Leaving early in the morning and driving along the north coastline, we stop for a short breakfast break outside Rethymnon.
Before we continue to Chania and on to the Plain of Omalos 1300 meters above sea level where we begin our descent into the gorge. The 18 klms walk begins with our descent from Xyloskalo 800 meters onto the floor of the gorge.
The gorge of Samaria is one of the longest in Europe, some 18 klms (12 miles) and varies from 2-40 meters wide, with a depth of 250-600 meters. It takes 6-7 hours to walk through and it is essential for you to have the correct footwear as it is rocky in some places. However the ever changing view and the wonderful scents of pinewood and Cretan herbs make the walk pleasant and the effort worthwhile.
Following the path next to the river bed of Taras, with its crystal sparkling water, you pass the stone huts and Osia (Santa) Maria church in the deserted village of Samaria, through fantastic rock formations which have been carved and etched by thousands of years of winter torrents, taste the fresh cold water from the springs on these rocks, and finally into the narrow pass of Sideroportes (Iron doors) that rises to a height of 300 meters but is only a mere few meters wide.
This brings you to the mouth of the gorge, which is on the shores of the Libyan Sea, at the small fishing village of Aghia Roumeli. Here you can taste a meal in one of the local taverns or enjoy a refreshing swim in the blue water of the Libyan Sea. From here you are transported by boat to Chora Sfakion, where we meet our coach for the return journey through the scenic route of Imbros Gorge and the Plateau, the villages of Askifou and Vrisses.
Definitely a trip for the adventurous and fairly fit.
(At the beginning and end of the season a change of socks and a jacket would be essential)
