tourism

Samaria Gorge Closure Spurs Free-Entry Protest in Crete

Friday, 19 June 2026/Source: Google News/1 min read

The Samaria Gorge in western Crete remains closed to the public, sparking protests from local residents and tourism professionals. In a demonstration against the closure, protesters allowed visitors to enter the gorge free of charge. The gorge, one of Europe's longest at 16 kilometers and a flagship attraction of the White Mountains National Park, typically charges an entry fee and draws thousands of hikers each season. The closure has disrupted planned visits for many tourists and affected local businesses that depend on gorge-related tourism. The reasons behind the official closure have not been specified in available reports. Visitors planning to hike Samaria Gorge should check with local tour operators or the park authority for the latest access status before travelling to the Agia Roumeli trailhead.

Read original article → Google News