The ticket to be issued is mandatory for your entry into the National Park of Samaria.
The ticket constitutes resources of NECCA, as well as of the adjacent Municipalities, according to article 5 of the Joint Ministerial Decision no. ΥΠΕΝ/ΔΔΦΠΒ/6396/146 (Government Gazette, issue Β’ 392/06.02.2025).
With the ticket, you contribute significantly to the implementation of basic works in the Gorge of Samaria, such as the cleaning-maintenance of the main path, the maintenance & improvement of infrastructure, and the supervision of the area along the main path.
" }, "ribbon": { "TICKET_DETAILS": "Ticket details", "ORDER": "Order & Payment", "ISSUE": "Issue your ticket" }, "ticketSelect": { "TICKET_TYPE": "Ticket Category", "DISCOUNT": "Category", "PRICE_PER_DAY": "Price" }, "ticketCategory": { "INDIVIDUAL": "Individual", "GROUP": "Group over 10 people (for each member)", "FAMILY": "Family (for each adult and child)", "INDIVIDUAL_ANNUAL": "Annual pass (individual)", "FREE": "Free pass (restrictions apply)", "ADD_MEMBER_BUTTON": "Add member", "REMOVE_MEMBER_BUTTON": "Remove member", "AT_LEAST": "At least", "MIN_VISITORS_REQUIREMENT": "members are required for this ticket category." }, "discountProof": { "TITLE": "Proof required", "CONFIRM": "I understand that I will be asked to present the documents above when entering the park or throughout my visit, to validate my eligibility for any free ticket category.", "_01_Under_18": "Police ID or passport", "_02_Over_65": "Police ID or passport", "_04_Large_Family": "upon presentation of the relevant official documents", "_05_University_Student": "Student ID", "_06_Teachers": "upon submission/sending of a participants list", "_07_Disabled": "upon presentation of their police ID or passport and the Disability Certification by EFKA (decision from the Disability Certification Center - KEPA) or an equivalent certificate from the appropriate foreign authority.
NOTE:
Currently, there are no infrastructures within the Samaria National Park that support accessibility for people with disabilities.
Hiking is allowed only along the main path, which has a length of approximately 13 km. The distance from the southern entrance until the village of Agia Roumeli is approximately another 2 km. An average walk takes ~ 6 - 7 hours, since you will need to make several stops. There are some resting points inside the Gorge of Samaria where you can stop for a while, rest and enjoy the scenery.
Vehicles cannot access the gorge. Only hikers and the working animals used from the personnel of the park can walk along the main path. The route follows the slope of the terrain , starting from an altitude of 1227m (at Xyloskalo) and ending at an altitude of 0m ( at Agia Roumeli). In the first 7 kilometers, the path crosses a forest. After the old settlement of Samaria (7th km) the route follows the riverbed and the path is mainly rocky. At some points, you may need to cross the river, either through small wooden bridges or by stepping on stones placed in such a way to form a passage across the river.
Hiking only along the main path, apart from the visitors’ safety / protection, is a measure to protect the gorge’s important species and their habitats. Therefore, within the park the facilities / infrastructures are basic, e.g. cleaning - maintenance of the path, WC facilities, waste collection & transfer, and supervision of the area along the main path.
Visitors assume full personal responsibility for their safety upon entering and while remaining within the boundaries of the National Park, accepting the inherent risks, especially in cases of emergency or unforeseen incidents. They are required to take any measures they deem necessary for their safety, such as, for example, wearing appropriate footwear, maintaining safe distances, etc.
", "SUBTITLE2": "Operation period & hours period", "DESCRIPTION2": "According to the Rules and Regulation of the National Park of Samaria, the main path of the gorge may remain accessible to visitors from April 10th to October 31st every year.
However, the exact date of the opening of the central path as a visiting place is determined each year based on a decision of the competent body of NECCA, which confirms the completion of the required annual maintenance works of the path and other infrastructure related to visitation, as well as that the conditions for the orderly operation of the gorge as a visiting are met.
Entrance to the National Park is permitted for visitors only from the positions \"Xyloskalo\" and \"Agia Roumeli\".
