Samaria Gorge

Samaria Gorge

 

 

Location: Crete Island

 

Description of Samarian Gorge

Samarian Gorge is located 43 km south of Chania. At 18 km long it is the longest gorge in Europe. Samarian Gorge is famous for its spectacular beauty and awesome panoramas. Samarian Gorge was formed by a stream that flows between highest peak of the White Mountain and Mount Volikas. Hiking in Samarian Gorge is permitted between May and October due to possibility of flashfloods. Tourist usually start at the North tip of the park at Xiloskalo (wooden staircase) there tourist pavilion is located. It is also offers spectacular view of Mount Gygilo (alt. 2,083 m.). The most famous part of Samarian Gorge is the “Iron Gates” that is 4 meters wide and 600 meters high. The path descents 1250 meters down to the Libyan Sea and village of Agia Roumeli. Tourists can take a boat to Chora Sfakion and there switch to bus back to Chania. Small fee is collected on both entrances of Samarian Gorge and camping is not permitted on the grounds. It is suggested to take plenty of water and some food.
 
Samarian Gorge became a national park in 1962 and serves as a refuge for the rare Kri- Kri (Cretan goat) as well as other endemic species of the island. The village of Samaria lies inside the gorge. It was abandoned shortly after Samarian Gorge was turned into a national park. Both the village and the gorge comes from an ancient church of Ossia Maria (Saint Mary).