Descend through Europe's longest gorge — 16 kilometres of narrowing limestone walls from the White Mountains to the Libyan Sea on Crete's southwest coast.

Arrêts de ce circuit (10)

1. 1
   Xyloskalo Trailhead The wooden staircase at 1,230 metres marks the start of Europe's longest gorge walk. The one-way descent loses over 1,200 metres to the sea. A ferry from Agia Roumeli returns you to civilisation — check the last departure time before entering. The gorge is open May to October. Carry at least two litres of water. Sturdy footwear is essential for the rocky riverbed.
2. 2
   Xyloskalo Switchbacks The trail descends steep wooden steps and stone switchbacks through cypress and pine forest. The White Mountains — Lefka Ori — rise above, Crete's highest range at 2,453 metres. The views from the switchbacks encompass the Omalos Plateau and the surrounding peaks.
3. 3
   Chapel of Agios Nikolaos A tiny Byzantine chapel in a cypress grove marks the first rest stop. Crete has over 900 churches and chapels — many built in remote locations as acts of devotion or thanksgiving. The cypress trees here are over 500 years old, protected by the national park.
4. 4
   Neroutsiko Spring A natural spring provides clean, cold drinking water — the first of several water sources in the gorge. The gorge was a refuge during Ottoman occupation; Cretan rebels used the narrow canyon as a defensive stronghold. Practice Leave No Trace; pack out all waste.
5. 5
   Samaria Village Ruins The abandoned village of Samaria — evacuated in 1962 when the area became a national park. Stone houses and a church remain, slowly returning to the landscape. The village was inhabited for centuries; the gorge provided both protection and isolation.
6. 6
   Osia Maria Chapel The gorge is named for this chapel — "Sa Maria," contracted to Samaria. The Cretan kri-kri — a wild goat found only on Crete — was saved from extinction by the national park. Look for them on the cliff faces; they navigate vertical rock with casual grace.
7. 7
   The Gates (Sideroportes) The narrowest point of the gorge — the walls close to just four metres apart while rising 300 metres overhead. The Iron Gates are the most photographed feature of the gorge. The limestone walls have been polished smooth by millennia of winter floods.
8. 8
   Gorge Floor Traverse Beyond the Gates, the trail follows the dry riverbed through tumbled boulders. In winter, this is a raging torrent — the polished boulders and driftwood jammed high on the walls testify to the power of the water. In summer, it is dry stone and dust.
9. 9
   Old Agia Roumeli The ruins of old Agia Roumeli — a Turkish-era village at the gorge mouth. The trail passes through olive groves and flowering oleander. The Mediterranean climate returns — warm, dry, and fragrant. The sea is close now; its salt tang carries on the breeze.
10. 10
    Agia Roumeli Beach The gorge delivers you to the Libyan Sea. The village of Agia Roumeli exists solely because of the gorge — tavernas, pensions, and the ferry dock. Jump in the sea — you have earned it. The ferry to Chora Sfakion departs regularly; the evening boat passes the southern coast of Crete at sunset.

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