01 · Greece · White Mountains (Lefka Ori) · Chania regional unit · Crete

Samaria National Park

Crete's most famous gorge: one trail from 1,227 metres (4,026 ft) down to the Libyan Sea, a village with no road at the end and a ferry as the only way back.

Photo: Jimzoun ↗ · CC BY-SA 4.0 ↗

Samaria at a glance · PDF, 2 pages

Samaria National Park: landscape and origins

The Samaria Gorge charges an entrance fee: one ticket for the whole trail, however far you walk. Bus and ferry cost extra.

The ticket categories are set by Joint Ministerial Decision ΥΠΕΝ/ΔΔΦΠΒ/6396/146 (Government Gazette B 392 of 6 February 2025). The revenue goes to NECCA and the neighbouring municipalities.

If you enter at a reduced rate or free, carry your proof; otherwise an inspection can cost ten times the ticket price.

Ferry and bus are not part of the park ticket. ANENDYK publishes the ferry fares, KTEL Chania–Rethymno runs the buses.

NECCA Samaria ticket portal: current closure notice, season, opening hours, ticket categories and exemptions ↗

The park in numbers

Tickets: €10
Family, per person: €6
Club group of 11 or more, per person: €8
Annual pass: €25
Under 18 and over 65: free
Ferry Agia Roumeli–Chora Sfakion: €17
Ferry Agia Roumeli–Sougia: €17
Entry for the full route: 07:00–13:00

Samaria National Park: the gorge in the White Mountains

National park since 1962

The Samaria Gorge in the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) was declared a national park by presidential decree in 1962. In 2003 the Council of Europe gave an area of 4,850 ha.

Council of Europe: expert report on renewing the European Diploma, White Mountains – Samaria Gorge National Park (2003) ↗

European Diploma since 1979

The Council of Europe first awarded the park the European Diploma for Protected Areas in 1979 and has renewed it regularly since.

Council of Europe: expert report on renewing the European Diploma, White Mountains – Samaria Gorge National Park (2003) ↗

UNESCO biosphere reserve

Since 1981 the Samaria Gorge has been a UNESCO biosphere reserve; the reserve reaches from sea level to 2,134 m (7,001 ft).

UNESCO: Gorge of Samaria Biosphere Reserve, designated 1981 ↗

Managed by NECCA

Since 2022 the state nature agency NECCA (ΟΦΥΠΕΚΑ) has managed the park through its unit in Chania. The former website samaria.gr is no longer updated.

NECCA (ΟΦΥΠΕΚΑ): management unit for Samaria National Park and the protected areas of western Crete, based in Chania (Greek) ↗

Main trail only

Hiking is only allowed on the main trail. It is about 13 km (8.1 mi) long; from the south entrance to Agia Roumeli it is another 2 km (1.2 mi) or so.

NECCA Samaria ticket portal: current closure notice, season, opening hours, ticket categories and exemptions ↗

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From 1,227 m to sea level

The trail starts at Xyloskalo at 1,227 m (4,026 ft) and ends at Agia Roumeli on the sea. NECCA reckons on 6 to 7 hours.

NECCA Samaria ticket portal: current closure notice, season, opening hours, ticket categories and exemptions ↗

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Field book 03 · TicketsA ticket is required; you can buy it online or at either entrance.Field book 01 · WhenThe gorge is only open in season and also closes at short notice in bad weather.Field book 02 · Getting thereUp to Xyloskalo by bus, back from Agia Roumeli by boat.

02 · Places

Map: from Xyloskalo to Agia Roumeli

Nine points between the Omalos plateau and the ferry pier, each referenced to OpenStreetMap.

Photo: Anna Saini ↗ · CC BY-SA 4.0 ↗

Place in the park

Portes (Sideroportes)

The narrowest point of the gorge, about 1.5 km (0.9 mi) above the south entrance.

