Crete: Omalos - Samariá Gorge - Agía Rouméli

Arguably Europe's second-longest canyon after France's Verdon Gorge, Samariá Gorge is nestled within a national park with two entrances: one at the mouth of the Samariá River, accessible from the nearby village of Aghia Roumeli, and the other known as Xyloskala ("Wooden Staircase"), near the village of Omalos at 1250 meters altitude, linked to Chania by a 23-kilometer road. Established in 1962, the Samariá Gorge National Park is one of the last refuges of the Cretan wild goat, the kri-kri (Capra hircus cretica). Since 1981, the gorge has also been recognized by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve.


The whole path is outstandig beautiful. The last stretch is the best 'cause you are really inside the Gorge (I've lost the GPS signal down there where you can see a straight line.).

There's is a ticket to pay for entering the path.

The path is very well looked after and there are rest areas with sources of fresh water and toilets. Along the path you come across the abandoned town of Samaria, evidence of a past linked to the breeding of the famous Cretan goats. The last part of the trail into the gorge is simply magnificent. The path follows the small stream that winds between sheer walls hundreds of meters high.

The trail can be overcrowded during the peak tourist months. I recommend leaving early in the morning to enjoy a peaceful experience in harmony with this masterpiece of nature.

Exiting the path there is a resting area and, nearby, a bus stop that takes you to Agia Rumeli. You can also reach the town by foot in about 30 minutes. In Agia Rumeli you can take ferries to other villages or you can stay overnight. There are all kind of services in this small village inveded by mass tourism.

TIPS:
It is important to be adequately equipped with trekking shoes, clothing suitable for the climatic conditions, and a good amount of water. In summer, avoid walking the path during the hottest hours of the day

GOOD PRACTICES:
When hiking trails in forests and protected areas, it's essential to follow principles of environmental stewardship. Respect wildlife by observing from a distance, stay on designated trails to avoid damaging vegetation, and carry out any trash you bring in. Minimize noise to preserve the natural tranquility and refrain from disturbing habitats. Leave no trace to ensure the preservation of these natural spaces for future generations.

ALONG THE PATH:

KRI-KRI (CRETEAN GOAT)
The kri-kri, also known as the Cretan goat, Agrimi, or Cretan Ibex, is a feral goat species found in the Eastern Mediterranean. Once considered a subspecies of wild goat, it now inhabits only three small islands near Crete (Dia, Thodorou, and Agii Pantes) in Greece. Efforts to protect the species from extinction have led to its introduction to Sapientza Island in significant numbers. Today, the kri-kri population remains restricted to these islands, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts to safeguard its survival in its natural habitat.

SAMARIA VILLAGE:
Samariá village, nestled inside the gorge, was deserted in 1962 to establish the park. Its name, along with the gorge's, originates from the ancient church, Óssia María.

AGIA ROUMELI:
Agia Roumeli offers several hotels, rental rooms, and tavernas. It boasts a sizable beach and a ferry terminal serving ferries to and from Hora Sfakion via Loutro, mainly catering to hikers completing the Samaria walk. The village is inaccessible by road. Local lore suggests its name may derive from Arabic, combining "Maya" for water and "Roumi" for Byzantine Greeks, possibly alluding to the Samaria Gorge or a nearby spring. Alternatively, it could reference Saint Romula (or Romylia), a minor saint of Late Antiquity in the Eastern Orthodox Church, reflecting the village's historical and religious significance.