Hiking Samaria Gorge in Crete 4K (relaxing nature ASMR)

[@kevintam9294]

Thanks for the lovely footage of the hike! The gorge was closed when I was in Crete due to the unfortunate incident last week, so it was nice to at least vicarious experience the splendid landscape. Will just have to return some day...

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thank you! How unfortunate with the incident. You’ll have to return some day indeed!

[@stevenhill7614]

This is a fantastic hike.. I did this 18/10/2024 .. Epic

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thanks!

[@Stefanoitch]

So did i!!!

[@JonathanLundmark]

What a coincidence!

[@ianjameshodges1509]

Thankyou.. A great video.. I am English , now living in Alanya Türkiye. 76 years old now , but I did this walk through the Samaria Gorge twice in my 20's and 30,'s . Nothing much seems to have changed from those earlier days . I also took the bus to the start where we ate Greek Yoghurt which then was a tradition before descent into the Gorge. Your video brings back lots of memories for me as I am too old now with back problems to ever do it again. Of course back in the 70's and 80's we didn't have to worry about drones disturbing the beautiful environment.. Thankyou again.. Ian

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thank you very much for taking the time to write such a long comment, I’m glad you enjoyed it and that it brought back memories! If you want to see more of my future hikes consider subscribing to my channel, next up is Lofoten followed by Swedens highest mountain. Take care!

[@2psyche1]

I am 71 yeqrs. Walked a lot through mountains and love to do is hiking. Nowadays I am not stabel meaning maybe I can do the walk and it may be my body will quite after 10 km. It depends also temperature and how fast they walk and how many stops . Can I do this? Is it insane wanting this ?

[@JonathanLundmark]

@2psyche1 I like the spirit and personally would want to hike when I’m 71. It would not be impossible but you have to judge this given yourself given your physical condition. I would just advise to not go by yourself if you end up not managing the full hike and Maybe book an Hotel waiting at the end of the trail to not stress with boat departure times and take the time you need 🙌

[@badsystemmessage5692]

@@2psyche1 I'm 48 and had muscle cramps in my legs for 3 days afterwards, but maybe it' just me.

[@hikesome]

Another banger Jonathan! Beautiful piece you created here. Crete is amazing and people are welcoming but always so hot ;)

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thank you very much! Glad you enjoyed it, means a lot getting positive feedback. I agree about Crete, very beautiful with nice people and indeed hot - about 2-3km of this hike was shadeless, without any winds and with the sun pointing straight down on us :)

[@EventyrsorenDenmark]

That was a wonderful walk and a great video. Enjoyed watching it very much. Thanks for sharing this with us.Have a great day.

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thank you for those kind words!

[@saviourvisanich9585]

Awesome place, the Samaria gorge. This exceptional video brings us so much beautiful memories of the place.

[@JonathanLundmark]

What a compliment, thank you! The Samaria gorge is an amazing place indeed, judging from the amount of tourists flocking to it however we are unfortunately not alone in thinking so.

[@davidlewis9484]

Great video - thanks - and sensible summary and comments at the end. I did this hike in the late 90's, will do it again. It's all downhill ... however. the day after, my calf muscles seized up, I could not walk downhill, had to walk down stairs backwards ! Beware !

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thanks for your positive feedback, glad you liked it! And indeed, we could feel our legs the day after…

[@Zoomdak]

Incredible sights and sounds of this unique place! I love the reflected light at 12:38, brilliant! Count me as a new sub.

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thank you very much! Appreciate it

[@TerrapinTrader]

Super video and the geology looks fascinating, I shall do my homework before visiting. Jonathan seems to be a man after my own heart- no frills, just being at one with the place. I shall now have to view his other work.

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thank you so much! Indeed the rock formations were the stars of the show during this hike. Glad you liked it, hope you enjoy my other videos too!

[@annalundmark2250]

Så fin film Jonathan! Det är en vandringstur som jag gärna skulle vilja gå.

[@guidovandevelde3190]

Beautiful video, useful, with to the point comments at the end. I walked this gorge several times, the nicest one was during Covid-time, when there only were a hundred to hundred-fifty tourists a day. Normally, they have more than a thousand people a day, it's mass tourism, up to 2000 people on high days. It's an easy gorge, a highway for tourists, very well equiped and maintained, a well organized trip by tourist companies. An advantage of this gorge is that there are many waterpoints all along the trail, so you don't have to carry lots of bottles with you, one is enough. Once, in 2020, my son and I, we walked this gorge starting from the sea, up to Omalos plateau. When we arrived at Xyloskalo after little more than 6 hours, we were told that, up till then, only 4 people had walked upwards that day. The advantage of starting in Agia Roumeli, is that we could hiked in the shadow, almost the whole day long. Disadvantage of course was the last part, which was though to do, 600m of elevation in about 3,8 Km zig-zag trail distance, the so-called staircase.

