The gorge has been declared a National Park in order to protect its rare flora and fauna, and in particular the Cretan mountain goat, called ‘’Kri-Kri’’ or the ‘’wild one’’ by the locals. Samaria was recently awarded a prize by the Council of Europe, as one of the most beautiful virgin sites in Europe. The descent into the gorge is quite difficult and crossing it takes about 6-8 hours. Hikers must wear sturdy walking shoes and hats, and carry along with them only the essentials. These do not include water, as there are springs along the way. One is allowed through the gorge from the beginning of May to the end of October. During the rest of the year, the melting snows on the high walls of the gorge and the rains raise the level of the innocent stream and turn it into a dangerous torrent. The best time of the year for the hike is May or the end of September- beginning of October, when it is not too hot, although it is relatively cool inside the gorge, since the sun only reaches down into it at noon, when its rays fall perpendicularly between the sheer walls.