The 9 Crete Hiking Tours That Earn Their Price

1.From Chania/Rethymno: Samariá Gorge Guided Hike with Pickup

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,010 reviews · 1 day · from $37Our pick

You’ll hike about 16 kilometers through Samaria Gorge with an English-speaking guide, descend from Omalos past springs and the Iron Gates, then swim at Agia Roumeli before taking the ferry to Sougia. Guides such as Ingrid, Nikos, and Silvia help with timing, safety, and transport.

“All round great trip. Third visit. Highly recommend this company and the Samaria Gorge in General!”

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2.From Rethymno/Chania: Imbros Gorge Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 353 reviews · 8 hours · from $30Best value

Walk 8 to 9 km downhill through Imbros Gorge, passing narrow rock walls and old landmarks, with a guide nearby but room to set your own pace. Afterward, enjoy free time in Sfakia for lunch, swimming, or a walk to the Venetian fortress. Pickup and return are included.

“Absolutely perfect day! The hike was pleasant walk down the gorge with plenty of shade and gorge(ous) scenery followed by a refreshing swim in the sea in a quaint little seaside village. Everything was planned perfectly and we enjoyed every second :)”

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3.Samaria Gorge Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 201 reviews · 17 hours · from $56

Spend 17 hours hiking Samaria Gorge with a multilingual guide, following the Taras River through the White Mountains to the Iron Gates. You’ll have time for a swim at Agia Roumeli, then take a ferry to Sfakia before the coach returns you to Crete’s north coast.

“The trip in Samaria Gorge was amazing. All these views were so beautiful. The road in Gorge was hard and legs hurt badly in the end, but it was worth it. I'm glad that i took this trip.”

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4.Samaria Gorge Hiking with transfer and expert Escort

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 125 reviews · 12 - 16 hours · from $47

Walk from the Omalos Plateau through Samaria Gorge with a first-aid-trained guide such as Nikos, Claudia, Ingrid, or Marcos. After 4 to 6 hours on rocky downhill trails, rest at Agia Roumeli, swim in the Libyan Sea, then take a boat to Hora Sfakion before your bus ride home.

“Meet new friends from not only my Hostel but also from US. What a great hike. Ingrid was an excellent guide!!!”

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5.From Georgioupoli: Easy Hiking Day-Trip to Imbros Gorge

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 100 reviews · 8 hours · from $34

Travel from Georgioupolis through the Askifou Mountains to Imbros Gorge, then walk toward Komitades before relaxing by Frangokastello Castle. Guide Alexandra leads in English or German, with time for a swim and lunch beside the Libyan Sea.

“Imposante Schlucht, allerdings ist leicht für die Wanderung etwas untertrieben. Schönes Meer in Frangokastello. Tolle Guides und Busfahrer.”

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6.Samariá Gorge Guided Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 15 reviews · 1 day · from $32

Walk 16 kilometers through Samariá Gorge with an English-speaking guide, passing springs, forests, Kri-Kri habitat, and the Iron Gates. Guides such as Ingrid and Nikos have earned strong praise for clear explanations. Finish with a swim at Agia Roumeli and a ferry to Sougia.

“Très bonne organisation du départ en Bus, pause pour déjeuner, prise de billets (prévoir du liquide pour le bateau, l'appoint de préférence) et retour. La guide pour ces étapes et ses explications dans le bus était attentionnée à ce que chacun la comprenne dans son anglais. Le site et la rando elle même sont superbes ! Fait à la route fin de saison, nous étions 200-300 sur le site : parfait ! Température de 1° au départ à 25° (ce qui a rendu très agréable le bain de mat à l'arrivée)”

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7.Kavousi Canyon Guided Hike & Beach Swim

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 13 reviews · 7 hours · from $93

Join guide Giorgos for a seven-hour small-group or private outing from Crete’s resort areas. Hike three hours through the Thrypti Mountains, see Azorias and Kavousi’s ancient olive tree, then swim at Tholos Beach. Expect mountain views, local snacks, and a moderately easy route.

“Our guide Giorgos was very nice and very knowledgeable! An amazingly beautiful hike through canyons and the adorable village of Kavousi were so awesome. Tholos beach was the perfect way to cool off after the hike! Thanks Giorgos :)”

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8.Heraklion Crete: Imbros Gorge Hike

★★★★★★★★★★3.6 · 7 reviews · from $52

You’ll ride by air-conditioned bus from Heraklion-area pickup points to Imbros Gorge, then walk downhill for about 2.5 hours with an English-speaking guide. Athina and driver Dimitris have led some departures. Bring sturdy shoes, water, sun protection, swimwear, and cash for the €2.50 gorge fee.

“Gorge very cool! You actually only pay for the bus ride. Way too long, especially if you get picked up first. 4 hours there and 4 hours back. Rental car is more pleasant!”

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9.Kritsa Gorge Guided Hike with Snack

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · 3 hours · from $44Top rated

Join Dimitris or Kostas for a three-hour guided hike through Kritsa Gorge near Agios Nikolaos. You’ll follow an ancient Minoan path, pass through a 1.5-meter-wide section, learn about local plants and history, and receive water, fruit, and an energy bar.

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