Location: Crete Island
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).