The visiting hours of the National Park are as follows:
a. 07:00-13:00, for visitors who will cross the entire route (Xyloskalo-Agia Roumeli or Agia Roumeli-Xyloscalo) or a part of it.
b. 13:00 - 15:00, only for visitors who will move exclusively in the first two (2) kilometers from the northern entrance and specifically in the route \"Xyloskalo - rest area Neroutsiko\"
c. 13:00 - 16:00, only for visitors who will move exclusively in the first two (2) kilometers from the southern entrance and specifically in the route \"Agia Roumeli - rest area “Christos\".
d. in any case the visitors must exit the National Park by 18:00 at the latest.
", "SUBTITLE3": "Unplanned closing of the park", "DESCRIPTION3": "Before starting your trip to Samaria, it is important to check for announcements referring to unplanned /unexpected closing of the park. There will be some days when the urgent regulation of the visitors movement in the Gorge of Samaria (prohibition or restriction) will be necessary.
The decision about visitors movement regulation is taken usually the previous day (in the afternoon). However, due to extremely urgent circumstances, such a decision could also be taken on the same day.
In particular, according to the Rules and Regulations of the National Park, the period and visiting hours may be further limited by decision of the competent body of NECCA and/or the relevant civil protection services, for reasons related to the protection of ecosystems, flora, fauna and other protected elements of the National Park, the safety of visitors, temples and infrastructure, as well as for any other reason deemed appropriate by the above services, in the context of their jurisdiction.
", "DESCRIPTION4": " For information, please check the website:
https://samaria-tickets.necca.gov.gr/checkout
Facebook:
https://el-gr.facebook.com/samaria.gr/
Outposts at the Gorge of Samaria:
Tel.: +30 28237 70046, +30 28250 91254 ( every day from 7:00 - 16:00)
NECCA offices at Chania
Tel.: +30 28210 45570 (Monday - Friday, 08:00-16:00)
Only the main path in the gorge of Samaria is accessible to visitors. However, you can choose to enter the gorge from the northern entrance (Xyloskalo Omalou) or from the southern entrance (Agia Roumeli). You can also choose to do the whole route or just a part of it. In any case, you should estimate the time you have at your disposal, in order to exit the gorge in time and by any means before 18:00.
", "SUBTITLE6": "Most popular route", "DESCRIPTION6": "Hiking the entire ~15 km route, starting from Xyloskalo and ending at Agia Roumeli.
", "SUBTITLE7": "Alternative routes", "DESCRIPTION7": " Hiking the entire ~15 km route, starting from Agia Roumeli and ending at Xyloskalo.
You may choose to cross the gorge of Samaria starting from Agia Roumeli and ending at Xyloskalo. Agia Roumeli is accessible only by boat. In this case, it is recommended to have stayed overnight to Agia Roumeli and start your walk early in the morning. In addition, you must keep in mind that the last kilometers of the walk will be more difficult, as you will hike on a quite steep path.
Short hiking
If you do not wish to do the whole ~15 km route, you can enter the gorge either from Agia Roumeli or from Xyloskalo and hike for a few kilometers on the main path and then return to the same point of entrance. The most famous view in the gorge of Samaria, \"Portes\"are located about 1.5 km from the outpost of Agia Roumeli.
You can enter the gorge of Samaria through two entrances - one to the north (called \"Xyloskalo\"), which is located at the plateau of Omalos and one to the south - near the seaside settlement of Agia Roumeli. Xyloskalo (Omalos) is accessible by car, but Agia Roumeli is only accessible by boat.
ATTENTION: You should also keep in mind that the gorge of Samaria may be open, but some days due to strong winds, there might be a relevant ban and the boats might not be allowed to depart from / travel to Agia Roumeli. Please check the shipping company's timetables in advance.
", "SUBTITLE9": "Arriving at the starting point at Xyloskalo Omalou", "DESCRIPTION9": " Using the public transfer services
“Xyloskalo-Omalos“ is accessed by the public bus which starts from the central bus station in Chania (KTEL) and ends to “Omalos“. The route lasts ~ 60 minutes.
Visiting the Gorge with a tour organized by a tourist agency
If you do not wish to use the public bus you can look for a professional who organizes trips to the gorge of Samaria. There are many tourist agencies that organize tours to Samaria. You can either search the web, or find one while walking in the city of Chania (or at the place you stay in Crete), or perhaps you could ask for information at the hotel you are staying.
