Pigaidakia council proposes exemptions to planned Agiofaraggo entrance fee
The Pigaidakia Community Council unanimously adopted a supplementary decision on Sunday regarding the management and protection model for Agiofaraggo, after the original item on introducing an entrance ticket for the area was withdrawn from the agenda of the Phaistos Municipal Council.
The new decision, submitted as a supplementary proposal to the Phaistos Municipal Council, seeks to embed specific exemptions and conditions into any programmatic contract or regulatory decision concerning the management of Agiofaraggo.
Who would be exempt from the fee
A central point of the decision is a proposal for a zero fee for specific categories of visitors, including residents of the Municipality of Phaistos and neighboring municipalities, “in the context of reciprocity and the social ties of the residents of Messara,” as stated in the Pigaidakia Community’s decision.
Also exempted would be livestock farmers, landowners and professionals working in the area, who the council says require unimpeded passage to carry out their activities.
Entry would also remain free for pilgrims visiting Agiofaraggo for religious reasons, as well as for those attending sacraments or services, since, according to the council, access to the Church of Saint Anthony and to places of worship should not be restricted by the management system.
The Community Council stressed that the religious, historical and devotional character of Agiofaraggo must be safeguarded and that access for worshippers should remain free throughout the year.
No umbrellas, sunbeds or canteens on the beach
The council also proposed explicitly banning any commercial activity on Agiofaraggo beach, including the placement of umbrellas and sunbeds, the operation of a canteen, and the construction of permanent structures.
The stated aim, according to the decision, is for “the beach to retain its entirely natural, free and unspoiled character.” Anyone considering a visit can browse the wider selection of beaches in Crete for comparison.
The proposed terms also include an obligation for the future management body to carry out regular cleaning and waste collection. Given the area’s difficult access, the council suggested that waste removal also be supported by boat, to reduce the burden on the gorge itself, a landmark among Crete’s better-known gorges in Crete.
Share of revenue earmarked for local projects
The Pigaidakia council further asked that the relevant contract include a fixed, agreed percentage of the municipality’s share of revenue, to be recorded in the municipal budget exclusively as earmarked income for local projects.
Priority, according to the decision, should be given to maintaining and improving the road network leading to Agiofaraggo, clearing and improving the passability of dirt roads, signage, and cleanliness of the wider area.
The council also requested increased local-origin scoring and absolute priority for permanent residents of the Pigaidakia Community for any positions created in security, cleaning or infrastructure-operation schemes, whether set up by the municipality or through the Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency (OFYPEKA).
Finally, the council proposed the mandatory creation of organized parking areas before the entrance to the path, along with strict measures against unregulated parking, aimed at protecting road safety and the area itself.
The decision, numbered 10/2026, will be forwarded to the Mayor of Phaistos. According to the council, the fee proposal, now enriched with the supplementary data and proposed exemptions, is expected to return for discussion and a vote at the Phaistos Municipal Council.
