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Bad Weather Forecasts Drive Samaria Gorge Closures, Damage Tourism

Friday, 19 June 2026/SourceFlashnews/1 min read
The Samaria Gorge, one of Crete's most popular hiking destinations in the Chania region, has faced repeated closures in recent months due to inaccurate weather forecasts. Nikos Kalogeris, Vice Governor of Chania, has publicly criticized this pattern, warning that unnecessary closures are damaging the gorge's reputation and deterring visitors. He called on regional and municipal authorities to take direct responsibility and introduce better decision-making processes for opening and closing the trail. For tourists planning to hike Samaria, it is advisable to check the official status with the Chania Regional Unit or the White Mountains National Park authority on the day of your visit, as closures can occur with little notice. The gorge typically operates from May to October, weather permitting.

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