The narrowest point of the Samaria Gorge, where the walls close to a few metres across.
At the Iron Gates (Portes) the walls rise several hundred metres and are only a few metres apart. Light is short and soft, so a fast lens or a tripod helps.
| Best time | Late morning |
|---|---|
| Best season | Late May to October |
| Address | Samaria National Park, 730 01 Chania, Crete, Greece |
Shooting notes
- Equipment
- Wide lens, fast prime, tripod
Location
Samaria National Park, 730 01 Chania, Crete, Greece
35.2500, 23.9700 View on map
Highlights
- Walls rising hundreds of metres
- Passage only a few metres wide
- Soft shaded light in the gorge
- Compositions of hikers for scale
Tips for visiting
- Use a fast prime or a tripod, since light in the gorge is short and soft.
- A wide lens captures the height of the walls.
- Carry gear in a waterproof bag; the route involves stream crossings.
- Walk through in late morning when light reaches into the narrows.
- Bring water; the gorge hike is long and the park has limited facilities.
When to visit
Late morning from late May to October, when light reaches the narrows.
Frequently asked questions
Where are the Iron Gates?
They are the narrowest section of the Samaria Gorge in Samaria National Park, near the end of the hike.
When does the gorge open?
The gorge is generally open from late May to October, weather permitting; confirm current dates locally.
Are tripods practical?
A tripod helps in the dim light, but the trail is shared and narrow, so keep it out of the path.