• Location42 km south of Chania city
• Length18 kilometers, with a hiking duration of 4-8 hours
• National ParkDeclared in 1962, part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves since 2010
• BiodiversityRare species of flora and fauna
• AttractionsAbandoned village, Church of Saint Mary, Iron Gates (the point where the sides of the gorge nearly touch)
• Visiting periodFrom mid-April to the end of October, depending on weather conditions

The Samaria Gorge is one of the largest and most impressive gorges in Europe, stretching for 18 kilometers. It begins at the plateau of Omalos, in the area known as Xyloskalo, and ends at the beach of Agia Roumeli, a picturesque spot with crystal-clear waters where visitors can relax after completing the hike. The journey lasts between 4 to 8 hours, depending on the hiker's pace, and is well-signposted along the entire route.

The gorge, formed by a river that eroded the rocks, is located on the southern side of the Chania region. Smaller gorges intersect the steep cliffs of Samaria, many of which are ideal for activities like canyoning.

In 1962, the gorge was declared a National Park, and since 2010, it has been part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves due to its unique biodiversity. The gorge is home to rare species of flora and fauna, with the most notable being the protected Cretan wild goat, known as kri-kri.

Approximately halfway through the gorge, hikers come across the abandoned village of Samaria, from which the gorge takes its name. The village was evacuated when the area was declared a National Park, but the houses remain for use by the park rangers. The traditional architecture of the houses preserves the authentic Cretan atmosphere. A few meters away lies the 14th-century church of Osia Maria, from whose name the gorge's name "Samaria" is derived.

One of the most impressive spots in the gorge is the "Iron Gates" (Sideroportes), where the two sides of the gorge almost meet. The towering cliffs reach up to 500 meters in height, while the gap between them is just 4 meters wide, creating a breathtaking passage.

The Samaria Gorge is open to visitors from mid-April to the end of October, depending on weather conditions. The route is extremely popular, attracting thousands of visitors seeking natural beauty and the challenge of hiking through one of the most famous gorges in the world.