Distance from the Agia Roumeli forest outpost: about 1.5 km (0.9 mi)
Short walk from Agia Roumeli: Entry until 16:00

NECCA Samaria ticket portal: current closure notice, season, opening hours, ticket categories and exemptions ↗

A kri-kri wild goat with long horns looks for food among stones in Samaria National Park — Photo: Lapplaender ↗ · CC BY-SA 3.0 de ↗

Place in the park

Samaria village

The abandoned village around kilometre 7, halfway along.

Location: around kilometre 7
Trail after it: in the riverbed, rocky

NECCA Samaria ticket portal: current closure notice, season, opening hours, ticket categories and exemptions ↗

Place in the park

Agia Roumeli

The village at the end of the gorge, reachable only by boat.

Road: none
Ferry to Chora Sfakion and Sougia: 17:30

ANENDYK: Agia Roumeli – a village without a road at the end of the gorge ↗

Map

9 places on the map

Nine points between the Omalos plateau and the ferry pier, each referenced to OpenStreetMap.

Open map3D terrain · details and photos for every place

Mountains & rock1
Trails1
Arrival5
Surroundings2

03 · Out and about

Things to do: the full gorge, Portes and short walks

The classic descent, the uphill route from the sea and the short options.

Photo: Bretwa ↗ · CC BY-SA 4.0 ↗

“In by 13:00, out by 18:00, and the ferry leaves at 17:30.”
Samaria National Park · hikers in the riverbed

Things to do: the full gorge, Portes and short walks

The classic descent

Most people walk down from Xyloskalo to Agia Roumeli, about 15 km (9.3 mi). The first 7 km (4.3 mi) run through forest, after that the trail follows the riverbed.

NECCA Samaria ticket portal: current closure notice, season, opening hours, ticket categories and exemptions ↗

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Portes, the narrowest point

The best-known spot lies about 1.5 km (0.9 mi) above the Agia Roumeli forest outpost, where the rock walls close in.

NECCA Samaria ticket portal: current closure notice, season, opening hours, ticket categories and exemptions ↗

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A short walk from Agia Roumeli

If you do not want to walk the whole gorge, walk up a little from Agia Roumeli and turn back; the ticket is the same.

NECCA Samaria ticket portal: current closure notice, season, opening hours, ticket categories and exemptions ↗

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Uphill in reverse

From Agia Roumeli to Xyloskalo it is about 1,200 metres (3,940 ft) of ascent. NECCA recommends a night in Agia Roumeli and an early start.

NECCA Samaria ticket portal: current closure notice, season, opening hours, ticket categories and exemptions ↗

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The abandoned village

Around kilometre 7 lies the old village of Samaria, which gave the gorge its name.

NECCA Samaria ticket portal: current closure notice, season, opening hours, ticket categories and exemptions ↗

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Water and toilets

There are no shops in the gorge. Springs for refilling and toilets are along the trail.

NECCA Samaria ticket portal: current closure notice, season, opening hours, ticket categories and exemptions ↗

Looking down into the Samaria Gorge on Crete: forested slopes drop steeply between the peaks of the White Mountains

TourMaster · Guided hike from Chania · 14 hours · hiking guide

From Chania: Samaria Gorge with a professional hiking guide

Safety briefing before starting at Xyloskalo, descent with an English-speaking hiking guide carrying radios, free time in Agia Roumeli and return by ferry and coach.

4.7 out of 5 stars1,221 reviews on GetYourGuidefrom €28.21as of 5 Oct

14 hours
Pickup around Chania
Hiking guide in English
Entry and ferry extra

Departure Pickup at selected meeting points around Chania, drop-off back there.

According to the inclusions list, pickup and drop-off by coach, driver, hiking guide and local hiking expert in English, safety briefing, radio contact, help buying tickets and a breakfast stop are included; park entry (€10), ferry ticket (given by the operator as €15), walking poles, food and drinks are not.

View tour ↗Ad · partner link · checked 5 Oct 2026

Landscape image, not a provider photo · Photo: Jimzoun ↗ · CC BY-SA 4.0 ↗

Explore Paragliding · Tandem paragliding · 20-minute flight · near Chania, outside the park

Chania: tandem paragliding flight over the coast of western Crete

Tandem flight with a certified pilot near Chania, with transfer from the meeting point to the take-off site and back. The flight takes place outside the national park.

