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Samaria Gorge Closed: Crete's 16km Hiking Trail Now Inaccessible

Thursday, 18 June 2026/SourceFlashnews/1 min read
The Samaria Gorge in western Crete is closed today, according to a new announcement from OFYPEKA (the Greek Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency), which manages the Samaria National Park. The gorge, one of the longest in Europe at 16 kilometers, is a popular hiking destination located in the Chania regional unit, accessible from the village of Omalos. OFYPEKA has not specified the reason for the closure in this announcement, but closures typically occur due to high temperatures, strong winds, or safety hazards on the trail. Visitors planning to hike the gorge today should not attempt to enter and are advised to check OFYPEKA's official channels for updates before making travel arrangements. Alternative activities in the Chania area include beaches at Elafonissi and Balos, or exploring the old town of Chania.

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