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thank you for those kind words! Interesting to hear about starting from Agia Roumeli instead, I take it you took the boat there the eveninh before then? Makes the trail much more challenging as its quite the climb.

[@moose1392]

I love this trail. As a fairly regular visitor to Crete I always plan for a trip to the Samaria gorge. Good tip to try to run ahead of the crowds. My favourite part of the trail are the pine forests on the slopes around the village of Samaria (the lunch break stop). Simply gorgeus ;)

[@JonathanLundmark]

Haha gorgeous indeed, thank you! I enjoyed this trail too but agree about the crowds, it took us about 1h to get past the initial crowds that I assume started roughly the same time however only smaller groups were let in at a time so a bit of a bottle-neck at the entrance. For me the favourite part was the 2nd half walking in the Gorge alongside a clear river with these amazing patterns in the stone-walls towering up on our sides.

[@Panos__1904]

I am half from Crete and I have hiked this lovely mountain. Nice to see someone covering it up so well with the mini2 drone as well. By the way Samaria water is one of the most purest and clearest waters I have ever tried, you literally understand the difference. Keep up travelling!💯

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thank you! Glad you liked it and indeed the water was crystal clear.

[@ervinslens]

Det här är en väldigt trevlig video, fantastiskt! 👌🎥

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thank you! 🙏

[@ela4098]

Beautiful place and very good experience. I recommend to everybody 👌

[@JonathanLundmark]

Fully agree about Samaria Gorge!

[@ColinBurnside-n3n]

Thank you for the video. I did this hike in 2004 and the bus ride to the starting point is scary because of the twisty roads. The hike itself is fine in 2003 three French hikers climbed out of the gorge and where never seen again. It was assumed that the vultures attacked them and eat them so stick to the paths. Going through the Iron Gate is a fantastic experience. Colin 😀

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thanks for watching, I agree the bus ride towards the trailhead was a bit sketchy!

[@greatluxy]

Very impressive video material and good in duration. I have been to the island three times, but due to physical problems, I cannot allow myself to pass through this road. But this video helped me take a virtual walk, along with other real conquerors of the Somar gorge ... Thanks Jonathan 👏👏👏

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thank you very much for taking the time to write this comment! Very glad you enjoyed it and nice to hear you found the duration on point for this trek! Stay tuned for more "virtual" tours :)

[@АльбертЛачугин]

Beautiful Trail!!!

[@JonathanLundmark]

Hi and thank you, it was a very nice day hike indeed!

[@explained8864]

Super nice video!

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thank you! Glad you liked it

[@gfole5900]

Very nicr video,compliments

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thank you very much!

[@earth2cloud]

Tnx Jonathan for the informative video. We hope to do this next year. As I am a birder I am wondering if I should take my zoom lenses and if there are any opportunities to see wildlife / bird life? I know that Griffon vultures and some other raptors, songbirds are found there. What do you think?

[@JonathanLundmark]

We saw griffons so if you are into birds there is likely plenty to enjoy!

[@earth2cloud]

@@JonathanLundmark yes, I think I will. Tnx again! (y)

[@JonathanLundmark]

Good luck!

[@CapybaraCM]

Gorgeous!

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thank you!

[@rmarsawi]

Very nice 👍🏼 is the beach faraway from end of national park ? And to go back we have to walk all road or there is a bus from the end of park or from the beach please ?

[@JonathanLundmark]

Hi! The beach is another ~10-15 minute walk from the end. To get back you can take a ferry departing just before the beach to an area with buses that take people back

[@eliasfriman9445]

Great video!

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thank you!

[@EdsonOchoa]

Hi, considering this hike this week with my family. I have three boys, 11, 10 and 7. We are from Norway, so fairly used to hiking, but perhaps not often in the 5+ hour range. Any idea of how much time it could take with the kids, or any other pointers here? Nice vid :)

[@JonathanLundmark]

I’d say approx ~5h long hike with average and relaxing pace. Likely not more than 6 h and terrain is really easy with a slight decline almost during full hike!

[@rula9589]

Love it ❤

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thank you!!!

[@jeffsofroniou2964]

Thank you for your Video Jonathon. It felt as if we were part of the hike! Did you find it took you longer to walk it because of having to set up the video, walk off then return to collect it?

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thank you, glad to hear it felt immersive! It definitively takes more time walking back and forth to the camera. I ussually run back towards it though :)

[@sir.brodie9812]

Very nice, what hotel did you stay at?

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thanks! We where staying in a Hotel close to Agioi Apostoli

[@gadryn]

That was an incredible video! We hope to go in March. Is the gorge accessible then? Would it be too wet and slippery? We are in our 70s so not looking for trouble! Also, if we drive to the start in our rental car, how do we get back? Thanks!

