Samaria Gorge Opens

Samaria Gorge opened on Wednesday 22nd April 2009, earlier than the official opening date of May 1st, due to warm weather and little rainfall throughout April. Local weather conditions are the deciding factor for the opening date each year. During the winter months, rains and melting snow water running through the gorge make it impassible.


The Chania Forestry Department has warned guides and tourist agencies organising tours of the Gorge to alert visitors about the precautions necessary in order to make the journey through the Gorge as safe as possible.

"Visitors must comply with the notices placed along the length of the path, be in good health and physical condition for this kind of activity, wear appropriate clothing and shoes, carry a mountaineering stick and know the spots along the path where there is a higher risk of falling rocks," forest department officials stressed, warning that the climb down required strong knees and a good level of fitness.

In 2006 a Frenchman was killed after being hit by a falling rock in the gorge, and two months later a 14 year old Austrian boy suffered head injuries after being struck by a falling rock in the same spot. In 1993 flash floods led to the deaths of a number of gorge hikers.

At 16km in length Samaria Gorge is one of the longest gorges in Europe. The spectacular gorge is a National Park and boasts magnificent flaura and fauna, particularly at this time of year, in spring.