Samaria Gorge Excursion

Samaria Gorge in Crete is a spectacular natural wonder that attracts visitors from all over the world. Here are some excursion highlights that you might enjoy:

Hiking the gorge: The main attraction of Samaria Gorge is the hike through the canyon, which is about 16 km long and takes about 4-6 hours to complete. The hike is challenging but rewarding, with stunning views of the rugged landscape and the chance to spot wildlife such as the rare Kri-Kri goat.
The village of Omalos: The starting point of the hike is the mountain village of Omalos, which is worth exploring on its own. The village is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery and has a few taverns where you can enjoy a traditional Cretan meal.
The Iron Gates: This narrow section of the gorge is the most dramatic and impressive part of the hike, with towering cliffs on either side and the river rushing through the narrow channel.
The abandoned village of Samaria: About halfway through the hike, you’ll come across the abandoned village of Samaria, which was abandoned in the 1960s due to its remote location. You can explore the old houses and learn about the history of the village.
The beach of Agia Roumeli: At the end of the hike, you’ll reach the coastal village of Agia Roumeli, where you can cool off with a swim in the sea or enjoy a drink at one of the beachfront bars. From here, you can take a ferry back to Chania or Sougia.
The flora and fauna: Samaria Gorge is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including the rare Cretan Wildcat, the Griffon vulture, and the Cretan Ibex. Take some time to appreciate the natural beauty and diversity of the gorge.
No visit, no vacation to Crete is complete without crossing the Samaria Gorge. Samaria Gorge was acknowledged in 2010 as one of the wildest, most virgin and unique natural parks in the world and was included in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) of UNESCO.

Come with us to explore Samaria Gorge. This excursion is one of the longest but also one of the most beautiful.

Our adventure starts very early in the morning and our first stop is in Skaleta for breakfast.

Then we move to Omalos Plateau. There the walk starts from Xiloskalo, where we enter this vast canyon of 18 klm.

We usually need 6-7 hours to cross the gorge. The path follows the route of the ancient river Taras. On the way, we can see the caves that formed a natural shelter for the Cretans in war times and now they are natural habitat of the well-known wild goats or kri-kri. Halfway we come across the village of Santa Maria, which is currently abandoned. Three kilometers prior to our exiting this gorge, we reach the Iron Gates (Sideroportes), the narrowest spot of the route, just a few meters wide but 300 meters high.

A bit later we arrive in the small fishing village of Agia Roumeli, where we have quite a long time to lunch and to get a refreshing swim before boarding the slip that leads us back along the coast to Sfakia. There our coaches wait us to get us back to hotels.

Included
Professional and Multilingual speaking guide.
Transfers with air-conditioned luxurious buses.
Free pick up service from any place between Malia – Agia Pelagia.

Excluded
Tips and Individual expenses.
Entrance to the Samaria Gorge.
Boat ticket to Agia Roumeli – Sfakia (adult, child).

Matala Hippie Beach

Our journey begins in the morning, as we depart from Heraklion and start our scenic drive along the southern coast of the island. Our comfortable air-conditioned bus will take us through breathtaking landscapes, traditional villages, and stunning coastal vistas.

As we arrive in Matala, you will be amazed by the stunning natural beauty of this small village. Here we will enjoy the crystal waters, the warm sun and lunch by the sea, while later we can explore the prehistoric caves, carved on the steep rocks of the area.

Situated in a secluded bay, Matala is renowned for its incredible beaches, crystal clear waters, and towering cliffs that provide a dramatic backdrop to the village. It is also famous for its unique history, as it was once a heaven for hippies in the 1960s and 70s, who were drawn to the bohemian atmosphere, natural beauty, and relaxed lifestyle of the village. This is the place where Zeus, having taken the form of a bull, swam ashore with Europa on his back before dragging her off to Gortys. Both the Minoans and the Romans used this place as their harbor. Nevertheless, for most people, Matala means only one thing: hippies. Back in the late 1960s – 1970s, this little town was a colony of the “flower children”, who lived in the caves that used to be former Roman tombs.

We stop at the world-famous beach of Matala, where you can swim, relax on the golden sand, or explore the impressive caves that were once home to the hippies. You can also visit the ancient Roman ruins that are scattered along the beach, including the remains of an amphitheater and a Roman bath.

After enjoying the beauty of Matala beach, we will take a stroll through the charming streets of the village. You will be captivated by the traditional architecture, the colorful houses, and the lively atmosphere of the village. You can explore the local shops, taste the delicious local cuisine, or simply soak up the relaxed vibe of the village.

As the day comes to a close, we will make our way back to Heraklion, reflecting on the unforgettable experiences of the day. Our bus excursion to Matala will leave you with a sense of awe at the natural beauty and rich history of Crete, and memories that will last a lifetime.

