Skinakas Observatory moves remaining 2026 open nights to Anogia venue
Skinakas Observatory is moving all of its remaining open-night events for 2026 away from its own facilities to a themed park called “Topos tou Voskou” in the Municipality of Anogia, citing ongoing construction work at the observatory site.
The change affects the already scheduled open night on Friday, August 21, as well as the sessions planned for August 28 and September 24. All three events will run from 20:00 to 23:00 at the new location.
According to the observatory, the decision was made primarily for the safety of both staff and the public, particularly given the large number of visitors the open nights typically attract. Several separate construction projects are currently under way at different points across the Skinakas site, which the observatory said made it necessary to move the events elsewhere.
Despite the change of venue, the program will keep its astronomical focus. Visitors will be able to take part in stargazing sessions using portable telescopes, alongside an astronomy talk dedicated to the Skinakas Observatory. Those planning to attend one of the events in Crete this season should note that anyone wishing to join these particular sessions for the rest of 2026 needs to head to “Topos tou Voskou” in Anogia rather than to the observatory itself.
Dates for the relocated open nights
The three affected open nights are scheduled as follows:
- August 21, 2026, 20:00–23:00
- August 28, 2026, 20:00–23:00
- September 24, 2026, 20:00–23:00
All three events will be hosted at the “Topos tou Voskou” themed park in the Municipality of Anogia. Skinakas Observatory sits high on the Psiloritis plateau, an area known for its clear night skies away from the island’s coastal crowds.
