The Kourtaliótiko Gorge in southern Crete is reopening under a new management model, with a 5 euro entry ticket now required for visitors. The gorge, located near Plakias in the Rethymno regional unit, is one of the island's most scenic natural attractions, home to the endangered Lammergeier vulture and the historic chapel of Agios Nikolaos. The new ticketing system aims to better manage visitor flow and fund conservation of the protected landscape. Tourists planning to hike through the gorge should budget for the entrance fee and check current access conditions before visiting, as trail sections can be affected by seasonal water levels. The gorge is typically accessible from the village of Koxare down to the coast near Preveli.
