The gorge is fed by water from the white mountains. Mountains, which still had snow on them in the beginning of June! Water, being a lazy molecule, takes the path of least resistance. Over time this current of water, which is apparently quite strong in the winter, cuts a path through the soft limestone that makes up much of Crete. This process cut Samaran gorge, and all of the other gorges found all over Crete and Greece.(For comparison, see Vouraïko´s Gorge) .

  The name of the Gorge comes from an old town located in what is about the middle of the gorge. Founded by the Venetians, it was named after Saint Mary;San Maria. Since the corruption of names appears to be an art form on Crete the Greeks/Cretans eventually turned the name of the village into Samara.

  The people of Samara were transplanted into (old) Roumeli at the end of the Gorge when the gorge was made into a national park. Each day, people take the bus from Chania to Omalos to begin the 18 km trek (12 miles) down Samaran Gorge. My guide books said that it is a "Hard hike" but its downhill and straight. Of course I spent my youth hiking in the Sierra's and Yosemite so my judgment may be a bit warped. You end up in the town of New Roumeli which has a nice beach, some tavernas but I really wouldn't stay there. There is a much more attractive town at Loutro to spend the night in. Most people, end up going to Chora Sfakion and taking a very scenic bus ride back to Chanai.

I hope you enjoy the photos. Any comments, please E-mail me, .