Included
Professional and Multilingual speaking guide.
Transfers with air-conditioned luxurious buses.
Free pick up service from any place between Sissi – Ammoudara

Excluded
Tips and Individual expenses.
Matala Caves

Knossos Palace, Lasithi Plateau

Venture to the stunning Lasithi plateau, nestled in the heart of the island, where you will marvel at the breathtaking scenery and traditional Cretan villages. Explore the famous Dikteon Cave, the birthplace of Zeus, and discover the myths and legends of ancient Greece. Continue your journey at the mythical Palace of Knossos, where you will walk through the ruins of the Minoan civilization and learn about its rich history. With knowledgeable guides, comfortable transportation, and unforgettable sights, this excursion is a must-do for any traveler visiting Crete.

Our first stop is at the historical monastery of Kera Kardiotissa, inhabited and run by nuns. Here you can admire the miraculous icon of Virgin Mary, plenty of frescoes and a variety of other icons, dating back to the 14th century.

Then we head to Lasithi Plateau, which is situated 850 m. higher than the sea level. It is surrounded by the Dikti Mountains and 18 quaint villages, which still retain the atmosphere of another era. You can admire the remaining famous windmills and the Venetian ditches, the drainage system of the Plateau.

The next stop will be the village of Psychro. You can visit the Dicteon Cave with the fantastic stalactites and stalagmites, where according to the myth God Zeus was born. Psychro is also well known for its handmade ceramics and the workshop there will leave you with the best impressions after your visit.

Tzermiado, the capital of the villages on the plateau, will amaze you with its natural beauty, its traditional architecture and its breathtaking views. Here you can relax and enjoy your lunch in one of the local taverns.

Our last stop will be the palace of Knossos, the capital of the Minoan state, which was the first European civilization. Here you will have a guided tour and you will learn about King Minos, the Minotaur, the Labyrinth and other interesting mythologies. A must for Crete, one of the most amazing sights on the island!

Included
Professional and Multilingual speaking guide.
Transfers with air-conditioned luxurious buses.
Free pick up service from any place between Agia Pelagia – Malia
Whispers

Excluded
Tips and Individual expenses.
Entrance to Cave of Zeus
Entrance to Knossos (person)(reductions available)
Entrance to Kera Monastery

Heraklion City Tour, Market & CretAquarium

A different excursion for those who want to experience the island’s everyday life!

We start with the CretAquarium. Here you are going to admire various marine species, from small fish and clams to big sharks and tuna, all of which are indigenous of the Mediterranean. After our tour, we can enjoy our coffee in the café of the building before we go to Heraklion.

After our visit in CretAquarium, we will visit the biggest open-air Market in Pateles where dozens of peddlers offer their merchandise in very good prices.

We continue with our stop at the Liberty Square in the center of Heraklion. From there, you have the opportunity to visit the capital town of Crete. The Byzantium, the Ottoman Empire, the Venetian Rule have all left their marks on Heraklion. You can admire the imposing fortress of Koules at the harbor, the Venetian Walls that surround the old city, you can sit at one of the many restaurants or coffee shops in the Lions’ Square to enjoy your coffee or your lunch or if you wish to, you will be able to visit one of the many city museums, the Municipal Library and the Art Gallery or one of the numerous byzantine churches.

After this stop, we go back to our hotels.

Included
Professional and Multilingual speaking guide.
Transfers with air-conditioned luxurious buses.
Free pick up service from any place between Fodele – Sissi.

Excluded
Tips and Individual expenses.
Entrance to CretAquarium (adult / child 5-17 years old)

Knossos Palace, Heraklion City Tour

The most famous landmark of Crete, Knossos, is the absolute “must” for everybody who decides to spend his or her vacation on our beautiful island. On one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Greece, we find the center of one of the most powerful civilizations of the ancient world and through the excavations, the legends and the history of the place we learn about its settlers: the Minoan people, the rulers of the Mediterranean. With its small palace, the room of murals, the royal tombs and the royal mansion, Knossos is probably the most significant token of a civilization that left such marks in history that can never be erased. The intricate structure of the palace corridors gave it the name Labyrinth, where, according to the myth, the legendary Minotaur used to live. The marvelous architectural plan, the use of rare and luxurious materials, the advanced techniques of construction and drainage system and the massive size of the palace of Knossos make it, even today, the most amazing sight on Crete.

After our visit to Knossos Palace, we are going towards Patsides to visit the Minoan Farm, a place where you have the opportunity to try their products and wander their estate fully planted with Cretan herbs.

We return to the city for a stroll in the center of Heraklion, accompanied by our guide. Then, you will enjoy free time in the capital of Crete for shopping in its modern stores, enjoying your coffee or lunch in one of its many restaurants, visiting the Archaeological Museum or just exploring its superb medieval buildings.

Included
Professional and Multilingual speaking guide.
Transfers with air-conditioned luxurious buses.
Free pick up service from any place between Sissi – Ammoudara
Whispers

Excluded
Tips and Individual expenses.
Entrance to Knossos (/person)(reductions available)