Calypso Hotel is located just 20 metres from the beach, in Agia Roumeli village. It features rooms with air conditioning and a furnished balcony with Libyan Sea views. The on-site café-restaurant serves breakfast.
Calypso rooms are fitted with tiled floors and wooden ceilings and include a refrigerator. Free Wi-Fi access is offered in all public areas.
Sun beds and umbrellas are available on the beach at an extra charge. Staff can provide information on organized excursions, such as a hike of the Samaria Gorge.
Calypso Hotel is 75 km from Chania. Nearby Sfakia and Loutro are accessible by boat. Free public and private parking are available.
Find below list of things to do near Calypso:
An experience not to be missed! Hike along the rugged terrain of the Samaria Gorge cutting through a limestone plateau and at a length of 18 kilometres it is Europe’s longest gorge.
You will visit and will surely be enchanted by the beautiful landscapes of Crete. At one point of the gorge the walls are only 3 metres apart from each other, and are known as the ’iron curtains’ with sides rising sheer up to 100 feet.
The hike is followed by the opportunity for lunch break late in the afternoon at a local traditional taverna or coffee or swimming at Agia Roumeli at the end of Gorge.
After break we do a short cruise around the southern coastline to the pretty costal village of Chora Sfakion, where our journey ends and take our way back to your hotels.
Type of excursion: Adventure – educational – Full day
Enjoy an unforgettable journey commencing at the Omalos Plateau, where we’ll gather any final supplies and prepare for the upcoming trek!
Samaria Gorge for 4.5 to 6 hours.
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Europe’s longest gorge, the Samaria Gorge, for an extraordinary trek. Spanning 16 kilometers, this adventure unveils the majestic White Mountains, a serene river, and glimpses of the elusive kri-kri (animal). Led by our experienced guide, prepare for a journey filled with awe-inspiring moments.
The duration to traverse Samaria Gorge in Crete fluctuates based on individual pace, fitness level, and the frequency of breaks taken during the journe
Agia Roumeli Village
Upon emerging from the gorge, discover the tranquil haven of Agia Roumeli, where a stunning beach awaits, nestled between the towering cliffs and the Libyan Sea. Indulge in leisurely swims, unwind on the shore, and relish local delicacies at a nearby taverna.
Boat Trip back
Continue your adventure with a scenic boat ride from Agia Roumeli to Chora Sfakion, marking the beginning of our return journey. While the duration may vary slightly depending on sea conditions, rest assured that our boats are equipped with seating areas, toilets, and snack bars offering refreshments for your enjoyment.
Chora Sfakion
Conclude our excursion as we transition back to buses, ready to transport you to your drop-off points in the Heraklion Region. Get ready to reminisce about the unforgettable experiences of the day!
From its jaw-dropping villages to its healthy Mediterranean cuisine, Crete is a feast for the senses. The stunning beauty of Samariá Gorge National Park is an important part of the island’s attraction.
On this full-day excursion you’ll be picked up in Chania and travel by comfortable bus to the park. Get ready to be wowed by the gorge, as high limestone cliffs and quaint village create the background for a great hike.
The walking tour from one end of Samaria gorge to the other is a challenging 18 kilometers. The terrain in the gorge is rough, rocky, and uneven and the hike is not suitable for anyone who has heart problems or is unfit, or for pregnant women.
There are a number of stopping points along the route, where you’ll find toilets and drinking water. At some points the gorge is only 3 meters wide and you may have to climb over boulders. You’ll reach the end of the gorge at Agia Roumeli, and stop for a break and a bite to eat (the price of the food is not included).
You’ll return by boat to Sougia where you’ll be picked up by the coach.
Take a hike through Samaria Gorge with pickup in Malia and Heraklion. Trek through this impressive gorge, known for being the longest in Europe. Make a stop at the Plateau of Omalos, admire the mountains of the gorge, and take an unforgettable journey through Cretan nature.
Get picked up in the morning from your designated pickup point and head towards Omalos. Once there, make sure you have all the equipment and take the chance to buy some supplies before entering into the gorge.
Begin the trek, and feel the impressiveness of the longest gorge in Europe. Take in the surrounding views of the White Mountains, admire the small river that runs through it, and catch sight of the Cretan wild goats, commonly known as Kri-Kri.
At the exit, find yourself by the Libyan Sea in the village of Agia Roumeli. Explore this beautiful and isolated village, nestled between huge rocks and the expansive sea. Enjoy a relaxing and refreshing swim at the beach, and have some lunch in a small local tavern.
