Greece: Samaria Gorge

I end my Greecian journey with a leg-breaking trekking on the 16 km long Samaria gorge, one of Europe’s longest gorge.

1 day. 16 km. 1,250 m climb down. 5 to 6 hours. 6 litres of water. 1 fall on the bum-bum. 3 days worth of sore thighs. Totally worth it.

We started our journey at this small little rest spot. Breakfast was just two slices of bread with jam, and a nice cup of hot chocolate.

Take a water break too, for there is no bathroom till the next one or two hours into your journey.

Before I begun my descend. My hike guide had to scare me by saying that there are park rangers roaming around to carry any injured person out of the trail. This is a popular hiking destination. It couldn’t be that dangerous right? I’m so wrong.

Right: A photo opportunity with the Zeus rock.

Below: Snap shots of the scenic view as I made my descend. It was just a spectacular morning, with the mist just lifting from the thick forestry. What a lovely way to end the Cretan experience.

Right at the beginning, I had to climb probably 1,000 m down in about 50 flight of steps. I was amused at the number of grandmas and grandpas flashing past us - all decked out in their seasoned hiking gears. They even have a tan to boost! I on the other hand was under dressed in a pair of running shoes that did not have a good grip on the slippery stone. I feared for my life.

Being the weaker of the trio, I had to speed walk my way. I had to cut down on my resting time to keep in pace with my friends (who were gliding and not walking down the winding path). It didn’t help that I had a couple of near falls down the smooth rock steps. We past by Zeus rock - supposedly where Zeus was born or was enthroned (can’t remember which).

Along the way, you will see pretty things. Like Inuk rock formation, bright bougainvillea, nice whirly old trees (I took a picture with one! The lighting was so strong, I look as if I was giving off light).

Below: Quick snaps of the streams, flowers, and rocks of the Samaria Gorge.

Left: The old whirly tree that we spotted mid-way into our journey. We paused here for a photo opportunity. We had to hurry though, because we needed to be out of this gorge before sunset.

At about noon time, we hit the abandoned village of Samaria. Hikers usually eat their packed lunch here. Replenish your bottles with the spring water before you continue your trek.

Right: The abandoned village of Samaria. I have no idea how did these people survive here. It was about 3 hours away from the start of the climb and 3 hours away from the open ocean.

Compared to the previous trek, trekking from here on was leisure. It was like a stroll in the park, except that you are like a little doll.

10 km into the hike, you will see the Iron Gate. This is the narrowest path in the entire gorge. This is also where the flow of the water is the highest during the rainy season. We were really lucky to be there during a dry season, for in 1993, a flash flood washed some hikers out to sea, and they were killed.

Be really careful about falling rocks though. The likelihood of being killed by these huge rocks is much bigger. Do not stray from the allocated path as well. Follow the arrows as marked.

I must admit the markers can be unclear at certain points in the trek. I accidentally strayed off the trek at a picturesque spot near the Iron Gate. Here is the bed of the lake. As there is still a constant flow of spring water downwards, it is not surprising to see that the markers are either washed out (painted stones) or washed away (branches).

While I was snapping away, I heard this rumbling of falling stones. I froze. Right before my eyes, a huge chunk of stone fell. I scrambled for safety. Found the right marker, and went back to the appropriate path. Phew. Never belittle the signs that says “falling rocks”. (Not that there was one where that rock fell).

I loved the later part of the walk. I loved the feel of the granite and the feel of having cool spring water trickling through my fingers. I got excited at the occasional sightings of wild Cretan mountain goats.

The end of our Samaria Gorge trail ends off with a subtle mountain-valley feel. It reminds me of those touristy postcard shots.

Just look at those hikers in the picture.

We had to cross gentle streams. We walked on handmade bridges to avoid getting our legs wet. It was just aye, so soothing, and so restful.

The scenery was the same throughout the end, except for the occasional spotting of flowering trees in the gravel ground. (How do these plants survive the annual winter season or flash floods for that matter?)

Our trek ends with a fishy dinner at Agia Roumeli. I loved the char-grilled fish. The Cretans really do a good job at it. Lightly grilled with salt. Simple yet mouth watering.

If you have some time to spare (if you are one of those crazy hikers who can finish off the trek in two hours - seriously, how do they do it?), you can take a luxurious dip into the clear blue waters at the harbour. I even spotted some people swimming in their bikinis - really well prepared ehz?

Below: Candid shots of the Agia Roumeli village.

Next up, Turkey - the last league of my graduation trip.