5.0 out of 5 stars177 reviews on GetYourGuidefrom €150as of 5 Oct

20-minute flight
About 1.5 hours in total
Meeting point Varipetro near Chania
outside the park

Departure Meeting point at the operator's van, Go Kart Chania (Pista Park), 73100 Varipetro.

According to the inclusions list, pickup at the meeting point, transfer to the take-off site, the flight and the return to the meeting point are included; photos and videos cost extra. Not suitable for children under 13. The page does not say where the flight goes; the Samaria Gorge is not promised.

View tour ↗Ad · partner link · checked 5 Oct 2026

Landscape image, not a provider photo · Photo: Jimzoun ↗ · CC BY-SA 4.0 ↗

Ad · we may earn a commission if you book through this partner link – at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the atlas. Offer details checked 5 Oct 2026. See official ticket information.

Nature: kri-kri, bearded vulture, cypresses

Kri-kri, the Cretan wild goat

The park's emblem animal now lives only in the White Mountains and on a few islands; protecting it was the main reason for the national park.

Archive site of the former management body: wildlife of the White Mountains – kri-kri, bearded vulture, 32 mammal species ↗

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Bearded vulture

Two of the three Greek breeding pairs of the bearded vulture live in the White Mountains.

Archive site of the former management body: wildlife of the White Mountains – kri-kri, bearded vulture, 32 mammal species ↗

32 mammal species

32 mammal, 11 reptile and about 200 bird species have been recorded in the White Mountains.

Archive site of the former management body: wildlife of the White Mountains – kri-kri, bearded vulture, 32 mammal species ↗

About 650 plant taxa

Of these, 25 grow only here; half of Crete's endemic species occur in the White Mountains.

Archive site of the former management body: plants of the White Mountains – about 650 taxa, 25 local endemics ↗

22 springs

UNESCO describes a 16 km (9.9 mi) long, deep and narrow gorge with 22 springs and many karst caves.

UNESCO: Gorge of Samaria Biosphere Reserve, designated 1981 ↗

Field book 04 · Where to stayNo overnight stays are allowed in the park itself.Field book 05 · RulesWhat the park rules (Government Gazette B 5266/2024) prohibit in the gorge.

04 · Before you go

Places nearby

Photo: Jimzoun ↗ · CC BY-SA 4.0 ↗

Around the park

To Chora Sfakion

Via Loutro to Chora Sfakion, several times a day until 31 October; adults pay €17.

ANENDYK: South Crete ferry fares ↗

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To Sougia and Paleochora

Heading west, the boat leaves at 17:30 for Sougia and on to Paleochora.

ANENDYK: South Crete ferry timetable 2026 – Agia Roumeli, Chora Sfakion, Sougia, Paleochora ↗

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Field book 07 · Sources11 sources, checked 5 Oct 2026

Field book · Samaria National Park

checked 5 Oct 2026

Samaria at a glance · PDF, 2 pages ↓

00My visit

Nothing saved yet. Every place card has a pin, and so does every place on the Map. What you save collects here, with days, notes and a preview you can share.

01Opening: season, hours and closures

The gorge is only open in season and also closes at short notice in bad weather.

As of 5 October 2026: closed

NECCA reports that the gorge remains closed at both entrances until further notice and will reopen after the required inspections; the agency will announce the date separately.

NECCA Samaria ticket portal: current closure notice, season, opening hours, ticket categories and exemptions ↗

At most 10 April to 31 October

Under the park rules the main trail may be open during this period. NECCA sets the opening day each year once maintenance of the trail is complete.

NECCA Samaria ticket portal: current closure notice, season, opening hours, ticket categories and exemptions ↗

Entry 07:00 to 13:00

For the full route you may only enter until 13:00. Until 15:00 the first 2 km (1.2 mi) from Xyloskalo to Neroutsiko are still open, from Agia Roumeli until 16:00 the first 2 km to Christos.

