The Samaria Gorge hike in Crete and the Menalon Trail in the Peloponnese rank among Greece's most celebrated hiking trails. The Samaria Gorge, a spectacular 16-kilometer trek through one of Crete's most breathtaking gorges, features majestic cliffs and clear waters. Open from May to November, this Crete hike in the gorge is a top pick for adventurers seeking the best hiking experiences in Southern Greece.
Conversely, the Menalon Trail stretches 75 kilometers across the central Peloponnese, showcasing a variety of landscapes from towering mountains, canyons, valleys and charming villages. This trail is divided into eight segments, each varying in difficulty, and is certified by the European Hiking Confederation.
Beyond these trails, it’s important to know that Greece's largely mountainous terrain—comprising 80% of the country—offers a wealth of hiking opportunities. From the northern regions of Thessaly to the landscapes of the Peloponnese and the picturesque Cycladic islands, Greece caters to all levels of hiking proficiency.
Many of these trails remain off the beaten path, providing unique and tranquil hiking experiences far from the usual tourist tracks. In this article, we’ll provide an overview about the Samaria Gorge hike and the Menalon Trail, providing all the useful and not-so-well-known information about these two iconic trails.
Chapter 1: Greece’s Best Hiking Are Samaria Gorge Hike in Crete and the Menalon Trail
Europe's Second-largest Canyon: The Samaria Gorge Hike, Crete
The Samaria Gorge hike, a 16-kilometer (or 10-mile) trek in National park of Samaria, in the White Mountains in West Crete, typically requires five to seven hours to complete, so it’s a full-day hiking adventure that will make your legs burn. This Crete hike gorge begins at an impressive altitude of 1,230 meters (approximately 4,000 feet), predominantly descending to the coastal village of Agia Roumeli at sea level.
Despite the overall descent - which is the main challenge of the itinerary -, the total elevation change during the hike amounts to about 200 meters.
💡 Characterized as a medium-difficulty downhill hike, the most strenuous sections are found within the first 6 kilometers, where hikers face steep declines and challenging terrain.
Get through these first 6 kilometers, and everything will become easier. However, you should not underestimate the rest of the hike: you’ll need to walk through other two demanding sections of the Samaria Gorge hike - keeping in mind that you will experience the best views from halfway to the finish of the itinerary!
Xyloskalo (Start) to Agios Nikolaos (0-3km): Commencing at an altitude of 1,230 meters, this initial stretch offers breathtaking views of the White Mountains. However, hikers must navigate rocky and steep paths, making this a rigorous start to the journey. For the next 3 km, you will face a steep, rocky descent to Samaria Village.
Christos to Iron Gates (7-13km): As the trail meanders through dense forest and alongside the riverbed, it leads to the Iron Gates, the gorge's narrowest and most iconic section. Here, the canyon compresses to a mere three meters wide, flanked by towering cliffs—a visually striking but challenging portion of the hike.
Iron Gates to Agia Roumeli (13-16km): The final segment transitions from the gorge to the Libyan Sea. Although this part offers a flatter route, it traverses large rocks and lacks any shade from the sun, demanding careful preparation for sun exposure.
Navigating these sections requires attentive hiking, with necessary pauses for hydration and vigilance against potential hazards like falling rocks. The blend of physical challenge and scenic beauty is what makes the Samaria Gorge hike the most popular hiking trail in Crete.
Section of the Hike | Km Done | Approximate Time | Elevation Loss (m) | Elevation Loss (ft) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Xyloskalo (Start) to Agios Nikolaos | 0-3.8km | 1-1.5 hour | 580m | 1903ft |
Agios Nikolaos to Samaria Village | 3.8-7.5km | 1-2 hours | 310m | 1017ft |
Samaria Village to Christos | 7.5-11.1km | 1-2 hours | 170m | 558ft |
Christos to Iron Gates | 11.1-15.9km | 0.5-1 hour | 170m | 558ft |
Iron Gates to Agia Roumeli | 15.9-16km | 0.5 hours | 0m | 0ft |
We’ll talk about accessibility, fees, parking, best time to walk the Samaria Gorge Hike and more in Chapter 3.
The Menalon Trail: The First Certified Trail In Greece
The Menalon Trail is a well-marked hiking trail that stretches 75km through the Menalon mountains in Greece's Peloponnese region. It's the first trail in Greece to be certified by the European Ramblers Association, making it a top choice for hikers looking for an off-the-radar adventure.
