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Samaria Gorge Closes After Earthquake Strikes Near Crete

Sunday, 21 June 2026/SourceGoogle News/1 min read
The Samaria Gorge, one of Crete's most popular hiking destinations in the White Mountains of the Chania region, remains closed following an earthquake near the island of Gavdos on Sunday. Authorities have kept the gorge shut as a precautionary safety measure to assess any potential damage to the trail or surrounding terrain caused by the seismic activity. Visitors planning to hike the 16-kilometer gorge should check with local tourism offices or the Samaria Gorge management for reopening updates before making the trip to the trailhead at Xyloskalo. The closure affects one of Crete's most visited natural attractions, so travelers are advised to confirm access in advance and consider alternative hiking routes in the White Mountains area until the gorge is officially declared safe and reopened.

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