The Natural Environment and Climate Change Organization (OFYPEKA) announces the start of operation of the Samaria National Park for the year 2026. Specifically, the operation of the Park as a visitor site will begin on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 in its entirety from both entrances.
OFYPEKA has completed all the required annual maintenance work of the trail, infrastructure, communications and all functions related to the Park’s traffic and visitor safety. This year, for the second year, the use of a nowcasting application has been ensured, to warn of the possible occurrence of intense and extreme weather phenomena within two (2) hours at specific critical points of the canyon. Also, from the first day of operation, there will be medical and nursing staff.
It is recalled that, based on the National Park Operation Regulation (Government Gazette (B’ 5266), visitors must respect and protect the natural environment of the National Park, as well as comply with the regulation upon entry, exit and stay therein. Visitors assume all personal responsibility for their safety upon entry and stay within the boundaries of the National Park, accepting the risks, especially in cases of emergency and unforeseen incidents, and must take any measures they deem necessary for 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, they must fully comply with any emergency regulations or prohibitions on entry and stay within the National Park, as well as, in any case, with the instructions and suggestions of the personnel of the competent services or their contractors.
According to what has been approved by the Region of Crete and based on what is provided for in the Operational Plan for Responding to Emergency Needs for the protection of visitors from natural hazards in the Samaria Gorge, as well as what is provided for in Articles 3 and 5 of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources/DDFPB/92126/2333/2024 Ministerial Decision “Regulation 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