- The 2026 Calendar: Open nights are synchronized with the lunar cycle from 18:00 to 23:00 on the following dates:
- June: Tuesday, June 30
- July: Wednesday, July 29
- August: Friday, August 28 (Plus a special “Shepherd’s Place” night outside Anogeia on Friday, August 21)
- September: Thursday, September 24
As the summer heat bakes the Cretan coastline, a completely different world exists at 1,750 meters above sea level. On the rugged peak of Skinakas, the air is thin, crisp, and biting cold. Here, far above the light pollution of the northern resorts, the sky opens up into a brilliant tapestry of stars. For a few selected nights each summer, this world-class research facility turns its gaze downward, inviting the public to look through its lenses.
The open nights at Skinakas offer travelers a rare glimpse into professional astrophysics. Before twilight fades, visitors can peer through portable solar telescopes to observe the surface of the sun. As darkness settles over the Psiloritis range, the focus shifts inside the domes. Until 20:30, researchers offer lectures on the observatory’s history beneath the 1-meter dome, before opening the flagship 1.3-meter telescope dome at 21:00 for deep-sky observation via specialized digital cameras.
Navigating the Peak: Essential Survival Tips
A visit to Skinakas Observatory is an unforgettable experience, but it requires preparation. This is a functioning, active scientific research station, not a commercial tourist park. The infrastructure is sparse, the space inside the domes is tight, and nature dictates the rules.
Prospective visitors must keep the following operational realities in mind:
- Despite the summer heat at sea level, temperatures on the peak drop drastically after dark. Heavy jackets, windbreakers, and proper footwear are mandatory.
- Zero Amenities: There are no public restrooms, no cafes, and no seating areas. Visitors should be prepared to stand, often in queues that can exceed an hour on clear nights.
- Due to the long wait times, tight spaces, and rugged terrain, the experience is not recommended for small children or individuals with mobility challenges.
- The final 5 kilometers of the route—after turning left off the main Nida road—are exceptionally narrow with steep drop-offs. Large tour buses are strictly prohibited, and independent drivers should exercise extreme caution, preferably taking the route through the municipality of Anogeia.
Medical cover for the open evenings is provided on-site by the Heraklion branch of the Hellenic Rescue Team, ensuring safety on the mountain. Because mountain weather is notoriously unpredictable and technical work can alter schedules, travelers are urged to verify status updates via the Institute of Astrophysics Facebook page before making the climb.
