6 Gorge Hikes in Rethymno to Build a Day Around

1.Samaria Gorge Full-Day Trek, Pickup & Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,610 reviews · 9 - 12 hours · from $37Our pick

Review of the Samaria Gorge trek from Rethymno, with transport, guide, ferry, costs, trail advice, and an honest look at the challenge.

“This was such a wonderful day. Beautiful views and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Pia, our guide, was absolutely amazing. Words can't describe how important she was to us having this great experience. Our group was not experienced at trekking but she gave us tips for how to tackle the challenge, looked out for us and encouraged us in the final stretches. Thank you so much Pia! The journey to and from was well managed and the coach was lovely. Definitely recommend this gorgeous experience”

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2.Samariá Gorge Full-Day Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 129 reviews · 12 hours · from $37

Hike Crete’s Samariá Gorge from Rethymno with a guide, mountain springs, Iron Gates, a Libyan Sea swim, and ferry ride to Sougia.

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3.From Herakleion: Day Trip to Preveli Beach and Kourtaliotiko

★★★★★★★★★★3.7 · 90 reviews · from $39

Review of Crete’s Preveli Beach day trip from Heraklion, with Kourtaliotiko Gorge, palm forest walks, swimming, transport, and practical tips.

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4.Kourtaliotiko Gorge River Trek with Lunch! Pick-up Avaliable

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 90 reviews · 5 hours · from $112

Swim to Kourtaliotiko Gorge’s great waterfall, wade through natural pools, and enjoy a farm lunch on this guided Crete adventure.

“It was truly an awesome experience from the very start to the end. The guide was well organised and helped walking through more challenging spots in the river. Also told a lot about Crete and the place where we were walking. The views were breathtaking. At the end we had lunch at banana garden where we also got a chance to walk around with the garden owner and see lots of plants/trees. Thanks very much for such a great experience. It was well worth it!”

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5.Preveli Palm Beach and Kourtaliotiko Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 87 reviews · 10 hours · from $25Best value

Review of a $25 day trip from Rethymno to Preveli Beach, with a boat ride, palm forest, Kourtaliotiko Gorge, and useful planning tips.

“Excellent guides Spiritos & Johnny starting in the olive groves into a gorge to arrive at Plakias beach. Onwards to catch boat to Preveli beach. As this was first boat of season had to split party in half due to numbers. This resulted in revisit to Plakias as first group hadn't seen initially. A good trip out, but could imagine Preveli gets packed peak season.”

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6.Kourtaliotiko Gorge: Guided River Trekking with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 36 reviews · 5 hours · from $112Top rated

Trek Kourtaliotiko Gorge by river, swim beneath waterfalls, explore natural pools, then enjoy lunch at a Cretan farm near Rethymno.

“A great 5 hour outing trekking in and along the river through the gorge. Our guide Alkis knew it well and took us away from the crowds. Great swimming opportunities. Amazing unbelievable beautiful nature, scenery, views. The waterfall itself was a profound experience. Finished off with great conversation and snacks with the team at the Banana Garden cantina. Worth it!”

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