The car free seaside village Agia Roumeli serves as the reloading point for hikers of the Samaria Gorge ( Nature Reserve and the Cretan National Park). There are several refreshment locations for the tired wayfarer and ferry connections to Sougia in the West and Chora Sfakion in the East. The surrounding area is spectacular. The mountains rise up steeply. With good eyesight it is possible to see a small Venetian ruined fort. In the small car-free seaside village of Agia Roumeli are several taverns for the exhausted hiker and a small harbour with ship connections to the villages Sougia and Chora Sfakion, where the hikers are awaiting from the coaches to bring them back to their pick up point.
The environment is simply impressive. The mountains rise steeply. A small Venetian fortress ruin can be seen with good eyes. The water is crystal clear and simply refreshing after a hike. There are no shadows on the beach, but there are loungers and parasols for rent.
I strongly advise against the "lazy tour" to visit the Samaria Gorge. This hike starts from the end of Samaria Gorge in Agia Roumeli and leads the lazy visitor only to the famous narrowest point.
This variant does not convey the landscape experience of the gorge. If you have cardiovascular problems and still want to have an impression of the gorge, we don't want to advise you against the lazy tour.
The day hike through the Samaria Gorge runs like this:
We have our pick up points on the northwest coast, that is almost all places on the northwest coast and nearly each hotel. You will be picked up from your pick up point early in the morning at around 6:30 a.m. by bus.
The way is the goal: The bus goes south across the island to the Omalos plateau to Xyloskalo where the starting point/entrance of the Samaria Gorge is.
The drive itself by bus through the white mountains to the Omalos plateau is very impressive. At the Omalos plateau you will receive the tour guide for the entrance (entrance fee is collected at the entrance). At the end you arrive the coast and the seaside village Agia Roumeli, where you can have some refreshments.
The tour guide is waiting for you in the tavern and gives you the ferry tickets for the ferry to the seaside villages Sougia or Chora Sfakion. The ferry goes along the coastline, you´ll see how the mountains on the south coast fall steeply down into the sea disappearing in its azure. Comming in Chora Sfakion or Sougia the bus awaits you to bring you back to your pick up point/ hotel.
Groups of 8 or more people will be picked up directly from the property/villa/apartment on the northwest coast.
Booking advice for Samaria Gorge:info@kreta.com
It's going to be a once in a lifetime experience when you drive the South coast from end to end.
From the wind-whipped mountain regions to the safe small secluded beaches.
The wild South coast route of Crete is a sensational journey of soaring cliffs, picturesque coastal villages and hidden beaches.
Recommendation: this optimal self drive tour "Southern Crete" consists of 3 Hotel-Locations within two weeks, it's excellent value for money, price per person without flights from
736 € (occupancy 2 guests), daily arrival possible.
Our Self-Drive holidays include hotel accommodation and car hire (including taxes and car insurance) for the full duration.
With your travel documents (Vouchers) you will also receive a comprehensive map and day-to-day itinerary.
We have carefully selected unique properties and some family run, that have an extra touch of ambience and character.
Click here: The South coast has been waiting for you.
Information for packages including accommodation, excursions, daily cruises on Crete, private transfer or hire car with excellent value for money for the South of Crete:
info@kreta.com the travel experts for Crete / Greece.
