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Running / Endurance in Samaria Gorge

Greece · Southern Europe

Europe's longest gorge, cutting 16km through the White Mountains from Xyloskalo down to the Libyan Sea at Agia Roumeli.

Why here

The Samaria Run descends the gorge itself, 21.6km from Omalos to the sea, on a route you cannot race anywhere else in Europe.

Best months

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

One fixed date each May, organised by the Greek Mountaineering Club of Chania. The 2026 edition was 10 May. Entry is capped and the gorge is otherwise a walking route.

Getting there & around

Schools & guides (1)

EOS Chania (Greek Mountaineering Club of Chania)

Guide

Mountaineering club founded in 1930. Runs the Kallergi refuge above Samaria, E4 route hikes, White Mountains expeditions and the annual Samaria Run. Phone +30 28210 44647.

Also good for running / endurance in May:

Torn between Samaria Gorge and Trail 100 Andorra by UTMB for May?

A plan settles it for your skill and budget, same-day.