Attraction
Samaria Gorge
Chania, Crete
About Samaria Gorge
The Samaria Gorge runs through the Lefka Ori (White Mountains) National Park in the Chania regional unit. The walk is roughly 16 km one way, from the Xyloskalo entrance on the Omalos plateau down to Agia Roumeli on the Libyan Sea, from where boats connect to Chora Sfakion or Sougia. The gorge is open seasonally and closes in bad weather.
Samaria Gorge on the map
Where to eat near Samaria Gorge
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More to see around Chania
Thing to doHike the Samaria Gorge
A full-day one-way hike through the Samaria Gorge, ending with a boat transfer from Agia Roumeli.
BeachBalos Lagoon
A shallow lagoon on the Gramvousa peninsula in north-west Crete, reached by boat from Kissamos or on foot from a rough unpaved road.
Thing to doBoat trip to Balos and Gramvousa
A day boat trip from Kissamos port to the Gramvousa islet and the Balos lagoon.
BeachElafonissi Beach
A protected beach and islet in south-west Chania, part of the Natura 2000 network, known for its shallow water and pink-tinted sand.
BeachFalassarna Beach
A wide, west-facing sandy bay in western Chania, next to the ancient city of Falassarna.
VillageLoutro
A small south-coast village with no road access, reached by boat or on foot.
BeachSeitan Limania
A narrow rocky inlet on the Akrotiri peninsula, reached by a steep unmarked footpath.
AttractionChania Old Venetian Harbour
The Venetian-era harbour of Chania, with the Egyptian lighthouse and the old town behind it.
Information source: Region of Crete official tourism portal · last checked 16/09/2026
Good to know
- Is Samaria Gorge worth visiting?
- Samaria Gorge is one of the attraction highlights we list in Crete. This page covers what to know before you go and which restaurants are nearby.
- Where can I eat near Samaria Gorge?
- Nearby restaurants are listed on this page. Those already on Woltaro can be booked online; the others are shown for reference with their address and map location.
- When is the best time to visit Samaria Gorge?
- Shoulder season, late spring and early autumn, is generally quieter and cooler than midsummer, when popular spots in Crete are busiest around midday.
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