The one trip that every visitor- even those eminently unsuited to it- feels compelled to make is the hike down to Samaria Gorge which at 16km in length is claimed to be the longest in Europe.Protected by a national park since 1962, this natural wonder was formed by a river flowing between Mount Volakas to the west and the towering bulk of the Lefka Ori to the east.

Gorge Practicalities

Conditions permitting the gorge is open between the hours of 6am and sunset, from May 1 to October 31 inclusive: however, the first three weeks after opening and the final two weeks before closure will entirely depend on weather conditions, and you're advised to ring ahead to save a wasted journey. Admission to the national park is 5euro.( under 15s is free). If you enter after 3pm you are only allowed into the first couple of kilometres from each end. There are a whole series of national park rules, but the most important are no camping, no fires( or smoking outside the designated areas), no alcohol, no hunting, and no interfering with wildlife or collecting plants. 

As for supplies for the walk, you want to carry the minimum possible.On a day trip you needn't necessarily carry anything, though water bottle and something ti munch on the way are definitely worthwhile( there are springs. at regular intervals and ice-cold water in the stream, but for long periods you will find neither -especially  over the last, hottest hour) as is some means of carrying clothes you discard en route. (7am at the top feels close to freezing, 1pm at the bottom may hover around 38℃). 

For food, there's a cafe near the gorge entrance and an official Tourist lodge on the heights above this, plus stalls for drinks, bottled water and snacks, while Agia Roumeli is more than equipped to feed everyone arriving at the bottom.

The gorge hike itself is some 18km long( the final 2 kilometres to reach the sea from the mouth of the gorge) and the walk down takes between four and severn hours, depending on your level of fitness and how often you stop to admire the scenery, bathe your feet or to make photos.

The vast majority of people who walk through the Samaria do as a part of a day trip. ( A very early bus to the top, walk down by early afternoon, boat from Agia Roumeli to Hora Sfakion and bus from there back home). Most go with one of the guided tours offered by travel agencies. We  suggest you Iakovos travel agency. You can book your tour also online. If you decide to the excursion by your own with your Venus rental car, then have a look at the information in here that will help you to organize your tour.   About the ferry from Agia Roumeli press here. About the local buses press here.