Later, embark on a boat that takes you back to Chora Sfakion. There, catch the bus that returns back to the resort.
The Samaria Gorge is the jewel of the White Mountains; hidden in the southern part of the prefecture of Chania, it is the largest gorge in Europe, with a length of 18 kilometres, and the most visited trail in Greece.
The gorge trail starts at Ksyloskalo (Omalos plateau, 1,227 metres above sea level) and, after following the river bed, ends at the coastal village of Agia Roumeli.
It is a very pleasant walk, not strenuous, with many changes of scenery and a varied environment, and it is excellently equipped with signals and signposts that eliminate the risk of getting lost. It is important to remember, however, that although the whole route is not difficult, there are certain sections that require more attention.
Your day starts after we pick you up from a designated pick up point (which can be outside your hotel or as close as possible). We then drive to the Omalos plateau and stop for breakfast (optional).
After breakfast we drive to the entrance of the Samaria gorge called Xyloskalo and start the walk.
The walk usually takes 4 – 6 hours and you will be able to admire extraordinary rock formations, many endemic plants, flowers and animals, the most famous of which is the Cretan wild goat called “Kri – Kri” (or Aegagros as it is called in the local dialect). Everyone will walk at their own pace without the need to keep up with a group, if you need anything feel free to ask your guide – mountain escort who will also enter the gorge with you.
At the end of the walk you will find yourself in the remote village of Ag. Roumeli, where you can cool off and enjoy the beach. You will also be able to sample the local cuisine by having lunch in one of the local taverns.
The tour ends after taking the ferry from Ag. Roumeli to Sougia and board our busses back to your hotel (or the designated pick up point you had in the morning).
Stop to purchase a hearty breakfast in Rethymno on this full-day Samaria Gorge excursion. Begin your trek at Xiloskalo, where you’ll enter the vast, 18-kilometer canyon.
Hike along a path that follows the route of the ancient Taras River. Admire the caves that formed a natural shelter for the Cretans in war times and now are home to wild goats.
See the abandoned village of Samaria before reaching the Iron Gates, 3 kilometers before the end of the gorge.
Rest and enjoy lunch (at your own expense) at the small fishing village of Agia Roumeli. Cool off with a refreshing swim in the Libyan Sea before boarding the ship that takes you back to the village of Sfakia.
Find below list of beaches near Calypso:
Situated 56km south of Chania city, Agia Roumeli is a quaint village nestled in the wide bay at the exit of Samaria Gorge. This serene village, set against the rugged and mountainous backdrop of Sfakia province, attracts thousands of visitors every day who descend through the gorge. The village can be reached either by trekking through the gorge or by taking a ferry from Chora Sfakia, Loutro, Paleochora, and Sougia. The village offers basic amenities like traditional taverns, accommodation facilities, cafes, a mini market, internet access, and a telephone.
From 13:00 to 16:00, the village and its beaches are bustling with visitors, but it regains its tranquillity after the departure of the ferries. An overnight stay in the village offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the beauty of this place, its warm-hearted inhabitants, delectable food, and breathtaking natural beauty.
The magnificent beaches of Agia Roumeli spread over a length of 3km or more. The area near the village is more crowded and organized, with Gialos beach in front of the taverns being the most developed and crowded. Other beaches include beautiful pebbly beaches at Zeromouri, Mashali, and beaches near the caves known as Spilies sto Marmaro or Caves in Marble.
The Samaria Gorge, the longest in Europe at 18km, is a prime attraction, drawing thousands of tourists in summer who trek the distance in about 6 hours. Some tourists visit Crete specifically to traverse the majestic gorge. If time is a constraint, you can start from Agia Roumeli and walk backwards.
Agia Roumeli is built on the ruins of the Roman settlement, Tara. The ruins of the Temple of Apollo (or Artemis) and the old church of Panagia (Virgin Mary) built in 1500 can be found west of the village. A ruined Turkish castle (Kule), offering spectacular views of the village, the Libyan Sea, and the islands of Gavdos and Gavdopoula, sits atop the hill above the village. Nearby, you can visit the beautiful church of St. Anthony nestled in a rocky cavity.
About 2km north of the village, within the gorge, lies the old village of Agia Roumeli, surrounded by greenery. Here, you can find ruins of old houses and some restored homes. The village, devastated by floods in 1954, was relocated to its current location in Agia Roumeli.
