SAMARIA Gorge
Samaria gorge
The most famous gorge on western Crete is the SAMARIA GORGE. It is the longest (5-8 hours walk, 16 km). It is part of the SAMARIA national park situated in the White Mountains (LEFKA ORI ) area.
The walk starts at the altitude of 1230 m near OMALOS and arrives at the shores of the LIBYAN sea at Agia Roumeli.
Start early in the morning (opens at sunrise and closes after 14.00h for full descent). Entrance is 5€, take some water with you, you can fill the bottle with spring water here and there. Put appropriate footwear. Expect to see some KRI KRI ( wild goat/sheep mix ).
But still there are easier, shorter and more beautiful gorges in the immediate area. Choose a level of difficulty, duration. Some have a small river or even waterfalls. Some require special equipement for hikers ( ropes, walking sticks, or guide).
Alternative walking gorges on Crete
Find our recommendations for alternative gorges here:
Chania City
Chania, the second largest city on Crete attracts many tourist all year long. This city has a nice old harbor with many bars and restaurants open until early in the morning. A visit to Chania is a must. Visit a museum or a cultural attraction or just some shopping
Monasteries on Crete
Visit one of many Othodox monasteries on Crete. The most beautiful is Agia Triada at the AKROTIRI peninsula near Chania. 45min from Villa Limani
BALOS beach
Balos beach or Balos Lagoon on Crete, is a top tourist attraction on Crete, most beautiful beaches on Crete. Balos beach is accessible by car from our holiday house or by boat from Chania or Kissamos.
ELAFONISI beach
Amazing, wonderful, gorgeous, beautiful,... only a few words that can describe ELAFONISI beach. Top holiday destination and a must-see (2 hours from holiday house Villa Maquis) : '"The most amazing beach of all" ELAFONISI
KEDRODASOS beach
The most beautiful wild beach on Crete is most certainly KEDRODASOS, near ELAFONISSI beach. Discover the beauty of the wild nature on Western Crete.
Lake KOURNAS
Visit LAKE KOURNAS near Georgioupolis at 20min from villa Maquis. Escape the tourisme and rent a boat or just relax and have lunch.
Agia Galini and Spili
Through the mountains of Crete, via small mountain villages, great views until you arrive at a romantic fishermans village AGIA GALINI
Seitan Limania beach
Seitan Limania near Chania on the AKROTIRI peninsula. The most spectacular beach in the area a "hidden gem"
Spectacular roads on Crete
The most Dangerous roads on Crete , spectacular or adventurous roads, next roads will leave a permanent impression when you drove them.