Day trip

From Rethymno: Samaria Gorge Full-Day Trek, Pickup & Guide

4.6  / 51347 reviews
Certified by GetYourGuide
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Day trip
From Rethymno: Samaria Gorge Full-Day Trek, Pickup & Guide
Certified by GetYourGuide
4.6  / 51347 reviews

Enjoy a challenging trek through one of the longest and most famous gorges in Europe. Marvel at natural wonders throughout the day, from the White Mountains to thousand-year-old forests and more.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Duration 10 - 12 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Skip the ticket line
Live tour guide
English, French, German
Pickup included
You will be picked up from your hotel or the closest point accessible by vehicle between 6:0 AM-7:00 AM.
Private group available

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

G
George – United Kingdom

Trip was amazing the tour guide was so warm and friendly and went out of her way to make sure everyone was okay - forget your name but the lady with the blonde hair - she really looked after the group and was amazing. The gorge is stunning and we could’ve taken a picture at every step, decent number of toilets but be prepared for queues, lack of toilet roll and no handwashing facilities in some, maybe bring some tissue and also anti-bacterial gel. There is an amazing bar at the end of the walk that serve coffee and ice cold beer for great prices. The beach and Samarian town at the end was stunning and the boat ride was really scenic. Only feedback was that our email told us to walk to a BP Garage when the bus actually stopped outside our hotel (The Syntopia).

G
George – United Kingdom
C
Cameron – United Kingdom

Long but we knew that was going to be the case the gorge is stunning and lovely boat trip at end had time at end of gorge to have a few beers and a bite to eat and some sunbathing Walking boots are a must, this is not a stroll down a path surface is rough most of the way with a very sharp decent to start for a lengthy time. There are water stops along the way but anything else you require you need to take with you (recommend at least one change of socks sandwiches, fruit water bottle) You need to be reasonably fit !! We though were was still sore and stiff for a couple of days after it But overall words and pictures don’t do the beauty of the place justice amazing must see part of the world even better than I remember from 1st time I walked it 26 years ago

C
Cameron – United Kingdom

Experience

Itinerary

  • Timeline stop icon

    19 pickup location options:

    Stavromenos, Adelianos Kampos, Misiria, Lavris, Episkopi, Perivolia, Gerani, Bali, Atsipopoulo, Pigianos Kampos, Paralia Kourna, Georgioupoli, Petres, Panormos in Rethymno, Violi Charaki, Sfakaki, Skaleta, Rethimno, Dramia

  • Bus/coach

    (1.5 hours)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Omalos

    Break time, Visit, Breakfast, Scenic drive, Scenic views on the way (30 minutes)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Samaria Gorge National Park

    Break time, Free time, Walk, Hiking (4.5 hours)

    Extra fee

  • Timeline stop icon

    Agia Roumeli

    Break time, Photo stop, Lunch, Free time, Swimming, Snorkeling, Wildlife viewing (2 hours)

  • Ferry

    (1 hour)

  • Bus/coach

    (1.5 hours)

  • 19 drop-off locations:

    Adelianos Kampos, Sfakaki, Dramia, Violi Charaki, Bali, Lavris, Gerani, Perivolia, Panormos in Rethymno, Paralia Kourna, Stavromenos, Rethimno, Petres, Atsipopoulo, Skaleta, Georgioupoli, Misiria, Episkopi, Pigianos Kampos

Main stop

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

  • Enjoy a challenging trek in Samaria Gorge
  • Marvel at the stunning natural beauty on the drive to the White Mountains
  • Visit the village of Agia Roumeli
  • Witness extraordinary rock formations
  • Learn all about indigenous rare plants, flowers, and bird species

Full description

Take a day trip from Rethymno to set out on an outdoor adventure into Samaria Gorge National Park. Hike at your own pace with a guide over rocks and stones, through a forest of thousand-year-old trees, along a river, and by fresh-water springs. Keep an eye out for mountain goats roaming in the wild. Begin your full-day excursion to Samaria Gorge with pickup and a drive to Omalos, in the heart of the White Mountains, where you can enjoy breakfast before you start the hike. Challenge yourself with 18 kilometers of walking over rocky terrain. Be accompanied by a mountain escort who speaks English, German, and French. Get briefed about your hike and get your tickets for the entrance and ferry boat from your escort. These fees have to be paid to the guide upon arrival. After breakfast, enter the Samaria Gorge. Walk at your own pace as your guide will be at the end of the group to help out if you need them. At the end of the trek, visit the village of Agia Roumeli, where you’ll find a number of taverns, bars, and shops. Enjoy some free time to take a swim or have some lunch. A meeting point will be arranged so you can collect your ferry tickets from your guide. Late in the afternoon, board a boat to go from Agia Roumeli to Sfakia, where the bus will be waiting to transfer you back to the pickup point.

