Samariá Gorge National Park, National park and biosphere reserve in Crete, Greece
Samariá Gorge National Park is a canyon and biosphere reserve in Crete that descends through limestone mountains toward the sea. The landscape features steep rock walls, natural pools, and a winding trail that traverses the full length of the protected area.
A village occupied the gorge until 1962, when the government established this protected area and relocated the residents. This transformation shifted the region from a lived-in landscape to a place dedicated to environmental conservation.
The gorge takes its name from a Byzantine church dedicated to Ossia Maria, which you can still see among the old village remains. This sacred site has shaped how local communities relate to the landscape for generations.
Access is seasonal and requires a full day of hiking on marked trails that demand physical stamina and careful footing. Arrive early, bring plenty of water, and wear sturdy boots, as the paths are uneven and sometimes slippery in sections.
The narrowest section, called the Gates, measures only meters wide while the rock walls tower hundreds of meters overhead. Walking through this passage feels like passing through a natural doorway carved by water and time.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