NECCA Samaria ticket portal: current closure notice, season, opening hours, ticket categories and exemptions ↗

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Out by 18:00

You must have left the park by 18:00 at the latest.

NECCA Samaria ticket portal: current closure notice, season, opening hours, ticket categories and exemptions ↗

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Closures decided the day before

NECCA usually decides on short-notice closures in the afternoon of the previous day, in bad weather also on the same day. We check the notice daily.

NECCA Samaria ticket portal: current closure notice, season, opening hours, ticket categories and exemptions ↗

Forest outpost phone numbers

The outposts at Xyloskalo (+30 28237 70046) and Agia Roumeli (+30 28250 91254) can be reached daily from 07:00 to 16:00.

NECCA Samaria ticket portal: current closure notice, season, opening hours, ticket categories and exemptions ↗

02Getting there: bus from Chania, ferry back

Up to Xyloskalo by bus, back from Agia Roumeli by boat.

Bus from Chania

KTEL runs daily at 05:00, 07:45 and 08:45 from Chania bus station to Xyloskalo; according to NECCA the ride takes about 60 minutes.

KTEL Chania–Rethymno: buses Chania–Xyloskalo and return from Sougia and Chora Sfakion ↗

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By car

Xyloskalo is about 40 km (25 mi) from Chania. If you park there, the only way back to your car on the same day is the ferry to Sougia and the Sougia–Xyloskalo bus.

NECCA Samaria ticket portal: current closure notice, season, opening hours, ticket categories and exemptions ↗

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Ferry from Agia Roumeli

Agia Roumeli has no road. Until 31 October ANENDYK sails daily at 17:30 to Chora Sfakion and to Sougia; each trip costs €17.

ANENDYK: South Crete ferry timetable 2026 – Agia Roumeli, Chora Sfakion, Sougia, Paleochora ↗

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Bus back to Chania

From Chora Sfakion the bus leaves at 18:30, from Sougia at 18:15, each after the ferry arrives.

KTEL Chania–Rethymno: buses Chania–Xyloskalo and return from Sougia and Chora Sfakion ↗

Organised day trips

NECCA names tours by travel agencies as a third option; they combine bus, hike and ferry from Chania or Rethymno.

NECCA Samaria ticket portal: current closure notice, season, opening hours, ticket categories and exemptions ↗

Wind stops the ferries

On days with strong wind the boats may not call at Agia Roumeli, even when the gorge is open. NECCA advises checking the timetable beforehand.

NECCA Samaria ticket portal: current closure notice, season, opening hours, ticket categories and exemptions ↗

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PLATANOS TOURS · Day trip from Chania · 9–12 hours · bus and ferry

From Chania: guided day hike through the Samaria Gorge

Pickup around Chania, bus to Omalos with a breakfast stop, descent through the gorge with an English-speaking guide at the back of the group, free time in Agia Roumeli, ferry to Sougia and bus back.

4.6 out of 5 stars3,548 reviews on GetYourGuidefrom €27.60as of 5 Oct

Departure Pickup at 18 points around Chania, drop-off back there at about 20:30.

According to the inclusions list, pickup and drop-off, a live guide in English, buses and bus tickets are included; park entry, ferry ticket, food, drinks and tips are not. The operator gives €10 entry and €15 for the ferry; ANENDYK lists €17 for Agia Roumeli–Sougia. Not suitable for children under 6. If the gorge is closed because of the weather, the operator tries to move you to another day, otherwise you get your money back.

