WWII-era sites? Are there any local guides or tours that go deep into Cretan history and mythology?

We’ll have a car, so happy to explore anywhere on the island — especially spots that aren’t overrun with tourists but still offer a strong sense of Crete’s past.

Would love to hear your favorite history-focused places or experiences on the island. What’s not to miss for someone who wants to really understand Crete’s layers of history?

2 Weeks on Crete?

I’m planning a two-week trip to Crete, and I’d love some advice! Is two weeks too long, or is there enough to see and do without feeling rushed? I want a mix of beaches, history, food, and outdoor adventures, but I’m not sure how to structure my time.

Would it make sense to split my stay between Chania and Heraklion, or should I add a third base, like Rethymno or Agios Nikolaos? I definitely want to hike Samaria Gorge, visit Knossos, and relax at Elafonissi and Balos, but I’m also interested in hidden gems and authentic villages.

For those who’ve spent an extended time in Crete—what were your favorite experiences? Any must-visit tavernas, wineries, or cultural spots? I’d love to hear how you’d spend two weeks without it feeling repetitive. Looking forward to your tips!

Unique nature spots in Crete?

Hi everyone! I’m planning a trip to Crete soon and while I definitely want to see some of the famous places like Elafonisi and Samaria Gorge, I’m also really interested in discovering unique, lesser-known nature spots on the island.

Are there any places you’ve been to that feel like hidden gems? Maybe a quiet beach, a lush forest, a scenic drive, or a peaceful gorge that doesn’t get as much attention as the big names?

I’d love to hear your recommendations for off-the-beaten-path nature experiences—especially places that feel untouched or especially magical. Bonus points if they’re good for a picnic or some peaceful walking.

Also curious if there are any interesting caves, natural springs, or mountain villages with beautiful surroundings worth checking out. Thanks so much!

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