n some of the most magic moments in the formation of the universe, nature bestowed rare beauties on the Earth. Only the works of nature can put such majesty before our astounded eyes. One of the greatest of those moments was when the Samaria Gorge came into being, with all its wealth of wild grandeur. The sharp contrasts in its terrain, the rare species of plant and animal to be found there and the exotic nature of the landscape all fill the traveller and scholar with unique impressions which will stay for ever in the memory.

he Samaria Gorge has been described as the most magnificent in the world. It was no coincidence that the Council of Europe has awarded the area its Diploma First Class, as one of Europe's most beautiful spots.The picture revealed by the early morning sun as it rises to imprint the shape of the White Mountains on the dense mist, is one of pure magic.The pines rustle, the water chatters over the stones by the springs, and the birds sing amid the foliage and the pine needles, charming our senses with sound and colour.

		efore entering the gorge, we should perhaps know that it is the longest in Europe, at a total length of 18 km, though the path through it is only 14 km long. The width varies from 150 metres to 3 metres at its narrowest point, Portes. The gorge starts at the Xyloskalo, at an altitude of 1,200 metres, and ends at Ayia Roumeli, on the coast. It separates the main bulk of the White Mountains, to the east, from Volakias to the west. It has been declared a national park in an attempt to preserve its rare flora and fauna.

hanks to the wild and precipitous terrain, this is the only place in Crete where the native wild goat (kri-kri) still lives.There are also many rare species of birds and all along the gorge there is a vast variety of herbs and flowers. For that reason it is forbidden to hunt, to light fires, to pick flowers and herbs or even spend the night in the gorge.There are rangers all along the route and muleteers who, for a fee, are prepared to carry visitors for whom the walk has proved too much to the end of the route.

		ach visitor is issued with a ticket, free of charge, when entering the gorge. This must be returned at the bottom so that the safe passage of all the day's visitors can be checked. in the winter, the gorge is impassable, and entrance is only permitted from May to October. The walk takes between six and eight hours, depending on one's walking abilities. Visitors should have with them strong shoes or boots and something to eat. There is no need to carry water, as there are frequent streams of cool, clear water.
The last boat from Ayia Roumeli, where the gorge ends, to Chora Sfakion leaves at 5 p.m.The rest is yours! As a general consideration we can say that is quite pity to come in Crete without seeing this natural miracle. No one who has not walked the gorge of Samaria can say that he knows Crete. Remember, this opportunity is given to you once in a lifetime! Don't miss it!

Photos and text taken from "Crete - today and yesterday" and "Crete - A tour of all the towns and villages" (Toubis Editions)

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