It is 18 kilometers long, situated between the settlement of Omalos on the northern side of the plateau and the village of Agia Roumeli varying in altitude from 1250 meters down to sea level.
The path is steep and uneven at first, descending through dense pinewoods. Deep inside the rocky gorge, the footpath winds around large boulders, and at its narrowest point, the “Iron Gates” (Síderoportes), the Samaria is only four meters wide. Look out for kri kri, wild goats unique to Crete. Also, be sure to wear proper footwear and carry plenty of water. The gorge opens out to the sea at the village of Ayía Rouméli, with a black sand beach where you can swim. From here, catch the ferry to Sfakia, then the bus back to Chania.