Samaria Gorge closes both entrances Thursday, September 17, as EMY forecasts storms
The Samaria Gorge in Chania will remain closed to visitors at both entrances on Thursday, September 17, 2026, after an updated forecast from the National Meteorological Service (EMY) predicted strong rain and storms in the area, according to the Organization of Natural Environment and Climate Change (OFYPEKA).
According to the updated bulletin, rainfall of up to 32 mm is expected in the Xyloskalo area and up to 32 mm in the Agia Roumeli area. Because these figures exceed the safety thresholds approved by the Region of Chania for the gorge’s operation, OFYPEKA decided to shut it from both the northern and southern entrances for the day.
Repeated closures this month
This is not the first time bad weather has forced the closure of the gorge in recent weeks. Earlier in September, authorities kept the route shut for two consecutive days, as reported in Samaria Gorge stays closed Tuesday and Wednesday as heavy rain forecast, and OFYPEKA had also urged extra caution ahead of another spell of unstable weather, detailed in OFYPEKA urges caution at Samaria Gorge as unstable weather forecast looms for Tuesday.
Officials said the decision to close is reassessed daily based on the latest EMY forecasts, with visitor safety taking priority over access to the trail. Samaria remains one of the most visited hiking routes among the gorges in Crete, drawing tens of thousands of walkers each season.
