Samaria Gorge, Crete

It's not dangerous as long as you exercise normal precautions. No special equipment is needed but be sure you have sturdy shoes. I don't recommend sandals although I'm sure many people will disagree, having done it using the Teva-types. Take water, hat, sunscreen, food and of course your camera.

If you're concerned about being able to hike the entire gorge, you might want to look into hiking Imbros Gorge. As it was explained to us, it's about half the length of Samaria Gorge. We opted for Imbros Gorge instead and had a good time. Either way, as Lee stated, make sure to take some sturdy shoes. For Imbros Gorge, a good pair of gym shoes sufficed. You'll want something with a solid sole, since you'll be walking on rocks quite often. And bring water! Have fun.

Many, many years ago, I hiked some of the Samaria Gorge backwards. I took the boat to the village at the bottom of the Gorge and then hiked in a fair ways to see the canyon. I then hiked out again and caught the boat back to the village of Chora Sfakion. I think that you can still do this, but you should check. It made for a lovely day. Mind, the bus ride to Chora Sfakion was quite perilous with lots of switchbacks and steep cliffs. Pam

I'm not in great shape although I do walk a lot, but I managed to make it through. I'm a slow hiker; I must have been passed by 50 Germans, but they are polite if you make room for them to get by.

I caught the earliest bus from Chania and got a bus around 4:30 pm after the boat ride.

I would echo the suggestion about sturdy shoes. Except for the staircase, you're walking on rocks. Big rocks, small rocks, medium-sized rocks, but rocks. The soles of my feet ached at the end, so make sure that you have hiking boots that accommodate thick socks or at least shoes with sturdy and thick soles.

Also, the town is not right on the edge of the park, so you can probably add 1/2 mile to the length. It is downhill all the way if you start at the top. I don't think I could have made it if I had started at the bottom.

I thought it was a fantastic experience and would do it again. But do practice walking a long distance, preferably up and down hills, before you go.

I hiked the gorge a loooong time ago (in my mid-20's). I was in average physical shape for a person my age, and had no problem whatsoever. It's much more of a walk than a hike. As other have suggested, good hiking shoes are recommended, though I believe I did it in tennis shoes. No special equipment needed, but especially since you will be doing this in summer stay hydrated, take water, sunscreen, hat. It's well worth doing.

Thanks to all for the responses and tips! It's nice to have some personal accounts aside from what you see in guidebooks.

I have read it takes 5 to 6 hours to hike. Does this agree with people's experiences? Or did it take you longer or shorter?

We hiked the gorge in mid Oct 2007 and with a stop for a picnic it took us 4 hours. We didn't have to contend with many people but it rained for a good part of the trip.

At the time we were a mid to late 50's couple in good shape. The Samaria Gorge was one of the highlites of our trip.

I agree with all of the above. The worst parts about the hike are the uneven ground (like someone said, rocks of all sizes) and if it is busy, the Trekkers (yes mostly German) who barrel through at top speed, prompting the more relaxed walkers to step aside or be run over.

But it is most certainly a very worthwhile hike, plan on catching about the earliest bus, take your time, plan on bringing a small picnic, and you will be back in Chania for a not too late dinner, basically it is a day long event.

You will most likely be sore by the end of it and the next day (going constantly downhill and the uneven surface puts strain on seldom used muscles and the soles of your feet) but we found it was a "good" pain; and the hike is something my wife still talks about today, years later.