Tourist Information
The Samaria Gorge is one of the main attractions in Crete. Located in western Crete, Sierra White Mountains. It is the longest gorge in Europe with 18 km length.
The gorge begins from Xyloskalo (altitude 1227 m) in Omalos and ends in the seaside village of Agia Roumeli on the south coast.
The flora and fauna of the National Park of Samaria is extremely rich. In the canyon will find unique species of plants and animals protected by international conventions. Reported that the gorge there are 450 species of plants and by law not allowed to remove anything from the site, or even a flower.
In Samaria admire the forest with huge pine trees and cypresses, a picture of the past of Crete, when the island was covered by forests famous for good quality timber, perfect for boats made strong.
In the gorge there may find their famous residents, the wild goats of Crete known as "kri - kri". The ibex is a species endemic to Crete and probably come across some in the village of Samaria, often approaching the last houses of the village.
During your holidays in Crete do not forget to also visit:
The famous island Elafonisi with its lagoon and exotic beaches with pink sand, one of the most popular attractions in Crete.
The Gouverneto , is a monastery since 1537. From there begins the path that leads to a cave and ruines of Arkoudospilios Catholic monastery with the church of St. John the Hermit.
On Balos Lagoon with turquoise crystal waters and Gramvousa with the castle at the top of the cape.
The Falasarna , an endless beach and an ancient harbor an earthquake climbing above sea level.
The Frangokastello with the castle built by the Venetians in the 14 th century and the ghosts of dead warriors, the famous Drosoulites , over an idyllic beach.
On top of mountain of Agios Dikaios and at an altitude of 1182 meters is maintained observatory endangered vulture Gypaetus Barbatus the wingspan which can reach 3 meters.
One of the two remaining pairs of this rare bird species live in the municipality of Innaxorio, in the village of Elos and protected from extinction in the LIFE program of the European Union.
The native vegetation of the mountain and the opportunity to see this rare eagle and many other birds and animals, making the mountain a fantastic proposal for an excursion.