Created by local volunteers, this trail takes you through the historical and scenic area of Arcadia, just a couple of hours away from Athens and its airports. It’s clearly marked and winds through beautiful spots like the Lousios Gorge, the slopes of Mt. Menalon, and across the Mylaon River valley and the Gortynian Mountains. While hiking, you'll explore ancient sites, find hidden monasteries, and see charming villages. You'll also get to enjoy traditional Greek food and culture along the way.
💡 Melanon trail might not be the first choice for beginner hikers, however if you’ve got enough fitness, you have several options to walk it safely, both joining guided group trips and hiring a personal certified local guide.
The trail is split into 8 sections and it usually takes about 5 days to complete. The Menalon trail might be tough for beginner hikers, but it's perfect for those with some hiking experience. The path includes different surfaces like cobblestones, gravel, dirt, and uneven stairs, and some parts are steep and narrow. Here’s how you might plan your hike depending on your fitness level:
Light Fitness (Beginner Hikers): If you’re new to hiking or not very active, consider tackling one stage per day. This pace makes the hike more manageable and enjoyable, stretching it over 8 days. You might want to add a couple of rest days, too, allowing you to fully enjoy and recover after each segment.
Medium fitness (Beginner/Intermediate hikers): If you exercise regularly but aren't used to long hikes, you could complete two stages each day. This means you would finish the trail in about 4-5 days. It’s a good balance between challenging yourself and taking time to appreciate the surroundings.
Intense Fitness (Advanced hikers): For those who are very fit and used to demanding hikes, trail running and those sort of high-intensity activities, aiming to complete the trail in 3 days by covering about three stages per day is feasible. This is a more intense pace, requiring stamina and robust physical condition.
Your Introduction To The Menalon Trail: 8 sections, 5 days, 75 km, 2800 meters of elevation
The Menalon Trail is a horseshoe-shaped path through the mountains in the heart of the Peloponnese, far enough from the usual tourist spots to feel both easy to reach and genuinely Greek. This area, rich in history that dates back to ancient Sparta, doesn't have the famous blue seas and white sands, nor the grand monuments of Athens. Instead, it offers rolling hills, charming cafes, old stone houses with views of dramatic valleys, and even goats wandering near your bed and breakfast.
💡 If you're familiar with the Camino de Santiago, think of the Menalon as a smaller version, offering a similar vibe with picturesque villages and cafes but without the crowds.
It's a place where you can stroll from town to town, meeting locals like taxi drivers who seem to know everything and offer rides for an extra tip. And there’s that old restaurant where the pastitsio recipe hasn't changed since the 1800s. The Menalon Trail takes you through what the locals call "the real Greece."
Speaking about difficulties, the trail has 8 stages - listed in the table below -, starting in the village of Stemnitsa and ending in Lagkadia. It travels through a total of nine villages. From Stemnitsa, you head into the dramatic Lousios gorge, where monasteries hang on the cliffs, all the way to Dimitsana. Surrounded by dense forests, the path takes you through Zygovisti and over the Bilani mountain pass to the secluded village of Elati.
💡 The estimated time for each section is based on the average completition time for intermediate hikers - if you’ve little experience or low fitness level, consider budgeting one day for each section.
Descending from Elati, you follow the peaceful Mylaon River, passing old watermills and a scenic stone bridge. The journey continues through quiet forests to a large monastery and a hidden hermitage before reaching Magouliana. Following the Potamia River, you arrive at Valtesiniko, a stunning village set like an amphitheater in the Gortynian Mountains. On the last day, the trail crosses open fields dotted with walnut trees, old threshing floors, and huts, finishing up in Lagkadia.
Chapter 2: Things To Know Before Hiking Samaria Gorge Hike and the Menalon Trail
Samaria Gorge Hike: Restrictions, Variations And More
When you can Walk the Samaria Gorge Hike?
The Samaria Gorge is open daily from May 1 to October 15. However, it may close during extreme weather conditions to ensure visitor safety. If you’re planning to hike the full hike, keep in mind this:
To complete the entire hike (Xyloskalo-Agia Roumeli or vice versa), you must enter the park before 1 pm.
Visitors are allowed to hike the full route between 7 am and 1 pm.
From 1 pm to 3 pm, entry from Xyloskalo is limited to just the first 2 kilometers.
From 1 pm to 4 pm, entry from Agia Roumeli also restricts visitors to only the first 2 kilometers up to the Christos resting point.
All visitors must exit the park by 6 pm at the latest.
