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Samaria Gorge Emergency Closure: Crete's Popular Trail Evacuated

Friday, 19 June 2026/SourceGoogle News/1 min read
The Samaria Gorge, one of Crete's most popular hiking destinations in the White Mountains of western Crete, was closed and evacuated on an emergency basis. Authorities ordered the closure due to safety concerns, requiring all visitors inside the gorge to be evacuated. The closure affects the 16-kilometer trail that thousands of tourists hike each season between Xyloskalo and Agia Roumeli. A decision on reopening is expected Saturday. If you planned to hike Samaria in the coming days, contact your tour operator or check with local authorities before heading to the trailhead at Omalos. Conditions can change quickly, and access may resume once officials confirm the gorge is safe. Monitor updates from the Samaria Gorge National Park management before making travel arrangements to this area.

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