Who they are

Trekking Hellas is a Greek active-tourism group that, according to its website, adds up to forty years of nature outings in Greece and abroad. Today it brings together 24 companies across the country and a team of more than 150 people, plus trained guides and local suppliers. It organises hiking, rafting, canyoning, via ferrata, sea kayaking, sailing, cycling, 4x4 and horseback routes, and multi-day trips, in four formats: fixed-date departures, guided day trips, self-guided and semi-guided trips. It says it supports local communities, visits well-known destinations out of season and organises summer camps so children learn to look after the environment. Crete is one of its roughly 35 destinations.

The Samaria Gorge

In Crete, its best-known trip is the guided descent of Samaria from Chania. It is 16 km along the European E4 path, from Omalos, at 1,230 metres, to Agia Roumeli, by the sea: about 1,200 metres of continuous descent, five to seven hours on foot over stony ground, with half the route in the sun. The company classifies it at its level 3, very demanding for endurance and distance. The full day lasts 12 to 14 hours, from May to October.

On the group trip, pick-up is between 5:30 and 6:30 at fixed points in Chania; at 7:15 you arrive at Xyloskalo for the briefing and at 7:30 you enter the gorge. Around 14:30 you reach Agia Roumeli, at 17:30 you take the ferry along the coast and around 20:30 you return to Chania. The exact point and time are confirmed the day before by message or WhatsApp.

Price, what is included and requirements

In a group it costs €99 per person, with a minimum of 14 participants, on Wednesdays. Privately, with pick-up from your accommodation and your own pace, it ranges from €133 per person for eight to €314 for two or three. It includes transport, park entry (€5), an English-speaking group leader, a snack and one and a half litres of water, poles if you ask, public liability insurance and taxes. It does not include the ferry (€13 to €15), lunch or travel insurance.

The minimum age is 12, with previous mountain experience, good fitness and no vertigo; they do not recommend it with knee or heart problems or during pregnancy. Mountain boots are compulsory: sandals are not allowed. Bring your reusable bottle, cap, sun protection, swimwear and a towel for the end on the beach.

If the park closes

When the park closes because of extreme heat, heavy rain or fire risk, they offer another gorge, such as Agia Irini, or change the date or refund depending on the case. Once the activity has begun, transport and guide are considered provided. The website does not publish a general cancellation policy: ask for it when you book, at [email protected] or on +30 210 3310323. Trips are in English.

What they run

The Geocalia activities run by Trekking Hellas, with the prices and terms they publish.

Independent companies: you book with them, on their terms. Prices are as they publish them and may change.

Trekking Hellas

Who they are

The Samaria Gorge

Price, what is included and requirements

If the park closes

What they run

Practical details

Features in these plans