The Samaria Gorge a lighter version

An hour’s scenic drive from Chania through the Cretan countryside and into the White Mountains brings us to the Omalos Plateau, the starting point of the famous 16-km Samaria Gorge.

On this relaxed version of the Samaria experience, you can enter the gorge with your guide and hike only a short section before returning along the same path. This involves a steep downhill walk followed by a challenging uphill return; the maximum hiking time inside the gorge is approximately 45 minutes each way. Continuing further down the gorge is not possible on this tour.

Alternatively, you may choose to remain on the Omalos Plateau, enjoying its dramatic mountain scenery, taking photographs, and relaxing with a traditional mountain tea at the local kiosk.

The rest of the day follows a flexible itinerary. Your guide will present a variety of on-the-spot options, allowing you to choose between no hiking at all or walks of up to three hours. You may stay close to the main paths or avoid the crowds entirely by exploring quieter trails in the area.

The day concludes with a visit to the laid-back seaside village of Sougia on Crete’s south coast. Here, you will have time to swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Libyan Sea and enjoy lunch at a waterfront taverna, before returning to Chania in the late afternoon.