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Greece

Περιφερειακή Ενότητα Χανίων

Samaria Gorge – Samaria Gorge Entrance loop from ΞΥΛΟΣΚΑΛΟ

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Greece

Περιφερειακή Ενότητα Χανίων

Samaria Gorge – Samaria Gorge Entrance loop from ΞΥΛΟΣΚΑΛΟ

Hard

4.9

(1595)

9,677

hikers

Samaria Gorge – Samaria Gorge Entrance loop from ΞΥΛΟΣΚΑΛΟ

08:35

24.7km

1,280m

Hiking

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: July 15, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Εθνικός Δρυμός Σαμαριάς

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

159 m

Xyloskalo Descent — Samaria Gorge National Park

Highlight (Segment) • Gorge

The first 600 meters of altitude you hike on a relatively steep serpentine path, the "Xylóskalo" - in German "wooden ladder" down. But it is well developed and secured at the difficult places with railings. Nevertheless, surefootedness is required.

Should something happen, mules wait in several places to collect the injured and transport them to Agia Roumeli. Theoretically, the entire route in the Samaria Gorge is controlled by forest officials.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

3.65 km

Samaria Gorge

Highlight (Segment) • Gorge

As a rule, a few hundred people start the tour through the gorge here every day.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

9.10 km

Dry riverbed in the middle section of the Samaria Gorge

Highlight • Gorge

Arrived at the bottom, good to walk and nice to look at

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Tip by

9.47 km

Wooden Bridge Over Stream

Highlight • Bridge

many small wooden bridges lead over the stream in the Samaria Gorge

Showing Translation

Tip by

10.00 km

Steep Cliffs of the Samaria Gorge

Highlight • Gorge

in the lower part of the gorge, just before the exit, the gorge narrows and you are in the middle of high and steep rock faces.

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Tip by

10.9 km

Iron Gates (Sideroportes), Samaria Gorge

Highlight • Gorge

Absolutely impressive the steep rock face and the beautiful path on the boardwalk over the stream!

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Tip by

11.8 km

Samaria Gorge

Highlight • Gorge

Or the end if you get in at the top 🤓

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Tip by

12.3 km

Samaria Gorge Entrance

Highlight • Gorge

Usually hundreds of people start the tour here every day

Translated by Google •

Tip by

24.7 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

13.7 km

10.9 km

< 100 m

Surfaces

13.7 km

10.9 km

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Sunday 26 July

29°C

14°C

-- %

Additional weather tips

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Comments

May 9, 2024,Samaria-Schlucht Himmelfahrt 2024

This gorge is a must-see if you are on holiday in Crete.

Showing Translation

October 2, 2023,Wanderung

Also popularly called the Sankta Samaritan Gorge. You walk in a group down a very demanding hiking trail. and? Still really great and a must if you are in Crete. You can just do it if you are untrained and healthy. Then take the boat to Sougia and then take the bus back.

Showing Translation

August 10, 2022,Samaria kløften

Exspect a lot of rock and stones along the hike, very beautiful

September 22, 2025,Samaria-Schlucht

Unfortunately I started the recording too late, and I had already climbed about 100 meters.

Showing Translation

September 6, 2022,Samaria Schlucht

A few meters are missing because I switched on Komoot too late..😀

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May 24, 2023,Samaria Gorge Crete

Stunning views but do not do this walk if:

1 - You have any form of debilitating medical conditions

2 - You have a weight issue as it will destroy your knees and breathing will be an issue, particularly in the heat

3 - You aren’t used to extremely strenuous walking

September 16, 2021,Samaria kloof op Kreta

Great trip. Recommended to everyone who comes to Crete. Make sure you have some training and good footwear!!
Earmte also wants to play a role.

Showing Translation

October 3, 2022,Samaria Schlucht

Very beautiful, but also demanding hike. Good shoes are a must! Breathtaking scenery. Definitely go early because there are a lot of people out and about.

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Samaria Gorge – Samaria Gorge Entrance loop from ΞΥΛΟΣΚΑΛΟ

Xyloskalo Descent — Samaria Gorge National Park

Samaria Gorge

Dry riverbed in the middle section of the Samaria Gorge

Wooden Bridge Over Stream

Steep Cliffs of the Samaria Gorge

Iron Gates (Sideroportes), Samaria Gorge

Samaria Gorge

Samaria Gorge Entrance

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