View tour ↗Ad · partner link · checked 5 Oct 2026

More checked toursAd · partner link · checked 5 Oct 2026

From Chania: Samaria Gorge with ferry and entry ↗Quality Travel · 13 hours · GetYourGuideAccording to the inclusions list, park entry and boat ticket are already included, plus hiking guide and bus from the Chania area.
4.6 out of 5 stars290 reviews on GetYourGuidefrom €52.50as of 5 Oct
From Rethymno: full-day hike through the Samaria Gorge ↗PLATANOS TOURS · 9–12 hours · GetYourGuideSame operator with pickup around Rethymno, guide and return via the ferry.
4.6 out of 5 stars1,766 reviews on GetYourGuidefrom €35.20as of 5 Oct

03Samaria Gorge tickets: €10 and online ticket

A ticket is required; you can buy it online or at either entrance.

Check official fees ↗

€10 per person

The individual ticket costs €10, whether you walk the whole route or only part of it. Families pay €6 per person, organised club groups of eleven or more €8.

NECCA Samaria ticket portal: current closure notice, season, opening hours, ticket categories and exemptions ↗

Annual pass €25

If you come more than once, the personal annual pass costs €25 on presentation of ID.

NECCA Samaria ticket portal: current closure notice, season, opening hours, ticket categories and exemptions ↗

Who pays nothing

Children under 18, adults over 65, students at universities in the EU, people with disabilities and their companions, and school trips. Carry your proof with you.

NECCA Samaria ticket portal: current closure notice, season, opening hours, ticket categories and exemptions ↗

Three free days

Entry is free on 21 March, 21 May and 5 June.

NECCA Samaria ticket portal: current closure notice, season, opening hours, ticket categories and exemptions ↗

Online or at the entrance

NECCA sells tickets at samaria-tickets.necca.gov.gr and at the ticket offices at Xyloskalo and Agia Roumeli.

NECCA Samaria ticket portal: current closure notice, season, opening hours, ticket categories and exemptions ↗

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Keep the control stub

On entry you get a second stub that is checked at the exit; this is how the park counts who has left the gorge.

NECCA Samaria ticket portal: current closure notice, season, opening hours, ticket categories and exemptions ↗

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04Where to stay: Agia Roumeli, not a tent

No overnight stays are allowed in the park itself.

Agia Roumeli

According to ANENDYK the village at the exit has hotels, tavernas, cafés, mini markets and a medical clinic.

ANENDYK: Agia Roumeli – a village without a road at the end of the gorge ↗

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Old Agia Roumeli

About 2 km (1.2 mi) above today's village lies old Agia Roumeli; after the flood of 1954 its residents moved to the coast.

ANENDYK: Agia Roumeli – a village without a road at the end of the gorge ↗

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Staying overnight to go uphill

For the reverse route NECCA advises spending the night in Agia Roumeli and starting early in the morning.

NECCA Samaria ticket portal: current closure notice, season, opening hours, ticket categories and exemptions ↗

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05Rules: dogs, drones, camping, swimming

What the park rules (Government Gazette B 5266/2024) prohibit in the gorge.

Dogs on a lead only

Dogs are allowed, but only on a lead; animals running free are prohibited.

NECCA Samaria ticket portal: current closure notice, season, opening hours, ticket categories and exemptions ↗

No overnight stays

Camping and staying overnight in the park are prohibited; if you plan two days, sleep in Agia Roumeli or Omalos.

NECCA Samaria ticket portal: current closure notice, season, opening hours, ticket categories and exemptions ↗

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No drones

Taking off and landing drones is prohibited without a special permit.

NECCA Samaria ticket portal: current closure notice, season, opening hours, ticket categories and exemptions ↗

No swimming in the river

Entering the streams, swimming and fishing are forbidden; so are alcohol, fire and bicycles.

NECCA Samaria ticket portal: current closure notice, season, opening hours, ticket categories and exemptions ↗

Smoking only where signed

Smoking is only allowed at signposted spots. Take your rubbish with you to the exit.

NECCA Samaria ticket portal: current closure notice, season, opening hours, ticket categories and exemptions ↗

Children only with an adult

There is no minimum age. Minors may only enter with an adult who is responsible for them.

NECCA Samaria ticket portal: current closure notice, season, opening hours, ticket categories and exemptions ↗

06Frequently asked questions: Samaria National Park

How much does the Samaria Gorge cost?

