We are planning a trip to hike the bottom of the Samaria Gorge at the end of September. We will have a car so we plan on driving from Chania to the Ferry in Sougia. Can anyone tell me how long a drive it is to the Ferry port and is there parking available? Once on the Ferry how long a ride is it to Agia Roumeli? It looks like the ferry going is at 920 and the return ferry is 1730. Will we have enough time to hike the bottom of the gorge and then have a late lunch?
Posted by
Nanaimo, BC, Canada
1603 posts
The drive is over the white mountains which is spectacular and also full of hills and curves. You should plan on 2.5 to 3 hours to drive both directions.
Yes there is free parking in the village before the ferry dock.
When we took that excursion we were staying in Sougia so did not have to make the round trip back to Chania. Chances are you may be pretty tired after this long day.
While the hike at the bottom of the gorge is reasonably flat if you start the hike at the ferry dock its 3km to the gate before you enter the park. We hiked up to the last rest stop at Christos then hiked back down. In total I believe the hike was 17 kilometres. You might want to consider finding the people who offer transfer service up to the gate. You can still do the walk down easily.
There will be time to have something to eat plus some beach time after you get back to Agia Roumelli.
Here is what it is like.
Ferry trip Libyan Sea https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72157653434073393
Samaria Gorge from the bottom https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72157670610409530
Posted by
OP
7 posts
Thank you!