Easy Samaria Gorge Hike from Chania: A Complete Review
So, you’re thinking about tackling the Samaria Gorge while you’re hanging out in Chania, huh? It’s almost guaranteed to be on your list if you like to lace up your boots every now and then. The thing is, it’s got this rep as this major trek, which could sound like a whole heap of commitment. Luckily, you have options, it’s almost a matter of choosing one! The “easy way” tour, or sometimes referred to as the ‘lazy tour’ is, in a way, becoming super attractive, particularly if you’re not super thrilled at the thought of hoofing it downhill for hours on end.
What’s the Deal with the “Easy Way?”
Instead of going at it from the top, Xyloskalo, and working your knees all the way down, this “easy way” option flips the script, too. You actually start from the end point, from a village called Agia Roumeli, right there on the coast. From there, it’s more or less an uphill-ish hike into the gorge. And when you’ve had enough, you turn around, just like that!
This type of tour works particularly well if you, like your knees, aren’t really pumped about the idea of a super intense downhill hike. Is that you? You just go as far into the gorge as feels comfy for you. This part of the gorge is pretty spectacular, with towering cliff faces and all sorts of geological wonderous stuff all around. You’ll also hit what they call the “Iron Gates” – that seriously narrow bit that is often what you see on all the postcards. So, no need to feel as if you are short-changing yourself, just because you chose to walk uphill only!
What’s the Hike Really Like?
Look, “easy way” could be a bit of a stretch, arguably. Don’t get it twisted, alright? You’ll still get a solid workout. The trail is, for the most part, pretty well maintained, a little bit rocky in spots. Uphill, you know? So, you will feel it in your legs, even if it’s not too hard. A bit, as a matter of fact, just a bit of sweat. You hike in and then retrace your steps, so basically what goes up must come down!
As I was saying, what I found cool was you get such great control over the distance. Feeling energetic? You can ramble further into the gorge, and so on. Legs screaming at you? You turn back without the agony of facing hours of relentless downhill.
A fair warning: Depending on the time of year, that, is the water levels can get kinda high, that too it’s almost thigh-deep in some places! You’ll be okay if you have water shoes. The tour operators tend to let you know about this in advance, very important.
Booking Your Tour from Chania
When you book from Chania, generally, it’s more or less going to be a pretty full day kind of trip, it tends to be that way. Most tours provide round-trip transport straight from your hotel, for instance, or a spot that’s easy enough to get to. That will usually mean a pretty early start – 6AM departures are fairly common. In fact, the drive to the south coast, where you’ll catch the boat to Agia Roumeli is pretty spectacular! But yeah, it’s early. Still, you get to see the landscape of Crete waking up; in my opinion, it’s really nice.
Make certain you check what’s included in your tour package. You might think this is a basic thing, alright, but that the tour normally takes care of the bus ride to the coast, that is. And the boat ticket to Agia Roumeli is what gets you going, too it’s almost certain to be taken care of! Be aware: gorge entrance fees might or might not be included, arguably. You want to know these kinds of things, right? Bring pocket change!
What to Bring with You
As a matter of fact, packing right can impact your level of happiness on this trip. Obviously, I’m being obvious right now, sorry! These items are, for example, almost a given:
- Sturdy footwear: Like your hiking shoes. Should be a pretty comfy set, not brand-new boots, just in case, right?
- Sunscreen: It’s easy enough to fry out there. Especially as the day goes on, the light tends to reflect off of the light-colored rock that is everywhere.
- Hat: In the same way as the sunscreen, but the other direction.
- Water: Load up with way more than you guess.
- Snacks: Load up on that, too, right? You can, of course, buy grub in Agia Roumeli before starting or when you get back. I brought my own snacks because I’m somewhat awkward about purchasing choices while hungry. And if you are taking the slow boat, be prepared with food, too. A small orange won’t cut it if the seas are wild!
- Swimsuit: Agia Roumeli is that, as I was saying, is sitting on the coast, so you will want to have your gear to take a quick plunge! Very awesome.
- Small First-Aid Kit: Just to be on the safe side, especially if you are, literally, kinda clumsy.
Who’s This Tour For?
This tour really fits individuals, like your parents, you know, that still want a dose of the Samaria Gorge greatness. Also if you are just in fairly decent shape, in fact! This is so unlike those super strenuous, all-day downhill treks. It really makes this iconic Crete adventure a heap more accessible for most.
It’s almost ideal for groups too with mixed fitness levels, naturally. Some members, like your crazy cousin, might choose to zip way further into the gorge. We were all in agreement about a turnaround spot so we could enjoy Agia Roumeli together. Nice.
Agia Roumeli: Chill Time
As I was saying, the village has plenty of charm going for it, too. Seriously, you will want to hang here for a spell, seriously. It’s very remote because there are no cars, it’s almost only accessible by boat, a very good place to let your muscles recover, or have a tasty lunch, like your favorite snack. Also, there’s a really cool beach. I spent the better part of an afternoon kicking around there with a book I bought that I never ever got around to reading until I retired to a small goat farm outside of Tucumcari NM.
Making the Trip Back
Usually, most tour deals are, naturally, planned around a set ferry timetable back up the coast. From there, for instance, a bus gets you back to Chania, too. If you do get seasick somewhat, you may need to remember that. Take something with you, but also make a plan!
Final Thoughts
So, thinking about it, I’d say this tour of Samaria Gorge is such a nice option. You get to peep some unreal scenery without pushing your body to its limits. Pack right, hydrate as much as you need, and be okay with whatever you end up tackling that day, and you are very certain to have a nice trip. Is that all you were looking for? A pretty epic day on Crete!