€10 per person, however far you walk. Families pay €6 per person and the annual pass costs €25. Children under 18 and adults over 65 pay nothing.

NECCA Samaria ticket portal: current closure notice, season, opening hours, ticket categories and exemptions ↗

Can I buy the Samaria Gorge ticket online?

Yes, at samaria-tickets.necca.gov.gr. Tickets are also sold at the ticket offices at Xyloskalo and Agia Roumeli.

NECCA Samaria ticket portal: current closure notice, season, opening hours, ticket categories and exemptions ↗

Is the Samaria Gorge open right now?

As of 5 October 2026, no: NECCA reports the gorge closed at both entrances until further notice, until the required inspections are complete. The season ends on 31 October at the latest.

NECCA Samaria ticket portal: current closure notice, season, opening hours, ticket categories and exemptions ↗

When is the Samaria Gorge open?

From 10 April to 31 October at most; NECCA sets the opening day each year. For the full route entry is from 07:00 to 13:00, and you must be out by 18:00.

NECCA Samaria ticket portal: current closure notice, season, opening hours, ticket categories and exemptions ↗

How long is the Samaria Gorge hike?

The main trail is about 13 km (8.1 mi) long, plus roughly 2 km (1.2 mi) to Agia Roumeli. NECCA reckons on 6 to 7 hours.

NECCA Samaria ticket portal: current closure notice, season, opening hours, ticket categories and exemptions ↗

How do I get from Chania to the Samaria Gorge?

Take the KTEL bus at 05:00, 07:45 or 08:45 to Xyloskalo. To get back, take the ferry at 17:30 to Chora Sfakion or Sougia and the bus from there to Chania.

KTEL Chania–Rethymno: buses Chania–Xyloskalo and return from Sougia and Chora Sfakion ↗

How much is the ferry from Agia Roumeli?

€17 for adults to Chora Sfakion or to Sougia; children aged 5 to 12 pay €8.50.

ANENDYK: South Crete ferry fares ↗

Can I bring my dog?

Yes, but only on a lead. Animals running free are prohibited in the gorge.

NECCA Samaria ticket portal: current closure notice, season, opening hours, ticket categories and exemptions ↗

Can I stay overnight in the gorge?

No. Camping and staying overnight in the park are prohibited. You can stay in Agia Roumeli at the exit.

NECCA Samaria ticket portal: current closure notice, season, opening hours, ticket categories and exemptions ↗

07Where the information comes from

Fees, season, hours, closures and rules from the ticket portal of the NECCA agency, founding and area from the Council of Europe, bus from KTEL, ferry from ANENDYK.

How current is this information?

Researched 5 Oct 2026. Not a live status. Dates apply only to the year stated. A successful automatic fetch is not an editorial confirmation; outdated automatic values are hidden and replaced by the source link.

Current information from the park ↗

Image and map credits

Stage, overview Photo: Jimzoun ↗ · CC BY-SA 4.0 ↗ · verkleinert, WebP, Darstellungszuschnitt
Place · Portes (Sideroportes) Photo: Anna Saini ↗ · CC BY-SA 4.0 ↗ · verkleinert, WebP, Darstellungszuschnitt
Place · Samaria village Photo: Lapplaender ↗ · CC BY-SA 3.0 de ↗ · verkleinert, WebP, Darstellungszuschnitt
Place · Agia Roumeli Photo: Lapplaender ↗ · CC BY-SA 3.0 de ↗ · verkleinert, WebP, Darstellungszuschnitt
Quote Photo: Bretwa ↗ · CC BY-SA 4.0 ↗ · verkleinert, WebP, Darstellungszuschnitt

Location sources: All points come from OpenStreetMap and are individually referenced by their object number. Omalos and Agia Roumeli lie outside the park and are shown as start and end points. Altitude of Xyloskalo according to NECCA. Markers do not imply that access is permitted. Base map © OpenStreetMap contributors. Coastlines of the chapter map: Natural Earth.

End of the field book · Park authority ↗