Includes

  • Pickup and drop-off from Panormo, Scaleta, Adele, Platanias, Missiria, Rethymno town, Atsipopoulo, Kavros and Georgioupoli
  • Transfers with air-conditioned luxurious buses and bus tickets
  • Hiking excursion
  • English, German and French-speaking guide
  • Entrance ticket to Samaria (€5 can be paid onsite)
  • Boat ticket (€13 can be paid onsite)
  • Food and drink
  • Pickup from remote hotels (e.g. Grand Rimondi)
  • Tips

Not suitable for

  • Children under 6 years
  • Pregnant women
  • People with back problems
  • People with mobility impairments
  • People with heart problems
  • Wheelchair users

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Important information

What to bring

  • Hat
  • Hiking shoes
  • Sunscreen
  • Water
  • Trekking gear

Know before you go

  • At the time of booking please mention your hotel name and location. You will be notified by email about the pickup point and time
  • The 5 to 6-hour trek is challenging. You must have good trekking shoes or at least a sturdy pair of trainers
  • This trek is not recommended for children under the age of 6, pregnant women, or anyone with health problems
  • This tour is very challenging with 18 kilometers of walking with some rocky terrain

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.6 /5

based on 1347 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.8/5
  • Transportation
    4.7/5
  • Service
    4.6/5
  • Organization
    4.6/5

Filter

By star rating

Sort by:

G
George – United KingdomOctober 17, 2024  – Verified booking
Trip was amazing the tour guide was so warm and friendly and went out of her way to make sure everyone was okay - forget your name but the lady with the blonde hair - she really looked after the group and was amazing. The gorge is stunning and we could’ve taken a picture at every step, decent number of toilets but be prepared for queues, lack of toilet roll and no handwashing facilities in some, maybe bring some tissue and also anti-bacterial gel. There is an amazing bar at the end of the walk that serve coffee and ice cold beer for great prices. The beach and Samarian town at the end was stunning and the boat ride was really scenic. Only feedback was that our email told us to walk to a BP Garage when the bus actually stopped outside our hotel (The Syntopia).
Helpful?
C
Cameron – United KingdomOctober 8, 2024  – Verified booking
Long but we knew that was going to be the case the gorge is stunning and lovely boat trip at end had time at end of gorge to have a few beers and a bite to eat and some sunbathing Walking boots are a must, this is not a stroll down a path surface is rough most of the way with a very sharp decent to start for a lengthy time. There are water stops along the way but anything else you require you need to take with you (recommend at least one change of socks sandwiches, fruit water bottle) You need to be reasonably fit !! We though were was still sore and stiff for a couple of days after it But overall words and pictures don’t do the beauty of the place justice amazing must see part of the world even better than I remember from 1st time I walked it 26 years ago
Helpful?
D
Darren – GreeceAugust 29, 2024  – Verified booking
Coach was luxurious and comfortable and the journey through the mountains felt safe. Our guide was very pleasant and informative. The breakfast stop at the cafe was ok the food on offer was very basic but was cheap and only cash was accepted. There is a cafe at the gorge entrance which we did not check out but could be worth a look instead. The gorge is stunning some of the most beautiful and awe inspiring scenery I have ever seen but the walk is very hard and much longer than I expected unless you are a regular hiker expect a gruelling walk. Make sure you have cash for the mini bus to the harbour 2 euros each I didn’t and regret it. Taverna Parallia is very good Nikos the manager is blunt but friendly. Don’t expect any variation from the menu. It is what it is! Boat trip is on a scheduled ferry nothing special and you are expected to be on the coach immediately on disembarkation. A very long day 6am until 830pm 5 and a half hours of non stop walking but well worth it
Helpful?

Product ID: 106003

Activity provider:PLATANOS TOURS

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