Samaria Gorge closes Thursday, September 24, as EMY forecasts heavy rain

The Samaria Gorge in Chania will remain closed to visitors from both entrances on Thursday, September 24, 2026, Greece’s Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency (OFYPEKA) announced.

The agency said its decision followed an updated forecast from the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY), which predicts heavy rain and storms for the area. Rainfall of up to 11.5mm is expected at the Xyloskalo entrance and up to 11.5mm at Agia Roumeli, the gorge’s two access points.

According to OFYPEKA, these forecast rainfall levels exceed the operating limits approved by the Region of Chania for the gorge, triggering the closure under existing safety protocols. The organization did not indicate when the gorge is expected to reopen.

The closure adds to a run of suspensions in the same week amid persistent unsettled weather. The gorge had already been shut following an earlier closure on Tuesday, September 22, when OFYPEKA cited a similarly heavy storm forecast for the area.

A separate suspension had also been announced for the following day, when the gorge stayed closed under comparable weather conditions before Thursday’s decision. Authorities have not said when normal operations will resume.

The Samaria Gorge, part of the White Mountains National Park, is one of Crete’s most visited natural attractions, drawing large numbers of hikers each autumn before the trekking season winds down. It is one of several gorges in Crete that see closures during periods of heavy rainfall for visitor safety.