Crete, Greece Travel Community

Samaria Gorge in Crete has dazzled me

1 - 8 of 8 Posts
K

kcixcy

Active member
This has to be one of the most beautiful places in Greece for sure!! Who has been here?? :)

Hike-Samaria-Gorge-720x480.jpg
 
This looks amazing, I have been to Crete but never to Samaria Gorge.

Here is an article that has a bit more info:

www.greekboston.com

Hiking the Samaria Gorge on Crete

The Samaria Gorge was created by a small river that ran in between the White Mountains and Mount Volakias and is located on the southwest part of Crete.
www.greekboston.com www.greekboston.com
 
It's a beautiful part of the world. I've walked the gorge a few times in my much younger life and one time I was wearing flip flops (or what we Aussies like to call thongs)!
 
  • Like
Reactions: greek_ggirl
Vangelis said:
It's a beautiful part of the world. I've walked the gorge a few times in my much younger life and one time I was wearing flip flops (or what we Aussies like to call thongs)!
Click to expand...
Ahhh that sounds terrible!! But those are the only shoes I bring with me to Greece so I would be in your same position lol
 
  • Like
Reactions: Vangelis
greek_ggirl said:
Ahhh that sounds terrible!! But those are the only shoes I bring with me to Greece so I would be in your same position lol
Click to expand...
At least I've proven it's doable! You should give it a go. If you're young enough you're invincible. Now I would probably need the most comfortable walking shoes. My advice though is bring a large water bottle in summer. There is water along the way but not often and it is a long walk.
 
  • Like
Reactions: nadellii
Vangelis said:
At least I've proven it's doable! You should give it a go. If you're young enough you're invincible. Now I would probably need the most comfortable walking shoes. My advice though is bring a large water bottle in summer. There is water along the way but not often and it is a long walk.
Click to expand...
I miss being young and invincible. I used to cliff dive in Greece all the time when I was younger and now I would never dare to do such a thing
 
  • Like
Reactions: Vangelis
This is one of my favorite hikes that I have ever done. There are stunning views and the whole experience is so fun!
 
k_tsoukalas said:
This is one of my favorite hikes that I have ever done. There are stunning views and the whole experience is so fun!
Click to expand...
Same here. It's one of the experiences that made me fall in love with Crete. I did the hike and then spent some time in the village below. Ate a delicious meal at the taverna and then spent a few hours lounging on the black sand beach. Took a nice nap and got some sun. Oh yes, and I drank fresh squeezed orange juice and bought some of the best honey I've ever eaten in that village.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Vangelis
1 - 8 of 8 Posts
You must log in or register to reply here.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION AND READ OTHER GREEK INFO:

Favorite Sunset Spot on Crete

I’m starting to seriously consider a trip to Crete this July, mostly because I’ve become really intrigued by the food culture there. If I go, I’ll probably spend a few weeks exploring different parts of the island rather than rushing around.

One thing I’d really love to experience while I’m there is a truly memorable sunset. I know Crete is large and has so many landscapes, so I’m curious where people have seen the most beautiful evening views. I’m open to anything, whether it’s a famous viewpoint, a quiet beach, a hilltop village, or even a restaurant terrace with an amazing atmosphere.

Do you have a favorite sunset spot on Crete that really stood out to you?

Visiting East Crete vs. West Crete?

I'm thinking about visiting Crete soon, but I'm having trouble deciding whether to focus on East Crete or West Crete. Most of the travel guides seem to highlight places like Chania, Balos, and Elafonissi in the west, which all look beautiful. At the same time, I've heard that the eastern side has a different feel, with fewer crowds, beautiful beaches, and a more relaxed pace.

For those who have explored both parts of the island, what did you find were the biggest differences? Is one side better for traditional villages, local food, and authentic experiences? How do the beaches compare? I'm also curious about scenery, hiking opportunities, and whether one side is easier to use as a base for day trips.

If you only had about a week in Crete, would you choose the east or the west? I'd love to hear what influenced your decision and whether you'd make the same choice again.

Understanding Tradition of Raki on Crete

I’ve been hearing a lot about raki in Crete, and a friend of mine recently warned me that it’s kind of a big deal there. She told me she made the mistake of treating it like regular shotsa nd ended up getting pretty sick.

What she noticed afterward was that the locals weren’t drinking it that way at all. It seemed much more relaxed and tied to the meal or conversation, not something you rush through.

Now I’m curious what the actual tradition or etiquette is around raki. Is it always offered after a meal? Do you sip it slowly? Are there certain situations where it’s expected to accept (or not)?

I’d love to understand the cultural side of it before I go, so I don’t accidentally overdo it or miss the point entirely like my friend did!

Tips for driving in Crete?

I might be going to Crete in July, and I’m seriously thinking about renting a car because the island seems much bigger than I originally realized. Part of me loves the idea of being able to explore smaller villages, beaches, and mountain areas on my own schedule, but I’ve also heard mixed things about driving there.

For people who have done it, how difficult is driving in Crete really? I’ve heard the roads can get narrow and winding, especially in the mountains. Is parking difficult in places like Chania or Rethymno during the summer?

Also curious if renting a car ended up being worth it compared to relying on buses or tours. I don’t mind driving, but I also don’t want to spend the trip stressed out behind the wheel. Any advice, tips, or things you wish you knew beforehand would really help!

Which Crete Beach Do You Like Best? Elafonissi vs. Balos?

I’m still in the research phase for a future trip to Crete, and I keep going back and forth between Elafonissi and Balos, both look absolutely unreal. Elafonissi has that pink-tinted sand and turquoise shallows that seem straight out of a dream, but Balos looks wild and untouched, with those sweeping lagoon views and that little islet in the background.

For anyone who’s actually been, which one left a bigger impression on you in person? Is one easier to reach or less crowded during peak season? I’ve read the road to Balos can be rough, is it worth the drive? Would you base yourself in Chania for both, or stay closer to one? Curious what locals or repeat visitors think!
Share and discuss your Crete photos, questions and experiences!

WorldwideGreeks.com is a free online forum community where people can discuss Greek food, travel, traditions, history and mythology.
Join Worldwide Greeks here!

JOIN COMMUNITY FOR FREE

LOGIN TO YOUR ACCOUNT
Back
Top