Samaria National Park | (Official GANP Page)

About

Samaria National Park is located on the southern side of Crete along the central part of the island. The Greek park encompasses the Samaria Gorge accounting for an area of approximately 28.9 square miles (75 sq km) creating the only national park on the island.

The Samaria Gorge is the focal point of the national park. The gorge stretches across a distance of 9.9 miles (16 km) while the entrance to the park adds another 1.24 miles (2 km). It is recognized as the longest gorge in Europe.

The gorge is nestled between the Lefka Oril of the White Mountains and Mount Volakias. A river runs from the upper mountains through the gorge headed south toward the mouth of the river in the Mediterranean Sea.

The rugged rocky gorge and surrounding White Mountains are home to 16 endemic species. The kri-kri is probably the most renowned and the species most people hope to witness.

Hiking the gorge is really the only activity associated with the national park. Camping, swimming, or staying overnight are all prohibited. The expectation is that you will hike to see the gorge and then exit.

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Things to See

Featured

The Samaria Gorge is the highlight of the national park. It is the natural attraction that has been set aside in the protected area. Travelers visiting the national park are there to see and explore the gorge.

The Gates

The Gates, which are also known as Iron Gates, is the most intriguing part of the gorge. At this juncture of the gorge, the sides of the canyon walls narrow to a width of only 13.1 feet (4 m).

At this same point, the walls of the gorge stretch 980 feet (300 m) toward the sky creating one of the most ominous views within the gorge.

Kri-Kri

The national park is home to the endangered kri-kri. It is also known as the Cretan Ibex, the Gretan goat, and the Agrimi. Originally endemic to the eastern Mediterranean, it may now only be seen with the national park and surrounding area. There are three smaller islands off the coast of Crete which also have a small number of the kri-kri.

It is renowned for its habitation of the near-vertical cliffs of the gorge as well as the rugged White Mountains. The body is covered in light brownish fur while getting darker around the neck. It features two horns that sweep back toward the tail.

Samaria National Park Trails

Hiking the gorge in Samaria National Park is the reason that most people come to visit the national park. Hiking the gorge is considered the pinnacle attraction of the area.

Samaria Gorge Trail

The trail covers a distance of 9.32 miles (15 km) with 8.08 miles (13 km) of that accounted for by the actual gorge. The remaining distance is to reach the entrance of the park. The trail is rather strenuous traveling from the Omalos Plateau to Agia Roumeli taking around six hours to complete give or take an hour.

E4 Agios Pavlos – Chora Sfakion Trail

This is a trail that begins in the national park before crossing the park borders and ending at Chora Sfakion. This trail is rated moderate however it is challenging covering a distance of 10.7 miles (17.22 km) and an ascent of 2,335 feet (711.71 m). It provides views of the beach, a cave, and the blue sea.

Mount Gigilos Trail

This is a challenging endeavor that ascends 3,172 feet (966.83 m) while traveling over a distance of 6.2 miles (9.98 km) before returning back down. The panoramic views and the accomplishing of the endeavor are the rewards of this hike.

Samaria Gorge Trail

Rating: Moderate to Difficult

Distance and Elevation Gain: 10 miles (16 km) one way, descent of 4,100 feet (1,250 meters)

Description: This trail takes you through the heart of the famous Samaria Gorge, Europe’s longest gorge.

Starting from Xyloskalo at the Omalos plateau, it winds down to the Libyan Sea at Agia Roumeli.

Hikers can admire the towering cliffs, ancient forests, and the rare kri-kri (Cretan goat). The route is mostly downhill and can be challenging due to its length and rocky terrain.

Agia Roumeli to Agios Pavlos

Rating: Easy to Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: 2 miles (3.2 km) one way, minimal elevation gain

Description: This coastal trail offers a more leisurely hike from Agia Roumeli, where the Samaria Gorge trail ends, to the Byzantine chapel of Agios Pavlos.

It’s a beautiful walk along the Libyan Sea, with opportunities to swim in crystal-clear waters and relax on secluded beaches.

Omalos Plateau to Kallergi Refuge

Rating: Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: 3 miles (5 km) one way, 1,640 feet (500 meters)

Description: Starting from the Omalos plateau, this trail ascends to the Kallergi Refuge on the Lefka Ori (White Mountains).

