The Samaria Gorge will remain closed on Wednesday, September 23, after an updated weather forecast shows rainfall above the gorge’s approved safety limits.
The Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency (OFYPEKA) made the decision based on the latest forecast from Greece’s National Meteorological Service.
For travelers planning a hike, that means one important thing: don’t head for the gorge Wednesday morning expecting to walk in.
The closure applies to both entrances of Samaria Gorge for the entire day.
Forecast rainfall is expected to reach up to approximately 9 mm around Xyloskalo and 8 mm around Agia Roumeli, with strong rainfall or thunderstorms possible.
Those levels exceed the safety thresholds the Chania Regional Authority set for operating the gorge.
And with steep terrain, watercourses and the potential for rapidly changing conditions, this is one hiking attraction where “I’ll just see what it’s like when I get there” isn’t particularly good trip planning.
OFYPEKA says it could reconsider the decision if the weather forecast improves significantly.
If the National Meteorological Service issues an updated forecast showing improved conditions, OFYPEKA will issue a new announcement at 6:30am on Wednesday regarding the gorge’s operation.
Until then, the closure stands.
Anyone who has planned Samaria Gorge for Wednesday should check the official update before setting out, particularly if traveling from elsewhere in Crete.
The gorge is a protected natural environment, and weather-related closures are intended to protect visitors when conditions exceed established safety limits.
So yes, it is frustrating to rearrange a holiday itinerary around Greek weather. But when the alternative is discovering halfway down the gorge that the weather forecast was trying to tell you something, rearranging the day suddenly looks rather attractive.
