Trip details
Voidodema – Omalos – Samaria
From forgotten paths to a world-famous gorge, 2 days in the heart of Crete!
Experience some lesser-known but equally interesting areas of inland Crete, as well as one of the island´s major natural highlights, the Samaria Gorge.
Spend 2 days hiking in stunning, varied scenery and a night on the high mountain plain of Omalos to the sound of sheep bells!
Included:
- English-speaking host from pick-up (D1) to drop-off (D2) (For pick-up/drop-off from your hotel, please contact us)
- 1 overnight in Omalos (family hotel: double/twin room on a BB basis)
- Picnic lunch (D1+D2), evening meal in Omalos restaurant (D1)
- Tour of herb farm (Omalos), transfer of any luggage from hotel-Omalos (D1) and Omalos-Sfakia-hotel (D2)
Not included:
- Breakfast (D1), Evening meal (D2)
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities
Notes:
Hiking time (approx): (D1) 5 hrs + stops | (D2) 6,5 hrs + stops
Altitude range (metres): (D1) 800 – 650 – 900 | (D2) 1250 – 0
Transfer time: (D1) 1hr Chania (hotel)-Voidodema | (D2) 1,5hrs Sfakia/Sougia-Chania (hotel)
Please note: this hike is suitable for hikers who have reasonable experience and are used to walking on uneven terrain for the above length of time.
Walking on: path (earth and stones), dirt track, paved stone path, rugged rocks, dry riverbed
Hikers carry: day backpack with day necessities (water, picnic lunch, personal belongings, etc)
Luggage: transferred to Omalos hotel (D1) + transferred to Sougia/Sfakia and your hotel (D2).
Suitable for: anyone in good health who enjoys hiking, children over 12 yrs.
Don´t forget your: hiking boots (closed/sports shoes), sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, water, snack/fruit, camera, hiking poles (advisable), swimwear/beachwear/beach shoes, warmer clothes for the evening in the mountains.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: the Samaria Gorge lies within a National Park. During the winter it is closed due to the high levels of water flowing through the gorge and due to falling rocks. At the end of April, the water level in the gorge and the state of the path is assessed by the local Forestry Authorities. Every year, it undergoes the necessary maintenance before it is opened to the public for the summer season. The exact date of the opening varies every year as it depends on weather conditions (amounts of rain/snow) during the winter. The Authorities also have the right to close the gorge any day a severe weather warning is issued, even during the summer. This is why on some days, especially at the start and at the end of the season (late April/early May and late October) the Samaria Gorge may be closed. During these periods, availability of this trip can only be guaranteed 1-2 days in advance.
Contact us for further hiking options when the Samaria Gorge is closed (during summer or winter months).
Highlights
The forgotten path of Voidodema
The Samaria Gorge National Park
Huge variety of scenery and views
Small groups (max.8-10 persons)