Saturday 13 October 2018: Descent of the Samaria Gorge
The Samaria Gorge National Park, protected by Nature 2000, is a truly natural wonder and offers the ultimate hiking experience in Crete, beginning deep in the mountains and ending up practically on the shores of the Libyan Sea.
We will walk through a deep ravine that’s bathed in sun yet shaded by trees. Descend from often misty mountains on stony hiking parts, cross crystalline springs, walk over fascinating rocky landscapes, admire breath-taking cliffs and take breaks near gurgling fountains. This is one of the longest gorge in Europe, extending over 18 kilometres (11 miles).
It begins at the plateau of Omalos deep in the mountains starting at an altitude of 1.250m and ends at the little beachside village of Agia Roumeli at the shores of the Libyan Sea.
Our walk will be around 18km which depending on your physical capability, hiking style and number of stops, it can last anything between 4 – 6 hours. You’ll admire the changing flora full of pine trees, flowering plants, and herbs. At some point after hiking three quarters of the way you’ll come across a fascinating abandoned stone village now used by the National Park Authorities. If you’re lucky, you’ll also come across wild Cretan goats known as Kri-Kri and get to admire birds of prey hovering in the skies above.
Upon arrival in the village of Agia Roumeli you have the options to stay on the beach, swim or have lunch at the local taverns.
At 17:00 we will take the ferry boat for a 20-30 minutes trip along the southern coast of Crete to the village of Sfakia. After a brief stop at Sfakia we will go back to the Minoa Palace Resort.
For more information please have a look: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samari%C3%A1_Gorge
Programme
07:00 Departure Minoa Palace Resort
09:00 Enter of the Samaria Gorge and start of the hiking experience, which comfortably can be done in around 5-6 hours.
15:00/15:30 Arrival in the village of Agia Roumeli, where we can stay on the beach, swim or have lunch at the local taverns (own expenses).
17:00 Ferry boat from Agia Roumeli to Sfakia
17:30 Arrival Sfakia
17:45 Departure of coaches back to the Minoa Palace Resort
19:15 Approx. arrival time at Minoa Palace Resort
During the walk a snack bag (sandwich, seasonal fruit, juice) will be provided and you are advised to arrange with your hotel to get your breakfast in a take a way bag. Appropriate hiking shoes and clothing is required. The guides are experienced hikers and with full knowledge on 1st aid in case of any mishap.
The cost for this tour will be Euro 70,- per person including bus transfers, guides, entrance fee for the National Park, the ferry boat and the snack bag. The lunch in Agia Roumeli is not included.
Please be notified that the Samaria Gorge Park Administration closes the gorge when weather conditions are such that is dangerous for hiking, such as rain, strong winds, etc. In such a case a full refund will be made and that day can be used as free time.
The Samaria Gorge National Park, protected by Nature 2000, is a truly natural wonder and offers the ultimate hiking experience in Crete, beginning deep in the mountains and ending up practically on the shores of the Libyan Sea.
We will walk through a deep ravine that’s bathed in sun yet shaded by trees. Descend from often misty mountains on stony hiking parts, cross crystalline springs, walk over fascinating rocky landscapes, admire breath-taking cliffs and take breaks near gurgling fountains. This is one of the longest gorge in Europe, extending over 18 kilometres (11 miles).
It begins at the plateau of Omalos deep in the mountains starting at an altitude of 1.250m and ends at the little beachside village of Agia Roumeli at the shores of the Libyan Sea.
Our walk will be around 18km which depending on your physical capability, hiking style and number of stops, it can last anything between 4 – 6 hours. You’ll admire the changing flora full of pine trees, flowering plants, and herbs. At some point after hiking three quarters of the way you’ll come across a fascinating abandoned stone village now used by the National Park Authorities. If you’re lucky, you’ll also come across wild Cretan goats known as Kri-Kri and get to admire birds of prey hovering in the skies above.
Upon arrival in the village of Agia Roumeli you have the options to stay on the beach, swim or have lunch at the local taverns.
At 17:00 we will take the ferry boat for a 20-30 minutes trip along the southern coast of Crete to the village of Sfakia. After a brief stop at Sfakia we will go back to the Minoa Palace Resort.
For more information please have a look: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samari%C3%A1_Gorge
Programme
07:00 Departure Minoa Palace Resort
09:00 Enter of the Samaria Gorge and start of the hiking experience, which comfortably can be done in around 5-6 hours.
15:00/15:30 Arrival in the village of Agia Roumeli, where we can stay on the beach, swim or have lunch at the local taverns (own expenses).
17:00 Ferry boat from Agia Roumeli to Sfakia
17:30 Arrival Sfakia
17:45 Departure of coaches back to the Minoa Palace Resort
19:15 Approx. arrival time at Minoa Palace Resort
During the walk a snack bag (sandwich, seasonal fruit, juice) will be provided and you are advised to arrange with your hotel to get your breakfast in a take a way bag. Appropriate hiking shoes and clothing is required. The guides are experienced hikers and with full knowledge on 1st aid in case of any mishap.
The cost for this tour will be Euro 70,- per person including bus transfers, guides, entrance fee for the National Park, the ferry boat and the snack bag. The lunch in Agia Roumeli is not included.
Please be notified that the Samaria Gorge Park Administration closes the gorge when weather conditions are such that is dangerous for hiking, such as rain, strong winds, etc. In such a case a full refund will be made and that day can be used as free time.