Agia Roumeli’s people and food are attractions in themselves. The locals are true Cretans, warm and welcoming, offering home-bred meat, cheese, vegetables, and honey in their restaurants. Despite the influx of tourism, Agia Roumeli has retained its authenticity and charm, offering visitors a chance to experience traditional Cretan hospitality, savor local delicacies, and enjoy the serenity of nature.
Nestled 56km south of Chania city, Agia Roumeli is a quaint village that sits on a broad bay at the mouth of the Samaria Gorge. This spot sees a daily influx of visitors who descend the gorge to primarily swim along the central beach, which is conveniently located right before the beachside taverns. However, several picturesque and peaceful beaches are also available for exploration in the vicinity.
One such tranquil beach can be found on the east side of the settlement, past the Samaria Gorge river and beneath the remnants of ancient Tarra. Here, at Zeromouri, stunning rock formations and cavities give way to pebbly beaches that are typically deserted. As one ventures further, the beach transitions into a rocky terrain suitable for nudism and snorkelling, extending eastwards all the way to the beach of Selouda or Agios Pavlos.
Agia Roumeli, a quaint isolated village, lies 56km to the south of Chania city, situated in a broad bay at the mouth of the Samaria Gorge. It’s a popular spot for tourists who descend the gorge daily, basking in the sun on the main beach, Gialos, which stretches before the taverns. More adventurous travellers can explore the serene and picturesque beaches in the vicinity, with Mashali, the western part of Agia Roumeli bay, being one of them.
A secondary boat dock, associated with a solitary tavern that offers rooms, is present. Two stunning beaches with fine pebbles are adjacent to this dock. The tavern provides complimentary sunbeds, umbrellas, and canoes. Large rocks on these beaches offer shade and privacy, making it a haven for nudists. Care must be taken while traversing the main road from the tavern to the dock, due to occasional stonefalls caused by mountain goats. While these stonefalls are not highly dangerous, it’s safer to walk on the left side, away from the mountain walls.
Venturing further from Mashali by swimming or kayaking beyond the beach’s western edge, leads to three caves. These caves are fronted by small pebbled beaches, referred to as Spilies to Marmaro, or ‘Caves in Marble’.
Kalogeros is a pristine beach adorned with deep blue waters and fine pebbles, situated 57km to the south of Chania city, 11km to the east of Sougia, and 1km to the west of Agia Roumeli. Its proximity to the western edge of Agia Roumeli is worth mentioning.
The beach is a haven of tranquility, making it a favorite spot for nudists due to its seclusion. It is surrounded by pine trees and features a small cave providing shade and a place to camp. However, there are no amenities nearby, and the only way to reach this place is either by boat or by swimming from Agia Roumeli, which takes around an hour.
The beach’s name, Kalogeros, is derived from the Greek term καλόγερος (transliterated as Kaloyeros), meaning monk. This name was inspired by a massive vertical rock in the sea that resembles a monk.
Kalogeros is an ideal choice for those seeking solitude, which is a common trait among all the surrounding beaches. Between Kalogeros and Agia Roumeli, the coastline is dotted with small beaches nestled among gigantic cliffs. These are known as Spilies to Marmaro, translating to “Caves in Marble.”
Find below list of gorges near Calypso:
Klados Gorge, located in Crete, is renowned as one of the most perilous and inaccessible gorges. The beginning of the canyon is situated at Kokkinovari, on a precipitous slope that’s about 90-100 meters high. The extremely steep and unstable terrain makes it impossible to access, even with technical gear. Thus, the only means to witness a portion of this natural masterpiece is by trekking from the stunning Domata beach or by following the riverbed for about three hours until you reach the Klados exit.
Starting from Domata, you can venture into the canyon for approximately three hours, covering a significant distance. As you proceed, the canyon walls narrow dramatically, presenting a breathtaking spectacle. However, your journey is eventually hindered by a steep drop known as Letzara, forcing you to backtrack to the beach.
From this point onwards, only a handful of seasoned climbers have managed to navigate Klados successfully, overcoming the numerous waterfalls. In the spring, when the snow melts, landslides are a common occurrence throughout the entire length of the canyon.
Tripiti, the second largest gorge in proximity to Samaria gorge after Klados gorge, can be reached from Omalos plateau via the Gigilos peak trail that intersects Linosseli spring. However, caution is advised due to a precarious pathway where massive landslides could occur, potentially trapping you. It is strongly recommended to be accompanied by an experienced hiker for safety.