The gorge remains closed on rainy days due to the risk of rock falls and is also closed during the winter when high water levels make the gorge dangerous and impassable. The park generally operates from daylight until evening, with access restricted after 2 pm to only the first quarter of the trail, requiring visitors to return to the starting point.
Restrictions, Fees and Bans
Traditionally, Samaria National Park opens to visitors in early May, with the possibility of earlier access from the lower section of the gorge by late April, weather and trail conditions permitting. The exact opening date can vary each year; it may open just before May 1st, on May 1st itself, or later if adverse weather conditions or delayed repair work from winter damage require it.
The park closes at the end of October, but may shut down earlier if autumn rains cause trail damage or cliff instability.
The gorge remains closed on rainy days due to the risk of rock falls. During winter, the gorge becomes dangerous and impassable due to high water levels. The park's operating hours are from daylight until evening, and entry is restricted after 14:00 to only the first quarter of the trail, requiring visitors to return to the starting point.
An entrance fee of €5.00 is charged, though admission is free for children and EU citizens over the age of 65. You can park your rental car at the designated parking lot.
To confirm if the gorge is open on a particular day, visitors can call +30 28210 67179.
💡 The gorge is best visited in spring and early summer, from its opening in May to the beginning of June, when the plants are in bloom, water still runs in the brook, and the midday sun has not climbed to its summer temperatures.
(Not) A good idea to be Early birds Beginning your hike early in the summer to avoid the heat might not be as effective as you think. The hike starts at an altitude of 1230m, where the temperature is generally quite cool, even in mid-summer. As you descend and approach noon, the heat intensifies, especially if you started early, since the sun will be directly overhead during the second part of the gorge.
What does that mean? By starting a bit later, you'll reach the lower sections of the gorge later in the day when the sun has moved past its zenith, allowing the cliffs to provide more shade and cooler conditions.
You don’t have to walk the entire gorge
Walking the entire Samaria Gorge isn't necessary. You can easily access the iconic "Iron Gates" section by taking the ANENDYK Ferries to Agia Roumeli from Sfakia. Ferries are also available from other southern ports, like Paleochora and Sougia. The trek from Agia Roumeli to the Iron Gates allows ample time for walking, taking photos, and even mingling with the friendly local goats—especially if you have snacks! After your hike, enjoy a delicious fish lunch and catch the afternoon ferry back to Sfakia.
From Chania, you can reach Sfakia by public bus, conveniently timed with the ferry schedule (KTEL Chania). Sfakia serves as a great base for further exploration. You can visit the spectacular South Coast beaches or drive up to mountain villages like Anopoli.
For a different experience, take a taxi boat to some pristine beaches, which are generally superior to the town beach in Sfakia. If you're there at the right time, don't miss the local festivals in Sfakia or Anopoli—they offer a truly unique cultural experience!
The Samaria Gorge Lite: A Variation
For those who wish to enjoy the beauty of the Samaria Gorge without the physical challenge, Agia Roumeli offers an easily accessible doorway. Visitors from Georgioupolis can drive down to take the morning ferry from Chora Sfakion or Sougia, and walk the easy, flat 3 km from Agia Roumeli village to the “exit” of the gorge along the paved road.
Entry is also permitted from this side, and in less than 4 km you can witness the gorge at its most beautiful: its Jurassic rock-face rippling like water in a pool; the narrow, towering sides rearing up over 100 m high and just 3 m wide at its narrowest point, known as “Portes”; the fathomless tenacity of flowering trees and shrubs clinging to its bare rock walls, and the series of picturesque bridges criss-crossing its river bed.
Crowds? No thanks!
The problem with Samaria is that it can be really crowded. The gorge of Samaria has become one of the 'musts' if you go to Crete and there could be over 2000 visitors a day on a very busy day (see visitors statistics here). If you have the bad luck to pick one of those days, the atmosphere will be really spoilt.
The first tourist buses arrive at around 7.30 am and from then on it is an uninterrupted stream of buses until about 10.30 or 11.00 am.
Starting at dawn (before the tourist coaches arrive) will give you a bit of a head start. Spend the night in Omalos where you can easily find good and cheap accommodation and you will not have any traveling time in the morning
You can also start walking after 11.30 or 12.00, there won't be many people but you will most probably need to spend the night in Agia Roumeli because the last boat out will have left when you get there.
Samaria is not always crowded. There may be up to 2000 or more people a day walking through the gorge of Samaria but on many days there are only a few hundreds. Keeping in mind that these people do not start at the same time and most of them walk in only in one direction (down) the number of people you will encounter is much lower and it is quite possible to have the gorge more or less to yourself if you choose your time well (see below 'When is the best time to walk through the gorge?' ).
