The Gorge of Samaria lies on the southern side of Chania and it is the longest gorge in Europe. In 1962, Samaria Gorge had been declared a National Park for the survival of the endangered species kri-kri, the rare Cretan wild goat that lives only in Samaria. 

The Samaria Gorge attracts trekkers and nature lovers from all around the world. For many, it is the main destination of their trip to Crete. 

There is plenty to see in Samaria gorge. The descent is surrounded by pine forest, it is very steep and takes about 2 km to reach the floor of the gorge. Once you reach the gorge floor, at Agios Nikolaos is a site of an ancient temple to Apollo, with huge old pines. Sage, thyme, wild orchids and the healing herb Dictamo are all found here. 

Midway through the gorge is located the abandoned settlement of Samaria, which took its name from a small church found in its precincts, dedicated to Holy Maria of Egypt. The Venetians shortened the phrase ‘Santa Maria Egiziaca’, simplifying it to ‘Sa-Maria’.

At the end of the gorge are the kiosks at Old Agia Roumeli, where you can find welcome refreshments and the Samaria thyme honey, made from the herbs growing wild here.

The best time to visit is in spring, when the weather is cool, nature is at its best and visitors are far fewer than in summer. If you realize within the first 1 hour that the journey is too difficult for you, then you should stop and there are forest guards with donkeys, who can take you back from where you started the journey. 

Visiting Samaria Gorge is an experience you can’t lose if you visit Chania!