Samaria Gorge, high up in the Lefka Ori (White Mountains) is classified as a national park. It is one of the most spectacular natural parks in Europe and is considered to be also the largest gorge. Starting just south of the settlement of Omalos, 42 km south of Chania, Samaria Gorge spans 18 km and reaches as far as the south coast.
The only way to see Samaria Gorge is to walk its entire length, sometime between May and October when passage is permitted, but rest assured that the five or so hours that you spend in this gorge will reward you with incredible sights.
At the pedestrian pathway at Xyloskalo, the gorge's entrance, starts your descent into the gorge. After approx. three hours of walking at a normal pace, you will have descended 700 meter in altitude. A zig-zag path brings you to the deserted village of Samaria with its 14th century chapel. You will notice that although the sun is high in the sky, the gorge is always in the shade.
Used as a hideout during war years, is now a sanctuary for the Cretan "Ibex" known locally as "Kri-Kri". This bearded wild goat with thick, curved, ridged horns is found only in Crete and if you are lucky you might catch a glimpse of one as they are usually found on the higher slopes. Equally rare is "Dictamon" an herb very much appreciated locally, found on the cliffs of the gorge.
A mile before Agia Roumeli at the southern exit of the gorge are the famous "Sideroportes" (Iron Gates), where the rock wall rises 300 meters on either side of the passage, only 3 meters wide.