Samaria Gorge

Monastery of the Preveli stands in splendid isolation above the Libyan Sea. There are 2 building complexes, beautiful flowers and the estate has Peacocks, Goats, Deer and of course cats.

Samaria Gorge

In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks. ~John Muir

What an experience to remember! The Samaria Gorge is the longest in Europe at 19 KM ( almost 12 miles) and is carved out by the river. It starts with a steep wooden staircase ( signs warning you not to wear high heals) and then you descend the Gorge - 8 hours! The rocks were often our stepping stones. The Gorge is wide and open until you reach the abandoned village of Samaria. It is from 150 Meters ( 493 feet) to 3 Meters wide ( 10 feet) After the village, the gorge becomes narrow and very dramatic with Vertical Walls reaching 500 M ( 1700 feet)

We did not see any Kri-Kri ( wild goats that only survive in Crete)but we saw some goats, rams, birds, mules and Mother Nature at her best. We finally ended in Agia Roumeli, took a ferry to Hora Sfakion, via Loutra ( accessible only by ferry) and then a 2 hour bus ride back to Chania. From there I drove back to Plakias, which was very scary in the pitch dark with crazy Greek Drivers passing on the mountain roads.

Gramvousa Beach

More of the drive and the walk down to Gramvousa Beach

Dara and Kirby.........................................................................

Ameigh and Dara......hot day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kirby and Ameigh.........................................................................

Gramvousa Pennisula

Gramvousa is one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen. We drove 3 hours and then the wide road ( for Greece) degenerated to a goat path with a several 100 feet drop. It was only wide enough for one car and a Crete Crete, a goat that is only on Crete!! One of the craziest part of the adventure was the gas tank hit empty 2/3 of the way to the beach and we coasted in neutural. Aside from the bumpy, rocky hazardous road the hike down was breath taking. You could walk across the water in parts and float in the salt marsh.

The remote pennisula was one of the highlights of this trip although the hike up was strenuous