Samaria Gorge closes to visitors on 1 October

Samaria Gorge closed to visitors from both entrances on 1 October 2026 as severe weather affected Crete. The natural landmark, also called Samaria Gorge in English, is now awaiting an inspection before a reopening date can be announced.

Samaria Gorge closure follows severe weather on 1 October

The closure covers the northern entrance at Xyloskalo and the southern entrance at Agia Roumeli. The decision followed forecasts for heavy rain and thunderstorms in the gorge area, where rising water can make the route unsafe.

Greece's Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency, known as NECCA, said the park would remain closed while the severe weather continued. Its official closure notice says staff will inspect the site and carry out any repairs needed after conditions improve. A further announcement is expected to set the date and time of reopening.

The closure is therefore more than a routine seasonal adjustment. It affects the main route through the national park and leaves access dependent on a later safety decision rather than on the published autumn operating period.

Samaria Gorge route links Crete's plateau and coast

The gorge lies in western Crete within the Lefka Ori National Forest. The trail begins on the Omalos plateau at an altitude of 1,200 metres and reaches the coastal settlement of Agia Roumeli beside the Libyan Sea.

The gorge itself is 12.5km long, while the full route to Agia Roumeli is 16km. The northern entrance is called Xyloskalo, meaning wooden stairs, after an earlier staircase made from cypress trunks. The trail crosses ravines and streams, and its bridges are removed during winter to reduce the risk of damage from high water.

The Greek National Tourism Organisation guide describes access by bus from Chania to Xyloskalo and a return journey by boat from Agia Roumeli. That one-way geography makes the 1 October closure significant for both hikers and transport plans: the normal route cannot simply be reversed by road.

Storm damage could delay the next reopening decision

NECCA linked the continuing closure to the emergency weather bulletin valid until 4 October 2026 and to the red-code mobilisation status issued for Crete. The authority did not give a reopening date, saying that weather conditions and the inspection would determine when visitors could return.

The timing also falls within the normal visitor season. The national tourism authority states that the gorge is generally open from 1 May to the end of October, subject to weather conditions. The current restriction shows why that seasonal description does not guarantee access on a particular October day.

Visiting Samaria Gorge: what travellers from Western Europe should know

• The closure began on 1 October 2026 and applies to visitors using both Xyloskalo and Agia Roumeli.
• Access remains unavailable until NECCA completes its inspection and announces a reopening date after the severe weather.
• The route runs from the Omalos plateau to Agia Roumeli. The usual return arrangement combines a boat from the coast with onward land transport.
• The trail covers 16km to Agia Roumeli, begins at about 1,200 metres and includes steep terrain, ravines and streams.

Travellers should check the latest NECCA notice before setting out for either entrance.

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Frequently asked questions about Samaria Gorge

When did the Samaria Gorge closure begin?

The closure began on 1 October 2026 and covers both entrances after forecasts of severe weather in the area.

When will Samaria Gorge reopen?

NECCA has not announced a reopening date. Staff must inspect the trail and complete any necessary repairs before a further notice is issued.

Where is Samaria Gorge and how do you get there?

The route begins at Xyloskalo on the Omalos plateau in western Crete and ends at Agia Roumeli. The usual journey uses land transport to the northern entrance and a boat from the southern coast on the return.