Photos

The Samaria Gorge, which opens onto the southern coast of Crete (Kriti), is the longest ravine in Europe (18km). The usual way to reach it is an early morning bus from Hania.

The hike starts at the top (in a very green, almost Alpine/Northern Californian setting) and drops about 1000 meters within the first 2 km (easy on the heart, hard on the knees). At the base you reach the somewhat dry river bed, and follow it for another 15 km, very narrow (about 3 m) at some points, and then finish with a swim at the beach at Agia Roumeli.

We hiked it recently on a beautiful, relatively cool, June day. This made the hike much more enjoyable than the last time I did it on a sweltering mid-summer day 15 years ago. Highly recommended, one of the most beautiful spots in Greece!