Samaria Gorge Closes This Friday, Halting Crete's Iconic Hiking Trail

Thursday, 21 May 2026/Source: Haniotika Nea/1 min read

The Samaria Gorge in western Crete will be closed to the public this Friday, according to an official announcement from NECCA (the Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency), the body responsible for managing the national park. Samaria Gorge is one of Crete's most popular hiking destinations, drawing thousands of visitors each season with its 16-kilometre trail through the White Mountains ending at the seaside village of Agia Roumeli. The closure applies for the full day on Friday. If you have a hike planned for Friday, reschedule for another day. Closures like this are typically issued for safety reasons such as high winds, fire risk, or maintenance. Check the NECCA website or ask your accommodation for the latest updates before heading to the trailhead at Xyloskalo.