[@JonathanLundmark]

I believe the only way back is either walking back same way or taking a boat from the coast which wont take you back to the trailhead but rather to Chania or larger coastal towns from where buses ussually meet people and take them back to Hotels. Best of luck and thanks!

[@m.drehman4572]

Enjoyed the video. It felt like i was doing the trek with you. One question though, what was the cost of the ferry and where did you board your bus to go back to Chania.

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thank you! We took a bus to the trailhead which included transfer back with the ferry and a bus that waited where the ferry arrived. Sorry I dont remember the exact price but it felt cheap! Most hikers did the same with one or another transfer company which were quiet a few in Chania.

[@ssssdaniel5238]

I am planning to hike the Samaria George in Aug. May I get some suggestions for footwears? Do they need to be water proof? Will trail runners do? Thank you!

[@JonathanLundmark]

Hi! Trail runners work, the trail is well treaded so mostly flat surface. There are a few spots with streams but you can pass them quite easily without getting wet by walking on raised stones. If you trip in these areas though you would be wet. Best of luck!

[@HH-fl1dc]

Great video. How many kms is this hike?

[@JonathanLundmark]

Hi! About 13km 🥾

[@TheStevo2112]

I am 66 haven't done a lot if hiking but in reasonable shape, is the hike going to be a problem, I can do the distance nit sure about difficulty. Thanks Steve loved you video

[@JonathanLundmark]

Thank you, glad you loved it! Hmm it’s going downhill basically all the time and not steep either. But it does get hot in the sun! If you can walk the distance without issues I think you should be fine but perhaps best to wear proper hiking boots so you cant twist an ankle which is always a risk with regular training sneakers.

[@ewasrokacka5250]

I'm 66 too, I'm a woman. 2 weeks ago I crossed the Samaria Gorge. I walked for 7 hours, stopped to admire the wonderful surroundings. My legs hurt for 2 days, but I don't regret going. The views and experiences are worth the effort. Take good shoes.

[@JonathanLundmark]

Indeed worth it!

[@runtheroad3]

I highly recommend hiring a car and getting there a little later. We arrived at 10:30am and had the whole trail to ourselves most of the way, and it was and is one of my favourite days of my whole life. It’s just unbelievable. Also - 100% wear grippy shoes. My trainers were bald and I struggled a bit with slippiness

[@JonathanLundmark]

Good tips! Agree about the shoes, some rock skipping in places near streams.

[@HikePackers]

I have done Jämtland Triangeln after seeing your video

[@JonathanLundmark]

Wow, great! Glad to inspire others, when did you hike it and how was it ?

[@sengottuvelavan]

I m planning this trek with my wife and 4 year old daughter... What would u advice....

[@JonathanLundmark]

Go early, book transport to and from the hike, bring sunscreen and hat, bring swimclothes for the beach at the end while waiting for ferry, all should wear proper shoes. Quite safe and popular route! Best of luck

[@sengottuvelavan]

@@JonathanLundmark Thank you for the advice... with the 4 year old i am little nervous abt it .... mostly probably i will be carrying her most of the time ...fingers crossed.

[@JonathanLundmark]

Hope all goes well!

[@Oldman525]

This is a tourist day trek sold on the island by many organizers you need No training or preparation, I did it on holiday many years ago with a twisted ankle so it is easy.

[@JonathanLundmark]

Indeed a fairly easy trek and mostly downhill hiking point-to-point without the need to hike back from where you started. Very hot during parts though and would not recommend with a twisted ankle.

[@fimfengius]

Which month?

[@JonathanLundmark]

Hmm, it was either late july or early august

[@fimfengius]

@@JonathanLundmark Then I guess it was pretty hot?

[@JonathanLundmark]

Yes it was but many sections are shaded!

[@thomasgiannakis5230]

you need hiking shoes. not running or casual shoes...great video.....

[@JonathanLundmark]

I agree proper hiking shoes although hotter is better and safer.

[@Teelsambal]

It's a trail where you look down 95% because of the slope and boulders. There are better trails, more enjoyable than this one.

[@JonathanLundmark]

Yes but at the same time quite easy walking mostly downhill, which other trails would you recommend?

[@CuriousCat777]

Do you know the name of the trail please?

[@TheUnderGround979]

@@JonathanLundmark What was the temprature when you were doing the hike i am going in 2 weeks not sure if i will do the hike.

[@JonathanLundmark]

Hmm cant remember exactly but bring a waterproof jacket an extra layer in backpack it can get very windy as you saw!

[@costalamb3065]

Nice vid. BTW, from the top of the gorge to agia roumeli, how many hours did it take you?

[@JonathanLundmark]

Im afraid I don’t remember exactly but a couple of hours