Exploring Creta: Hiking from Xyloskalo to Gingilos

The trail starts from the Xyloskalo car park, at the entrance to the famous Samaria Gorge. From here, the first part of the hike leads you to a mountain saddle, located between the peaks of Gingilos and Strifomadi — a distinctive landmark that is easy to spot along the way.

As you ascend, the rocky summit of Gingilos remains always visible, serving as a natural guide all the way to the top.

The first hour of the hike is a continuous uphill climb, with the trail winding through rocky terrain and offering impressive views of the surrounding landscape. Gradually, the trail becomes more challenging, with sections that require some scrambling, a bit of technical skill, and patience.

Reaching the summit of Gingilos, at 1,974 metres, is a truly unforgettable experience.

Archive Photo: Incredible Crete