Samaria Gorge

Samaria Gorge is one of the most famous hiking canyons in Greece and Europe and belongs to the European E4 Trail. It is located on the south side of the prefecture of Chania. It starts from Omalos and reaches Agia Roumeli, with a length of about 15km. Its downhill is 6-7 hours, but it depends on your pace.

The imposing Doors (or Iron Doors) can be found at its narrowest point with a width of 3 meters, where exactly the height of the walls exceeds 100m, somewhat near 300m and farther than 700m. The passage is considered the most impressive element of the route, but dangerous early morning and evening hours in summer (all winter) with landslides due to abrupt temperature changes and kri-kris crossing on the rocks for food.

It was proclaimed in 1962, being one of the first National Parks in the country. It hosts many endemic species of birds and animals, the best known of which is the Cretan goat, known as the kri-kri or agrimi. Since 1981 it has been part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves (MAB: Man & Biosphere)  with the aim of highlighting and protecting valuable sites for humans and the rest of the biosphere.