As one of Crete’s longest gorges, Tripiti necessitates a two-day journey since no roads lead directly to its entrance. The adventure begins on the first day from Plateau Omalos (elevation 1200 meters), climbing towards the formidable Gigilos peak (2080m). The path crosses the Linoseli spring (1,400m), then ascends to a mountain ridge at 1700m where the Koustogerako trail intersects with the Gigilos trail. From this ridge, the descent to Tripiti gorge’s riverbed commences, which can be reached from Omalos in about three hours. Overnight options include staying on the ridge or continuing slightly further to the dilapidated Tzatzimos sheepfold.
The following day, continue down the trail until it intersects with the river bed at an elevation of 700m. From there, follow the bed to reach the South Cretan Sea at Tripiti beach. The journey from Gigilos to the beach is approximately six hours. The gorge is a spectacle with towering, often cavernous walls (Tripiti’s name derives from the Greek word for caves, “tripes”). It’s not uncommon for hikers to encounter the endangered Cretan ibex amidst the lush flora and pine trees.
Close to Tripiti beach, located at Cape Tripiti, you’ll find a water cistern, a quaint goat pen, and the picturesque chapel of Saint Nicholas. The Tripiti peninsula was once home to the ancient town Pikilasos, a port for the influential town Elyros. If no boat is available for pick-up, a 3-4 hour walk along the E4 trail to the west will take you to the coastal village of Sougia. This trail also passes by the ruins of the Turkish tower of Voukelasi and the chapel of Profitis Ilias (Prophet Elijah). On the feast day of Prophet Elijah (19-20 July), many people from Sougia visit the chapel either by boat or on foot.
For the initial part of the gorge, the riverbed has steep descents requiring canyoneering equipment. Therefore, canyoners can bypass the side trail and traverse the gorge using technical gear in the bed.
The Aradena Gorge, the deepest in Chania, extends 138 meters deep and is perfect not just for taking in the sights or hiking, but also for adrenaline-filled activities like bungee jumping. Trekking through the canyon until reaching the beautiful Marmara beach provides an unforgettable experience for those daring enough to descend the gorge.
Aradena is among the longest and most intriguing gorges, stretching over 15km. The old inhabitants of Sfakia, referred to it as Faragas (meaning Huge Gorge) due to its massive size, differentiating it from the other gorges in Sfakia. The gorge begins at the base of the Thodoris peak of the White Mountains, specifically from the underground stream of the Drakolakki cave. Although its total length is 15 km, the hiking route is approximately 7km long and it takes approximately 2½ to 3 hours to walk it. The hiking trail of the Aradena gorge starts from the abandoned village of Aradena and ends up in the sea.
To reach the gorge from Chora Sfakion, you journey along the road to the mountainous village of Anopoli, perched 600m above sea level, and then another 3.5km to the village of Aradena, which sits 520m high on the edge of the gorge. The village was deserted after a vendetta and was once the site of the ancient city of Aradin.
Constructed by the wealthy Vardinogiannis family, an iron bridge spans the dizzying abyss, connecting both sides of the Aradena gorge. This is where thrill-seekers can bungee jump 138m downwards, making it the highest bungee bridge in Greece and the second in Europe.
Before reaching the bridge, you’ll find an old stone path on your right that leads to the bed of the Aradena gorge, near the picturesque chapel of Astratigos (Michael Archangel). From there, a 2.5-hour hike takes you through the bottom of the gorge and on slightly challenging terrain to the Libyan Sea. The end of the trek leads you to the pristine gravel beach of Gialeskari, also known as Marmara, where you can enjoy a rewarding swim. In the gorge, you’ll encounter a 9m deep vertical pass equipped with an iron ladder for easier access, towering cliffs, and old trails leading to the walls of the gorge. Also, you’ll spot two more abandoned villages, Azogyres and Stern (St Vasilios), on the gorge’s sides.
A picturesque hour-long walk from the gorge’s exit will take you to the village of Loutro, where boats sail to Chora Sfakion. Alternatively, from the coast of Marmara, a small boat transports people to Loutro daily. If you opt not to take the boat, it’s a two-hour walk from Loutro to Chora Sfakion.
The gorge of Samaria is the most famous trekking gorge in Europe and a part of the European E4 hiking trail. Thousands of tourists flock here daily in the summer season to walk from the top to the bottom. For many visitors, it is the sole purpose of their visit to Crete. The length of the gorge reaches 13km and takes almost 5-7 hours to hike from Xyloskalo at Omalos plateau to Agia Roumeli beach, depending on the trekking pace.
