Samaria Gorge Hike from Heraklion region

Easy to navigate, great day, legs hurt, well organised

A challenging walk across different types of terrain. Very beautiful gorge and enjoyable walk, but be prepared for the distance and challenge. Good rest stops with water springs along the way. Make sure you have a large water bottle as it can be hot between rest areas and ensure you have trainers/walking shoes with good grip. A walking pole is also useful for the first 7km which can be very steep.

Everything was very well organized. The tour guide was very friendly and competent. The hike through the gorge is a wonderful experience.

Impressive but challenging hike! Good footwear is half the battle (ankle-high hiking boots recommended). There were also people who tried their luck with Chucks and often slipped. In general, it is certainly advantageous to be sporty and sure-footed, but with corresponding time, people with less sporty constitution seem to have made their way down (even if some seemed less than happy with their decision to go on this hike). In general, it's a great way that's fun and requires concentration. If you hike without a break, you are through in about 3.5h, with breaks and slower walking pace just correspondingly longer. I can only recommend this trip and join the recommendations to bring comfortable sportswear, headgear, sunglasses and sunscreen. Helmets can be rented if necessary (due to stonefall). Hiking poles were recommended by the tour guide. I myself found it better without, because I wanted my hands free to support with larger boulders, but there are long distances where it is certainly an advantage for some. On the way there are toilets (I only discovered standing toilets) and the possibility to replenish water at springs. But you should bring snacks and water bottle. I would do it again anytime and was very pleased in the evening. PS: Take your bathing suits! The crystal clear sea at the end is a crowning conclusion to the hike

Amazing walk! Bring cash for the tickets you need to purchase! The host Theodora was great and so helpful.

It is a long day. I was picked up a little after 6:00 a.m. and returned to my hotel at close to 10 p.m. or 22:00. The hike itself is demanding. I am an avid hiker and even I was feeling tired and sore at the end. But it's MORE than worth it! If you're lucky, you'll see a bright red sunrise over the Gulf of Heraklion from the bus window. Later, the ascent up to the White Mountains from Chania is epic. The hike is ~13 miles, which takes most about 6 hours, and has several unique and memorable sights. Finally, almost as brilliant as the hike itself, the open-air boat taxi along the southern coast in the Libyan Sea is stunning and also provides new perspective of the island's dramatic geology, including other gorges. The drive back to Heraklion takes a different route so that you see even more new sights of rural Crete. The operators are well-organized and provide detailed instructions in multiple languages while on the bus to ensure everyone knows the logistics.

The 16km hike is a challenge; we brought walking boots as ordinary trainers can be slippery and not provide the support you need over such rocky terrain. Our guide, Marizia, was absolutely smashing; providing knee supports, checking on us to ensure we made it on time to catch the last boat. This was the case with the tour company -accommodating in every way. It is well worth it, but I would advise boots, knee supports, or sticks as the desent into the gorge is an out of the ordinary task. I have never had knee issues, but they were troublesome that day. My teenage son adored it.

Super Organisation. I got detailed information about the pick up in advance. On the bus ride there were exact details about the tour and the return trip was also super organized.

Very friendly guide. A friend felt her weak due to height differences along the way and fear. They gave her a drink and often asked us how it went along the way. What we didn't know is if you're late you'll miss the boat and have to spend the night there.

Nice walk when you are prepared - 25 years since my last time there! Nice breeze that day. Walking alone make you get in contact with people. Guide Theodora gave good information and guidance.