tourism

Samaria Gorge Last-Minute Closures Devastate Crete Tourism Industry

Friday, 19 June 2026/Source: Haniotika Nea/1 min read

Businesses in Omalos and Agia Roumeli are expressing frustration over repeated last-minute closures of the Samaria Gorge by OFYPEKA, the Greek natural environment and climate change agency. Traders at both ends of the gorge report significant financial losses due to unpredictable open-and-close decisions that leave tourists unable to plan visits reliably. The Samaria Gorge, located in the White Mountains of western Crete, is one of the island's most popular hiking destinations, stretching approximately 16 km from Omalos in the south to the coastal village of Agia Roumeli. Closures are typically issued for safety reasons such as high winds or extreme heat. If you are planning to hike the gorge, check its official status the evening before your visit and confirm again in the morning, as conditions and decisions can change with little notice.

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