The gorge is located in the south of Chania Prefecture in the larger uninhabited area of Europe, where no roads even exist. It was created by the river flowing between the main massif of the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) and the range of Volakias. There are many smaller gorges vertical to Samaria Gorge, some of which have never been crossed by humans and require canyoning equipment. One of these, Perdika, has the highest waterfall in Crete (220m).
While the gorge is officially 15km long, this distance actually refers to the hiking distance between the settlement of Omalos on the northern side of the plateau Omalos and the village of Agia Roumeli. In fact, the gorge is 13 km long, starting at an altitude of 1,250m at the northern entrance, and ending at the shores of the South Cretan Sea in Agia Roumeli. The walk through Samaria Natural Park is 13 km long, i.e. from the ticket kiosk at Xyloskalo to the kiosk at Agia Roumeli old village, but you have to walk 1.5 more kilometres to reach the beach of Agia Roumeli, making the hike totally 14.5km.
The most famous part of the gorge is the stretch known as the Iron Gates (Sideroportes), where the sides of the gorge close into a width of only four meters and soar up to a height of 500 m. The gorge became a national park in 1962, particularly as a refuge for the rare Cretan ibex, which is today restricted to the Lefka Ori National Park, the island Thodorou and several more islets. There are several endemic species of fauna and flora in the gorge and surrounding area.
The desert village of Samaria lies just inside the gorge. It was finally abandoned by the last remaining inhabitants in 1962 to make way for the park. The village and the gorge are believed to take their names from the village’s old church of Mary of Egypt (Osia Maria).
A “must” for visitors to Crete is to complete the walk down the gorge from the Omalos plateau to Agia Roumeli on the South Cretan Sea. From there most visitors get the ferry to the port of Chora Sfakion and catch a coach back to Chania. The walk takes 4-7 hours and can be strenuous, especially at the peak of summer.
The problem with the gorge of Samaria is crowds. It has become one of the most popular attractions in Crete and there are up to 3000 visitors a day on very busy days. If you have the bad luck to pick one of those days, the atmosphere will be really spoilt. Starting at dawn (before the tourist coaches arrive) will give you a bit of a head start. It is possible to find good and cheap accommodation in Omalos or get the first bus from Chania. You can also start walking after 12:00, there won’t be many people and you will have shade at all times, but you will most probably need to spend the night in Agia Roumeli because the last ferry will have left. However, we encourage you to do that, since staying in Agia Roumeli is quite cheap and the beach is majestic. The first tourist buses arrive at around 7:30 am and from then on it is an uninterrupted stream of buses until about 11:00 am.
As far as the times of the year are concerned, the best time is spring: the weather is still cool and the vegetation is at its best. The worst time is in the middle of the summer during a heat wave. Please give it a miss and come again at a better time.
All local tour operators in Crete provide organized tours to the gorge. These include bus transportation from your hotel to the entrance (near Omalos village), and the bus will be waiting for you to disembark the ferry in Chora Sfakion to take you back. If you are on your own, you can make a one-day round trip from Chania, Sougia or Paleochora. Note that the morning buses from Sougia and Paleochora do not operate on Sunday, but still make sure that you know the timetables. The ferries leave Agia Roumeli to Chora Sfakion (eastbound) and to Sougia/Paleochora (westbound) in the afternoon.
Descent in the canyon starts from the position of Xyloskalo at Omalos Plateau, at an altitude of 1200m, where you have to pay a small entrance fee for the protection of the reserve. The trail is wooded with cypress and pine trees, wide and very well discernible, while at the beginning descends abruptly. We meet drinking water and toilets very often. In about three hours we reach the old village of Samaria, at an altitude of about 300 meters, after crossing by the church of Saint George.
In Samaria there are old houses, trees offering shade, water springs and if you are lucky you will meet the endangered Cretan wild goat. From here onwards the landscape changes, becomes drier and the slope gets smooth. One hour later we walk along the riverbed for some time. There are several small wooden bridges in several places, above the river.
After one more hour, we meet the imposing Sideroportes (Iron Gates) which is a very narrow passage between two tall vertical 500m high cliffs. We soon reach the old village of Agia Roumeli which was abandoned in the mid-1900s due to a devastating flood and was moved to the seaside settlement of Agia Roumeli, about 30 minutes away.
To learn more about this beutiful gorge and what should you know before starting your hike, check out Samaria Gorge: One of the Best Walking Trails in Crete.
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