Doh

We will be in Chania for a few days over Easter weekend this year and were wondering if the Samaria Gorge is likely to be open. Even if it is open, we probably would not be up for the full hike (as we'll have an 8 year old with us) but someone said you can take a boat to the exit and walk in a little ways and that would still be well worth it. Does anyone have any more information or thoughts on that possibility?

sheila

Normally the gorge opens in May; subject to weather conditions. Recently it has opened from the bottom in April.

http://www.west-crete.com/samaria-gorge.htm

Doh

Thanks very much. I'm still a little confused about the logistics of visiting from the bottom but we can figure it out (if the gorge is even open) when we're in Chania, or maybe we'll find another one to hike.

sheila

You get a bus (or drive) to Souyia or Chora Sfkaion, and take the boat to Agia Roumeli, and walk up to the Iron Gates- it take about an hour. You walk back; take the boat back to where you started, and Bob's your uncle

Doh

thanks sheila!

rogerbruton

When we "did" the gorge, we started in Paleohora, got a bus to the top, hiked all the way down, and got a ferry back to Paleohora. As I remember, the problem with going early in the year is the water levels in some of the narrow parts. (We were there in an August.) I think you are right not to subject an 8-year old to the full trip. It's quite an experience - I would love to do it again!

Doh

Thanks. Interestingly, I read somewhere that about 9 years old it becomes actually easier for the kids than the adults.

txtree

Doh, I imagine you are on your trip now. Since we're following in your footsteps in June, I hope you'll write a trip report. I'd love to know how your 8 year old fared on the Samaria Gorge hike!

Doh

Sorry I can't help txtree. We were told the gorge wasn't open until May 1 and we were enjoying Chania enough (and had spent enough time in the car) that we didn't really have an inclination to explore very far from the town anyway.

txtree

Thanks, Doh. Good to hear you enjoyed Chania. And thanks for commenting on the question of whether to ferry or bridge over the Gulf of Corinth. The ferry sounds like a pleasant option . . . Love to hear more about your trip when you have time.

ppincrete

Hey all, I've been up the gorge a few times, I always start from the south and navigate north for a number of reasons but mainly because it's cooler when you finish and you avoid all the tourists that come in from the North. It's a little harder to arrange but fully worth it as you'll get to experience the gorge in it's full beauty almost on your own (or with a couple of others)!

I normally spend a night with friends in Sfakia and get the first ferry across to Agia Roumeli from Chora Sfakion which from memory costs around 8EUR.

ferry departure times: http://www.sfakia-crete.com/sfakia-crete/ferries.html#D
good article: http://www.mycreteholiday.com/attrac...-samaria-gorge

I can confirm the gorge is open May 1st but can be delayed if waters are too high, generally speaking, never more than a couple of weeks.

I hope that is of some help!
PP

Chania

I think we took a bus in the morning from Chania to Sfakia and then the boat to A Roumeli. We walked up about 1/2 way and then returned to A Roumeli for the boat back. I felt like I had experienced the gorge for the most part.