Situated just 2½ km from Chania center, Lefka Apartments is your ideal base for exploring West Crete.
2½ Km
To Chania Center & Old Harbor
1h 15m
To Samaria Gorge (Omalos)
35–45 Mins
To Kissamos Port (Balos) & Falasarna Beach
1h 30m
Direct Route to Elafonisi Beach
Bus Stop
At Property for City & West Excursions
Highlights of West Crete
From historic harbor strolls to world-famous beaches and dramatic gorges
World-Class Shorelines
West Crete has some of the best beaches in the Mediterranean, and you can reach all of them as a day trip from Lefka Apartments.
Elafonisi is the one everyone talks about. The sand has a pink tint from crushed coral, and the water is so shallow and clear you can wade out to a small island. Balos is a bit more of an adventure—a turquoise lagoon with shallow sandbanks where the scenic drive and walk down are part of the journey. Falasarna features a wide golden beach on the west coast celebrated for iconic Cretan sunsets.
Chania Venetian Harbor
Where Greek, Venetian, and Ottoman heritage meet the sea.
Akrotiri Peninsula: Seitan Limania (dramatic canyon cove) plus sheltered bays at Stavros, Marathi & Kalathas.
North-West Coves: Afrata & Ravdoucha (quiet pebble coves & seaside tavernas on the Rodopos Peninsula).
Wild & Natural: Kedrodasos (juniper dunes near Elafonisi; requires a short dirt-road drive & hike down).
South Coast Towns: Paleochora & Sougia (wide sandy & pebble beaches on the Libyan Sea).
South Coast Villages: Loutro, Chora Sfakion, Frangokastello, Plakias, Damnoni, and the freshwater spring beaches of Glyka Nera & Iligas.
Elafonisi · Balos · Falasarna · Day trips easily arranged with tour pick-up or by KTEL public bus
Nature & Hiking Trails
One of Europe's longest gorges & top hiking locations.
Samaria Gorge: Legendary 16 km National Park trek through the White Mountains
Imbros Gorge: Easier 8 km family-friendly hike with narrow rock walls
Agia Irini Gorge: Lush, quieter 7.5 km trail ending near Sougia
Sirikari & Deliana Gorges: Gentle, green valley trails through chestnut forests & vulture nesting cliffs
Theriso Gorge & Village: Dramatic drive or hike ending at traditional mountain tavernas
Aradena Gorge: Dramatic, rugged trek ending at Marmara Beach (for experienced hikers)
Samaria · Imbros · Agia Irini · Day trips easily arranged with tour pick-up or by KTEL public bus
Starting high in the White Mountains at Xyloskalo (Omalos Plateau), the Samaria Gorge is a legendary 16 km National Park trek descending all the way to the seaside village of Agia Roumeli on the Libyan Sea. Select your preferences below to explore transport options, trail milestones, and logistics:
Option A: Direct Public Bus (KTEL) vs. Organized Excursion
• Public Bus (KTEL) Total (~€38–€42 per person): Morning bus to Omalos (~€7.50), gorge entrance ticket (€5), afternoon ferry (~€13–€15), and return coach from Sougia/Sfakia to Chania (~€12–€14).
• Organized Tour Total (~€43–€50 per person): Direct coach pick-up & drop-off right in front of Lefka Apartments (~€25–€30) plus park entrance & ferry (~€18–€20). Recommended for door-to-door travel without the extra time or cost of going into Chania town station. You can reserve online via Elafonissos Travel and if you have a problem or questions ask us!
Option B: Self-Drive & Park at Omalos (Car + Ferry + Bus Return)Popular for Rental Cars
• Drive to Omalos: Drive your rental car to Omalos (Xyloskalo) early in the morning (~1h 15m from Lefka) and leave it in the entrance parking area.
• Hike & Ferry to Sougia: Complete the 16 km hike to Agia Roumeli, then take the afternoon ferry to Sougia (departs ~17:30).
• Bus Back to Your Car: At Sougia port, hop on the afternoon KTEL public bus that climbs back up to Omalos/Xyloskalo to retrieve your rental car.
• Safety Note: Please note that driving back from Omalos in the evening can be challenging after a full day of hiking, as you will be tired and navigating mountain roads after dusk. Take your time or consider the organized bus excursion!
Key Distance Milestones
• 0.0 km (Omalos / Xyloskalo): Trailhead entrance gate & steep downhill switchbacks
• 3.8 km (Agios Nikolaos): Bottom of the descent & historic canyon chapel
• 7.1 km (Samaria Village): Abandoned historic settlement & main midpoint stop
• 12.8 km (Old Agia Roumeli Exit): National Park check-out gate
• 16.0 km (Agia Roumeli Port): Coastal village finish line on the Libyan Sea
Water Springs & Emergency Facilities
• 0.0 km (Xyloskalo): Entrance Gate, Water Refill & WC
• 1.7 km & 2.9 km: Mountain Water Springs, WC & Fire Station
• 3.8 km & 4.7 km: Fresh Water Springs & Shaded Rest Areas
• 7.1 km (Samaria Village): Main Rest Stop (Water, WC, First Aid & Fire Post)
• 7.8 km, 10.0 km & 12.8 km: Water Springs, WC & Exit Control Gate
Trail Logistics & Packing List
• Duration: Expect 5 to 7 hours of walking (moderate to challenging downhill terrain).
• Key Highlight: The famous "Iron Gates" (Sideroportes)—the narrowest pass (3m wide, 300m high cliffs).
• What to Pack: Sturdy hiking shoes with good grip, a reusable water bottle (refillable at fresh mountain springs along the trail), sun protection, and light snacks.
• Clothing & Swim Gear: Bring a light jacket or sweater for chilly morning starts at Omalos, plus your swimsuit and towel to enjoy a swim at Agia Roumeli after your hike!
National Park Rules & Protection Laws
• Environmental Safety: No overnight stays, lighting fires, or smoking outside designated rest areas.
• Wildlife & Flora: Hunting, picking flowers, cutting plants, disturbing nests, and bringing pets are strictly prohibited.
• Trail Etiquette: Swimming in the river is not permitted. Please pack out all litter, avoid loud noises, and refrain from consuming alcohol inside the gorge.
Official Tickets, Timetables & Opening StatusEssential Links
• Park Status & Tickets: Visit the official Samaria National Park Website to check opening status and pre-purchase entrance tickets.
• Public Bus Schedules: Check departure times on the official KTEL Chania-Rethymno Website .
• Ferry Schedules: Check coastal timetables on the official ANENDYK Lines Website .
• Host Tip: Seasonal opening dates depend on weather and winter rain levels (typically open May 1st to October 31st). Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions before setting off!
Exploring beyond Chania? Visit the Official Incredible Crete Portal (Region of Crete) for island-wide heritage, nature, and travel guides.
Your Base for Exploring West Crete
Enjoy guaranteed best rates, free on-site parking, and quick highway access for all your day trips when booking direct.
