The Samaria Gorge is a one-way 16 km hike in southwest Crete that descends from the Xyloskalo trailhead on the Omalos plateau (1,230 m) to the roadless coastal village of Agia Roumeli. Because Agia Roumeli has no road, a rental car driven up to Omalos is stranded for the day. To return to it you take the 17:30 Anendyk ferry to Sougia (€17 adult, €8.50 child), then the 18:15 KTEL bus up to Omalos (€7), which waits for the ferry, or a pre-booked taxi (€85–110). Crucially, you must exit at Sougia, not Chora Sfakion: the evening Sfakion bus runs to Chania, not up to Omalos, so the wrong boat leaves the car unreachable. Gorge entry is €10 through the official NECCA portal; EU citizens under 18 or over 65 and people with disabilities enter free with ID. The 2026 season opens on 19 May and runs to about 31 October. Full crossings must start between 07:00 and 13:00, and all visitors must leave the park by 18:00. From Rethymno the drive to Omalos is about 100 km and two hours, so leave by 05:30 to start before the heat and the coach crowds. Parking at Xyloskalo is free in the outer lot or €5–10 in the paid lot by the gate. An alternative 'easy way' parks the car at Chora Sfakion, takes the morning ferry to Agia Roumeli, walks about 5–6 km up to the Iron Gates and back on the flat, then returns on the afternoon ferry, never stranding the car and avoiding the steep descent.