Samaria Gorge

Lore & Background

The Samariá Gorge was created by a small river running between the White Mountains (Lefká Óri) and Mt. Volakias. The gorge is 16 km long, starting at an altitude of 1,250 m at the northern entrance and ending at the shores of the Libyan Sea in Agia Roumeli. The most famous part is the Gates, where the sides close to a width of only four meters and soar up to almost 300 meters. The village of Samariá, located inside the gorge, was abandoned around 1950–1955 to make way for the park; the village and gorge take their names from the ancient church Óssia María.

Reader's Guide

The Samariá Gorge became a national park in 1962, primarily as a refuge for the rare kri-kri (Cretan goat), which is largely restricted to the park and an island off Agia Marina. The park also hosts several other endemic species, flowers, and birds. Visitors can walk from the Omalos plateau to Agia Roumeli on the Libyan Sea, a hike of five to seven hours that can be strenuous in summer. The park is open from May 1 to October 31, with visiting hours from 07:00 to 15:00; after 15:00, only a two-kilometer walk is allowed from either entrance. Camping, overnight stays, fires, and swimming in streams are strictly prohibited. Local tourist operators provide organized tours including bus transportation to the entrance and connections from ferry points. Ferries leave Agia Roumeli at 17:30 to Chora Sfakion or Sougia/Paleochora. The gorge remains a key natural landmark in Crete, drawing hikers and nature enthusiasts from around the world.

Did You Know?

• The gorge is 16 km long, but the walk through the national park is 13 km, with an additional 2 km to Agia Roumeli.
• The Gates section narrows to a width of only four meters with walls soaring nearly 300 meters high.
• The village of Samariá was abandoned around 1950–1955 to create the national park.
• The park is home to the rare kri-kri (Cretan goat), largely restricted to the park and the island of Dia.