Reaching the Gorge of Samaria by your own car
You can reach Xyloskalo (Omalos) by your car. In order to return the same day to Omalos to take it back, you must take the boat from Agia Roumeli to Sougia. From Sougia, there is a public bus (KTEL bus) that returns to Omalos. In the case you choose to leave your car at Xyloskalo, you should also be aware that there might be an additional charge, from the local company that manages the parking lot.
If you choose to enter the gorge of Samaria from “Agia Roumeli”, you must have reached the village by boat. You can take the boat to Agia Roumeli either from \"Chora Sfakion\", or from \"Sougia\", or from \"Paleochora\". These villages are accessible by road, so you can get there either by your own car, or using public transport (KTEL), or through a tourist agency or by taxi.", "SUBTITLE11": "Information on timetables & ticket prices", "DESCRIPTION11": "
Please contact the relevant companies for information on timetables and ticket prices. Some links are available in the \"Useful Links\"section.
The Management Unit of the Samaria National Park & the Protected Areas of Western Crete is not responsible for any changes in the routes or prices of the transfer services. ",
"SUBTITLE12": "Frequently asked questions",
"DESCRIPTION12": "
Which period is the Gorge open to the public?
Please see section “Operation period & hours period”.
Could the Gorge close one day unexpectedly?
Please see section “Unplanned closing of the park”.
Until which hour of the day can I enter the Gorge?
Please see section “Operation period & hours period”.
How can I get to the Gorge of Samaria?
Please see section “How to access”.
Can children walk through the Gorge?
There is no specific age rule for the entrance to the Gorge. However, you must keep in mind that the path is long (15 km) and quite steep (rocks at the most part of the path), so we wouldn’t recommend taking small children with you. If you decide, nonetheless, to take your children with you, you must be sure that they can hike the whole route. In any case, you should not leave the children unattended. Entry and stay in the National Park to minors is only allowed with the presence of an adult companion, who is responsible for their safety and supervision during their visit.
Can I take my dog to the Gorge?
According to the Rules and Regulations of the National Park you can take your dog with you, only if it is on lease, since the free movement of any animals accompanying visitors is prohibited.
NECCA- Management Unit of the Samaria National Park & the Protected Areas of Western Crete offices:
tel.: +30 28210 45570
e-mail: mdpp.samaria@necca.gov.gr
Forest Outpost at Xiloskalo: +30 28237 70046
Forest Outpost at Agia Roumeli: +30 28250 91254
Public Bus Service « KTEL Chania - Rethimnon» :
https://www.e-ktel.com/en/
Shipping Company « ANENDYK »:
https://anendyk.gr/
The gorge of Samaria is undoubtedly an area of unique natural beauty that constitutes it a very popular tourist destination. However, its beauty also hides dangers. As a natural environment, like all national parks and mountain trails, it can become unpredictable. Our safety , as well as the area’s protection, require particular caution.
Please read carefully the following information.
The visitors of the National Park of Samaria should not only respect and protect the natural environment but also comply with the legal rules and regulations, upon entering, remaining and leaving the Gorge.
Visitors, should, also, be aware that they assume unconditional personal responsibility for their own safety upon entering and remaining within territorial boundaries of the Gorge of Samaria, acknowledging and accepting all the inherent risks, particularly in cases of emergencies and unforeseen circumstances. They are obliged to undertake all the necessary measures, they deem appropriate to ensure their personal safety, including but not indicative, the use of suitable footwear or relevant protective equipment, compliance with safety distances and any other relevant safety measure.
", "SUBTITLE2": "Prohibitions", "DESCRIPTION2": "According to the Rules & Regulations of the National Park (Government Gazette issue B/ no 5266/2024), inside the Gorge of Samaria the following are prohibited:
For the protection of the National Park, the management of forest fires. as well as to control the entry, stay and exit of visitors, stable cameras may be placed by the competent authorities at any point of the National Park deemed appropriate.
Currently, stable cameras have been competently installed at “Xyloskalo” location outside the forest outpost. Also, stable cameras have been competently placed for fire protection reasons at the following points within the boundaries of the National Park or in the adjacent area: Pyrgos, Poria, Pachnes, Kalergi, Xyloskalo.
