It has been a national park and UNESCO biosphere reserve since 1962.
The gorge was formed by river erosion between the mountains.
The popular hike starts at Xyloskalo on the Omalos Plateau (around 1,200–1,250 m altitude) and descends largely to the coastal village of Agia Roumeli on the Libyan Sea.
The trek takes an average of 5–7 hours and is moderately strenuous (especially for the knees due to the steep descent and rocky path).
The highlight is the narrow passage “the Iron Gates” (Portes/Sideroportes), where the rock walls reach up to 300 m in height and the gorge is only 3–4 meters wide.
Along the way, hikers pass forests, springs, an abandoned village (Samaria), and possibly the rare kri-kri goat.
The gorge is usually open from May to mid-October; after arriving in Agia Roumeli, one continues by ferry (e.g., to Chora Sfakion or Sougia).
It is an iconic, spectacular day trip that brings together the diverse nature of Crete in a single route.
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