tourism

Samaria Gorge Closed After Seismic Activity Triggers Rockfall Risk

Saturday, 20 June 2026/Source: Flashnews/1 min read

The Samaria Gorge, one of Crete's most popular hiking destinations, has been closed on Sunday as a precautionary measure following seismic activity near Gavdos, the small island located south of the Sfakia region. The closure was announced by OFYPEKA, the Greek Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency, which manages the gorge within Samaria National Park. The decision was taken to ensure visitor safety, as earthquakes can destabilize rocky terrain and increase the risk of rockfalls along the 16-kilometer trail. No specific reopening date has been confirmed beyond the single-day closure. Tourists planning to hike the gorge are advised to check OFYPEKA's official announcements before traveling to the Omalos plateau trailhead. The gorge typically operates from May through October, and closures due to safety concerns can occur without advance notice.

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