Can we hike the Samarian Gorge from Elounda?
 

I'll be staying with my wife in Elounda in June for 3 nights. We'd really like to go hiking during that time and heard that the Samarian Gorge is a must. But after looking at a map, it seems like an incredibly long day of driving. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to hike the gorge and get back to Elounda at the end of the day? Thanks.

You've already realized that the only way would be to drive yourself to the traihead. At the end of the trail you'd have to take a bus back to pick up your car then drive back to Elounda. I can't imagine wanting to do all that in one day, especially after that hike! (:|

Samaria is promoted endlessly, but there are at least FIFTY Gorges in Crete... and there is an stunning one in EASTERN Crete, where Elounda is. Look on this map (click and it get huuuge): http://www.explorecrete.com/crete-ma.../Crete-eot.png
Scroll over to the Eastern border -- See Zakros... and Kato Zakros? (that means Lower Zakros) ... it's a terrific gorge, takes 2 hours or a bit more to walk and at the end, a reward - the ruins of Minoan Palace!! And there's a little beach at Kato Zakros, to swim after your hike... an NO crowds as there would be in Samaria, even in June.

It's about 110 Km from Elounda to Zakros (62-65 miles) on a good road, no traffic Say you leave at 8 am, get to head of gorge by 10 ... 2 hours hike, 2 hours picnic & swim, 2 -3 hours back ... you're at your hotel having a glass of wine at sunset. Brilliant!
http://www.webcrete.com/gorges/zakros.htm
http://www.we-love-crete.com/zakros-gorge.html
http://www.kreta2005.nl/uk/kloven.html#zakros

Spend the night in Loutro on the coast near the Samarian Gorge.

Not in three days, you can't.

Thank you all. Travelerjan, that was a great call, thank you!!

You are quite welcme. And BTW, no need to hike back UP the gorge; take a taxi! There will either be one right at the beach, or a taverna owner will gladly call his brother-in-law or his cousin the taxi driver.