As far as the times of the year are concerned, the best time is in the spring when the weather is still cool and the vegetation is at its best.
💡 The worst time to hike the Samaria Gorge is in the middle of the summer during a heat wave. Give it a miss and come again at a better time.
Know This Before Hiking The Melanon Trail
The main challenges of the Melanon Trail
The Menalon Trail is considered a moderately difficult hike that requires a good level of fitness and preparation, mostly for the following 5 reasons:
Challenging Terrain: The 75 km trail winds through tough landscapes, featuring cobblestones, gravel, dirt paths, uneven stairs, and steep inclines, demanding a good level of fitness from hikers.
Significant Elevation Changes: Prepare for a proper climb, as the trail ascends over 500 meters in some sections, testing your stamina and physical strength.
Trail Length: Spanning for dozens of kilometers, the Menalon Trail offers a five-day hiking adventure, a serious challenge particularly for beginners.
Remote Locations: As the trail cuts through secluded areas, facilities are sparse. Hikers need to be well-prepared and self-reliant to tackle what lies ahead.
Navigation Challenges: Despite clear markings, the trail’s diverse and remote terrain requires careful navigation, posing an extra challenge for those with limited hiking experience.
Signs and direction: well-marked, yet not to be underestimated!
The Menalon Trail is a public hiking route maintained by the local authorities, and markers are easy to spot with a distinctive “M” on them. However, there are a few things that might confuse you:
Similar Markings: Other trails in the area use similar square, colored blazes but they don't have the “M.” It's easy to accidentally follow the wrong markers if you're not paying attention.
Inaccurate Distances: Sometimes, the trail markers show distances to the next town or landmark that can be surprisingly off, either too long or too short, and sometimes even contradictory. These shouldn't cause you too much trouble. Don't worry about them—just keep an eye on the Menalon Trail markers.
Changing Colors: The color of the markers changes between sections. You might see red, green, or yellow sections. The reason isn't clear, but it adds a bit of variety to the hike. Just make sure to look for the “M” on the markers in any color.
We suggest using this website to get a complete overview about the itinerary - you’ll understand better the lenght and POI (Points Of Interest) of the Melanon Trail. Do your homework before you start the hike, and you’ll be fine!
Best season
The best time to hike the Menalon Trail is during the summer, especially from July to mid-September. The weather is warm, there’s hardly any snow, and the days are long—perfect for hiking. Summer also means you’ll see lots of green plants and enjoy comfortable temperatures, making your hike more enjoyable.
That being said, you can hike the Menalon Trail from January to November, so you have plenty of options for when to go, keeping in mind a huge difference in terms of temperatures and the amount of daylight hours available. You can start the trail on any day you choose during these months, depending on what works best for you.
During the summer season, it’s a good idea to start hiking early in the morning. This way, you get to use as much daylight as possible and have a safer, more enjoyable time exploring the beautiful Menalon mountains in Greece.
Camping and Accommodation options
While there are designated camping sites along the trail, hikers can also choose to stay in the villages and towns along the route, where there are various accommodation options available. Visit this website to get a full-overview about the accommodation options.
💡 Zygovisti, Nymfasia, Magouliana, and Elati are all very small places with no hotels. Valtesiniko is also quite small. If you need a place to stay and eat overnight in any of these areas, you can look on Airbnb to find a room to rent. Another option is to take a taxi to a larger town nearby.
Chapter 3: Best ways to travel to Samaria Gorge and Menalon Trail
How to get to Samaria Gorge Hike…
To reach the starting point of the Samaria Gorge hike, you have a few options:
By Bus from Chania: The easiest way to get to the Samaria Gorge is by bus from Chania. There are several buses each morning heading to Omalos, where the trail begins. Try to catch an early bus, like the 5:00 AM or 6:15 AM, so you can start hiking as soon as the gorge opens at 7:00 AM. You can buy your bus tickets online through the KTEL website. Make sure to get to the Chania bus station about 10 minutes early to catch your bus.
By Guided Hike Tour: Another way is to join a guided tour. This might cost a bit more, but it covers all your travel details. You'll have a professional guide who knows all about the gorge's history and nature. These tours usually include pick-up and drop-off at your hotel, making it very convenient.
By Ferry: If you're looking for a shorter, easier route, consider taking a ferry to Agia Roumeli, close to the southern end of the gorge. This is a good choice for those who might find a long hike challenging. From Agia Roumeli, it’s just a 1.5 km walk to the southern entrance of the gorge. Ferries leave from Sougia or Chora Sfakia, and you can buy tickets in advance.
