The Samaria Gorge, the longest gorge in all of Europe and home to one of the most popular hikes on the continent. You begin the hike high in the White Mountains of Crete, at about 4100 feet, and end up at sea level at the Libyan Sea. You descend through pine forests and traverse through a gorge with cliffs ascending to heaven. While not technical, it is 16 kilometers long over stones, more stones and even more stones.

The trail is open only May through October, the rest of the year it is too treacherous with raging river water and falling rocks. On any given day, up to 3000 people may make the trek. It is not a hike if you desire solitude.

We got an early start, bought our tickets at the park entrance and down we went. It is helpful if your parents were mountain goats for the first 3 kilometers are rather steep with many a switchback….a good thigh burner. You continue to descend, but not nearly as steep, until you come to the old settlement of Samaria at 7 kilometers. Here people have lived for centuries, the last inhabitants were forced out when the area became a National Park in 1965. It’s a good spot now to eat lunch, refill your water bottle, use the water closet and then off again.

The scenery now changes as the trail enters the gorge. Steep cliffs soar above you on both sides. You feel so tiny as you make your way along the riverbed. Important to watch where you place your feet for you pretty much walk on loose stones for the next 4 or five kilometers. You cross the river a couple dozen times either rock hopping or using wooden bridges built for the purpose. Wild oleander blossoms brighten the way. You hear the bleating of an occasional wild goat. This section of the trail is truly spectacular.

WE MADE IT!!!! TIme to celebrate!!!

Here’s a little video of our hike:
Hiking the Gorge

When you come to the end of the trail, there is a small little village right on the sea. You grab a bite to eat, a cold beer and then a couple lounge chairs and an umbrella and just chill out until the ferry arrives. A short 40 minute ferry ride with outstanding views of the southern coast, brings you to another village with road access. The wind was blowing so hard it pushed the ferry (the size of a Washington state Evergreen class ferry) completely past the dock. We had to come about for another go…a hearty cheer erupted when we finally docked. Then an hour and a half bus ride home with at least 1000 curves. Don’t ask Heidi about this trip. Finally home to Chania…time for dinner and then bed to rest our weary bones!!! Definitely an EPIC day.