The path offers stunning panoramic views of the plateau, Samaria Gorge, and on clear days, the Libyan Sea.

The refuge is a popular rest stop for hikers and mountaineers exploring the high peaks.

Imbros Gorge Trail

Rating: Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: 5 miles (8 km) one way, descent of 1,968 feet (600 meters)

Description: Although not directly in Samaria National Park, the Imbros Gorge is a popular alternative for those seeking a shorter gorge experience.

The trail runs from the village of Imbros to Komitades, offering spectacular rock formations and narrow passages.

Samaria Village Exploration

Rating: Easy

Distance and Elevation Gain: Varies within the abandoned village

Description: Within the Samaria Gorge, the abandoned village of Samaria offers an easy, exploratory trail for visitors interested in the cultural aspect.

Walk among the ruins of this historic village, visit the small church of Osia Maria, and learn about the life of the residents before the area became a national park.

Samaria Gorge Trail

Rating: Moderate to Difficult

Distance and Elevation Gain: 10 miles (16 km) one way, descent of 4,100 feet (1,250 meters)

Description: This trail takes you through the heart of the famous Samaria Gorge, Europe’s longest gorge.

Starting from Xyloskalo at the Omalos plateau, it winds down to the Libyan Sea at Agia Roumeli.

Hikers can admire the towering cliffs, ancient forests, and the rare kri-kri (Cretan goat). The route is mostly downhill and can be challenging due to its length and rocky terrain.

Agia Roumeli to Agios Pavlos

Rating: Easy to Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: 2 miles (3.2 km) one way, minimal elevation gain

Description: This coastal trail offers a more leisurely hike from Agia Roumeli, where the Samaria Gorge trail ends, to the Byzantine chapel of Agios Pavlos.

It’s a beautiful walk along the Libyan Sea, with opportunities to swim in crystal-clear waters and relax on secluded beaches.

Omalos Plateau to Kallergi Refuge

Rating: Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: 3 miles (5 km) one way, 1,640 feet (500 meters)

Description: Starting from the Omalos plateau, this trail ascends to the Kallergi Refuge on the Lefka Ori (White Mountains).

The path offers stunning panoramic views of the plateau, Samaria Gorge, and on clear days, the Libyan Sea.

The refuge is a popular rest stop for hikers and mountaineers exploring the high peaks.

Imbros Gorge Trail

Rating: Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: 5 miles (8 km) one way, descent of 1,968 feet (600 meters)

Description: Although not directly in Samaria National Park, the Imbros Gorge is a popular alternative for those seeking a shorter gorge experience.

The trail runs from the village of Imbros to Komitades, offering spectacular rock formations and narrow passages.

Samaria Village Exploration

Rating: Easy

Distance and Elevation Gain: Varies within the abandoned village

Description: Within the Samaria Gorge, the abandoned village of Samaria offers an easy, exploratory trail for visitors interested in the cultural aspect.

Walk among the ruins of this historic village, visit the small church of Osia Maria, and learn about the life of the residents before the area became a national park.

Park Protection

The national park was created to protect the Samaria Gorge and terrain that is home to the endangered kri-kri and 15 other endemic species of wildlife and another 55 species of endemic vegetation. It is a small park and the focus is directed at the immediate area associated with the gorge.

The park service is committed to the protection of the endangered species prohibiting swimming, camping, or any other overnight activity

Sources

All Trails, Best Trails in Samaria National Park, https://www.alltrails.com/parks/greece/crete–3/samaria-gorge-national-park, retrieved July 2020.
Samaria National Park, Official Site, https://www.samaria.gr/en/home-2-2/, retrieved August 2020.
UNESCO, Gorge of Samaria National Park, https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5865/, retrieved August 2020.
Visit Greece, Samaria Gorge, http://www.visitgreece.gr/en/nature/canyons/samaria_gorge, retrieved August 2020.
West Crete, Samaria Gorge, https://www.west-crete.com/samaria-gorge.htm, retrieved August 2020.
Wikipedia, Kri-kri, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kri-kri, retrieved August 2020.