These options give you flexibility to choose how you want to start your hike based on what fits best with your schedule and physical ability.
… but most importantly: how to get back to the starting point?
Due to the length of the trail and the strict visiting hours, completing a round trip from Xyloskalo to Samaria Gorge and back in one day isn’t feasible unless you're… running, literally. The only practical way to return to Xyloskalo the same day is by using public transport.
Imagine you decide spontaneously to visit the gorge. You might consider abandoning your plan due to the complexity: leaving your rental car at Xyloskalo, hiking down to Agia Roumeli, then catching a ferry to Sougia followed by a bus back to Xyloskalo could seem daunting. The concern about potentially missing the bus from Sougia or not finding available seats is understandable.
However, rest assured that the transport logistics are very well coordinated. Simply make sure to purchase your return bus ticket online or from the café at Xyloskalo; this will reserve your seat as they adjust the number of buses based on demand. Additionally, the buses are timed to wait for the ferry’s arrival at Sougia, ensuring a smooth and stress-free return.
Costs: What are the most affordable options?
To calculate the average cost for traveling to the starting point of the Samaria Gorge hike from Milan, we can consider the following expenses. Of course, if you’re traveling with a rental car, you’ll have to add an extra cost:
Description | Details | Cost (€) |
|---|---|---|
Flight from Milan to Chania, Crete | Round-trip flights | 350€ |
Transportation from Chania to Xyloskalo | Guided tour option | 35-50€ |
Public bus ticket | 5€ | |
Entrance Fee | Samaria National Park entry | 5€ |
Additional Costs | Food, water, and miscellaneous expenses | 20-30€ |
Guiding Fee | Personal guide for the hike | 600€ |
Total Estimated Cost (Guided Tour) | Including flights, transportation, entrance, additional costs, and guiding fee | 1,010-1,035€ |
Total Estimated Cost (Autonomous hikers) | Including flights, transportation, entrance, additional costs, and guiding fee | 410-435€ |
💡 If you’re looking forward to get rid of all the logistics hassles, and meet fellow hikers, you can still join a Mapo Tapo guided group trip for a convenient price of 1.150€ per person.
Most affordable way to hike the Menalon Trail
The starting point of the Melanon trail is 245 km from Athens International Airport, and just 110 km from Kalamata Airport. You can check flights to both airports and choose the best option for your hiking group, considering many low-cost airlines operates in those airports, with costs for a round-trip ticket ranging between €200 and €500.
💡 The Menalon Trail is only 200 km from the center of Athens, Greece's capital: if you’re planning to rent a car, you won't need much effort to drive there safely.
The average cost for traveling to the starting point of the Menalon Trail from Milan, Italy depends on several factors such as the mode of transportation, accommodation choices, and time of year. Here's a detailed breakdown of estimated costs for a person traveling from Milan:
Description | Details | Cost (€) |
|---|---|---|
Flights from Milan to Athens | Round-trip economy class from Milan Malpensa to Athens | 350€ |
Transportation from Athens Airport to Tripoli | Shuttle bus to KTEL Kifissou, then bus to Tripoli | 10€ |
Transportation from Tripoli to Stemnitsa | Taxi to Stemnitsa | 40€ |
Accommodation in Stemnitsa | Guesthouses/hostels per night | 20-30€ (assuming 60€ for mid-range option and a 7-day stay) |
Food and other expenses | Daily expenses in Greece | 30€/ day (approx. 210€ for a week) |
Guiding Fees | Guiding fees per person | 560-650€ |
Total Estimated Cost | Total for flights, transport, accommodation, guiding fees, and daily expenses | 1,290€ to 1,380€ |
Conclusions
The Samaria Gorge and Menalon Trail offer amazing hiking opportunities steeped in the beauty and history of Greece. The Samaria Gorge is perfect for those who want to see Crete’s dramatic cliffs and clear waters. The Menalon Trail takes you through diverse landscapes in the Peloponnese, from rugged mountains to charming villages, great for those who want a full Greek hiking experience.
Mapo Tapo helps hikers confidently explore these trails with dependable gear that make the journey better. Their products are designed to help hikers really enjoy the stunning scenery and rich history of these paths. Every step with Mapo Tapo’s gear helps make your hike a memorable adventure. Whether hiking alone or with friends, Mapo Tapo’s innovative and quality products are great companions for discovering the true Greece, one trail at a time.