Also, the competent services retain the right to handle Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and to install fixed cameras within the National Park, when this is deemed necessary for the fulfillment of their tasks and purposes.
The management of the collected data based on the above methods (via stable camera or UAV) is conducted in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR), Directive 2016/680/EU and the relevant national harmonization legislation as well as the Presidential Decree75/2020.
It is reminded that, based on the OperatingRules and Regulation of the National Park of Samaria, the take-off, handling and landing of any type of UAV, by visitors except those who have received a special permit from the competent authorities, is prohibited.
", "SUBTITLE4": "Accessibility for People with Disabilities", "DESCRIPTION4": "At present, there is no infrastructure within the Gorge of Samaria that supports accessibility for people with disabilities.
", "SUBTITLE5": "Before planning / starting your excursion", "DESCRIPTION5": " Physical fitness / proper equipment
There is no minimum or maximum age limit for entering the Samaria Gorge. You should plan your visit, carefully taking into account your physical condition, the length and the terrain of the route. You need to be very careful, especially if you have health problems. Please make sure to take along any medication that you will might need. Also, to avoid accidents and heatstroke, it is strongly recommended to wear shoes suitable for mountain hiking, as well as to have the necessary sun protection means.
During your stay in the National Park, you should, also, use any other auxiliary equipment for hiking or means of personal protection that you consider necessary (e.g. walking stick, protective helmet, etc.).
", "SUBTITLE6": "While hiking in the gorge", "DESCRIPTION6": " 1. Warning signs
Along the path at some places there are protective infrastructures for falling stones or warning signs that indicate the risk of falling stones. Please avoid stopping at those areas with warning signage and try to walk away from there as soon as possible.
2. Smoking
It is strongly recommended to avoid smoking in the gorge. In any case, smoking is allowed only at areas with clear and legible signage.
3. Instructions / suggestions
You are kindly requested to comply with any emergency regulations prohibiting entry and stay within the National Park, and in any case with the recommendations of the staff working in the Gorge of Samaria.
4. Identification documents
During their stay in the Park, visitors are required to carry identification documentation and to show their ticket when requested.
Meteorological stations of Samaria National Park:
Weather station of Samaria Gorge
" }, "ticketCategoriesModal": { "TITLE": "Ticket categories - Exemptions", "SUBTITLE1": "Ticket categories", "DESCRIPTION1": "According to the Joint Ministerial Decision no. ΥΠΕΝ/ΔΔΦΠΒ/6396/146 (Government Gazette, issue Β’ 392/06.02.2025) the following types of tickets are available: ", "CATEGORY_HEADERS_TABLE": [ "Ticket category", "Ticket price (€)", "Clarification/Proof method" ], "CATEGORY_OPTIONS_TABLE": [ { "cells": ["Individual", "10,00", ""] }, { "cells": [ "Group > 10 people (for each team member)", "8,00", "it refers exclusively to the organized group excursions of more than 11 people from clubs or associations, which have a founding statute, such as e.g. mountaineering, cultural or sports clubs, body of Greek scouts, etc.
Proof method:
with previous submission of list of participants & of the relevant constitution documentation of the association/club " ] }, { "cells": [ "Family (for each adult and child) ", "6,00", "The ticket price is € 6,00 / person for each family member (parents & minor children), as long as they are not included in any of the groups which are excluded from the payment of a fee. See the section \"Exemptions to ticket payment\"below" ] }, { "cells": [ "Annual individual", "25,00", "upon presentation of their ID or passport" ] }, { "cells": [ "Free pass", "0,00", "See the section \"Exemptions to ticket payment\"below" ] } ], "NOTICE1": "NOTE :
(1) Regarding the categories \"Group > 10 people (for each team member)\", it is clarified that it will not be possible to use simultaneously the right to exemption from the payment of a ticket that may have one of the individuals of the group participating in the excursion.
(2) The entrance fee is the same regardless if you wish to hike the whole route or only for a few kilometers.
", "FREE_DAY": "Days of free visitYou may obtain your ticket with the following ways:
On - line
From this web site.
At the entrance of the Gorge of Samaria
You can buy your ticket from the two entrances of the gorge (Xyloskalo Omalou & Agia Roumeli), upon your arrival there.