Samaria Gorge Glaka Events Crete

Samaria Gorge

The Samaria Gorge, in the White Mountains (Lefka Ori), is the most famous gorge in Greece and one of the longest in Europe, stretching for approximately 16 kilometres. It has been a National Park since 1962 and forms part of the Natura 2000 network.

The trek begins on the Omalos plateau, at 1,230 metres, and ends at the coastal village of Agia Roumeli on the Libyan Sea. Along the route, visitors pass through the abandoned village of Samaria and the famous ‘Iron Gates’, where the walls narrow to just three metres whilst rising to a height of hundreds of metres.

With a bit of luck, you’ll spot the kri-kri, Crete’s protected wild goat, which roams freely here.

Tip: The trek takes 5–7 hours and requires sturdy footwear. From Agia Roumeli, the return journey is by boat only.