Strong Winds Force Closure of Samaria Gorge in Crete

Sunday, 14 June 2026/Source: Google News/1 min read

The Samaria Gorge in the Chania region of western Crete is currently closed to visitors due to strong winds. The gorge, one of the longest in Europe at 16 kilometers, runs through the White Mountains and ends at the coastal village of Agia Roumeli on the Libyan Sea. Closures are issued by local authorities when wind conditions pose a safety risk to hikers on the trail. Residents and business owners in Agia Roumeli, whose livelihoods depend heavily on gorge tourism, have expressed frustration over the closure, arguing it damages the reputation of the area. If you are planning to hike Samaria, check the official closure status before traveling, as access can be suspended with little notice during periods of high winds. The hike typically takes 5 to 7 hours one way, and return is by ferry from Agia Roumeli.