The Organisation for the Natural Environment and Climate Change (OFYPEKA) announces the opening of Samaria National Park for the year 2026. Specifically, the Park will open to visitors on Tuesday, 19 May 2026 in its entirety from both entrances.
OFYPEKA has completed all the necessary annual maintenance work on the trail, infrastructure, communications and all functions relating to traffic and visitor safety within the Park. This year, for the second year running, the use of a nowcasting application has been implemented to provide warnings of the possible occurrence of severe and extreme weather events within two (2) hours at specific critical points along the canyon. Furthermore, medical and nursing staff will be on site from the very first day of operation.
It should be noted that, in accordance with the National Park Operating Regulations (Government Gazette (B’ 5266)), visitors must respect and protect the natural environment of the National Park, as well as comply with the regulations upon entry, exit and during their stay within the Park. Visitors assume full personal responsibility for their safety upon entering and whilst within the boundaries of the National Park, accepting the risks involved, particularly in the event of emergencies or unforeseen incidents, and must take any measures they deem necessary to ensure their safety. Free helmets are provided at both entrances to the National Park. The use of a protective helmet is optional but strongly recommended. Furthermore, visitors must fully comply with any emergency regulations or restrictions on entry to and stay within the National Park, as well as, in all circumstances, with the instructions and advice given by staff of the relevant authorities or their contractors.
In accordance with the approval granted by the Region of Crete and based on the provisions of the Operational Plan for Responding to Emergency Needs for the protection of visitors from natural hazards in the Samaria Gorge, as well as the provisions of Articles 3 and 5 of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources/DDFPB/92126/2333/2024 Ministerial Decision “Regulations for the Operation of the White Mountains (Samaria) National Park of Crete” (B’ 5266), the operation of the gorge may be suspended due to specific conditions.
Source: necca.gov.gr