When one thinks of gorges, they are wont to conjure images of impossible sheer rock walls and narrow passageways. The Samarian gorges are all that and more, cutting between towering dolomite beds that have existed since the Quaternary Period 2 million years ago. With over 450 species of plants and animals, a keen eye for detail is sure to reveal the secrets of the gorge along the 16km hike. The gorges itself are 13km in length, with a width of 150m at the widest point and contrastingly pinched to 3m at its narrowest.

With steep climbs and a maze of loose rock and pine roots to navigate, the hike is not for the weak of heart. Dangerous weather conditions of rain and snow lead to the trail’s closure from the end of October till early May but this is set to change based on the weather forecasts and observations for the year. Yet few deny that the challenging climb is not worth the effort. Visitors are left to marvel at the progression of Earth through time, captured as much in the layers of the cliff walls as they are in the remnants of byzantine temples and churches along the trail. Indeed, the Samarian gorges choose only to reveal the secrets gathered over time to the adventurous voyagers who traverse its harsh planes.