Crete, Greece: Samaria Gorge Hike, a detailed Review

This hike might be like someone going to the Grand Canyon. In that there are a lot of people yet it's something that if you have the opportunity you should do it. That said it is tough 12km hike. You will feel it. The 1st 1/3 is quite steep downhill. The middle section levels off. The final section gets more sun exposed. Shuttle service, 30.00eu/person. At the end you take a 17,00eu/person Ferry where the same shuttle picks you up to take you back.
There is a constant stream of people so it's difficult to get into the serenity of the natural environment, At the end just before the beach turn left to go to an unofficial camp ground. Find a tree and take a swim. Your body will thank you. Watch the time as the Ferry leaves 5:30. So you have almost 2 hrs to enjoy and relax.

[@janiseislers5291]

after the walk, how you go back to the car park?

[@RayZaplatar]

If you pay for a tour it will include ferry back to car park. There your guide will take you back to your original pickup. There is no road to drive back so you have to take a ferry. The ferry departs often enough . Think we waited 1 hr so we went for a much needed swim. You are somewhat captured with the tours as there is not real convenient ways to do it solo

[@janiseislers5291]

@@RayZaplatar so, I can't go private with my car? unless I want to go back all the way😂

[@RayZaplatar]

@@janiseislers5291 Well true, you could walk all the way back to the trail head. But that might be a 10 hr hike. Plus on the way back you will be going uphill to get back to the car park. So yes you could do that/ I wouldn't recommend it. It's a tough walk just one way.
You could park a 2nd car where the ferry drops you off after the hike. I will say that a lot of the hikes on Crete are not very well worked out. A lot of them seem one way. Also there are not a lot of hiking trails so the ones you want to do tend to be quite busy and defeats the idea that you are out in nature. This hike is a human traffic jam for a good portion of the hike.
The island needs to have more developed hikes so all the population doesn't end up on a few trails.