Samaria Gorge closed due to rains

The Samaria Gorge remained closed throughout Tuesday 15 September 2026, as announced by the Natural Environment and Climate Change Organisation (OFIEKO). The decision concerns both entrances to the gorge, Xyloskalo in the Lefka Ori and Agia Roumeli on the southern coast of Chania. According to the announcement of the organisation, “The Natural Environment and Climate Change Organisation… announces that the Samaria Gorge will be closed today, Tuesday 15 September 2026, from both its entrances”. This move signaled the suspension of access to one of Crete’s most popular natural trails, as hundreds of visitors cross the gorge daily during the tourist season.

OFIEKO’s decision was based on nowcasting data and the morning forecast of the Greek National Meteorological Service (EMY). According to these data, the forecasted rainfall at Xyloskalo was calculated at 25 millimetres, while at Agia Roumeli at 20 millimetres. Both values exceed the operational limits approved by the Crete Region for the Chania district, which determine when access to the gorge is deemed safe. OFIEKO clarified that the suspension of operations was decided solely for the safety of visitors, given that intense rainfall can cause a sudden rise in water levels within the ravine.

The suspension of operations of the Samaria Gorge is part of a broader weather scenario that affected the country on 15 and 16 September 2026. According to reports citing meteorologist Klearchos Maroussakis, an organized barometric low was crossing the southern maritime areas of the country, bringing rains and storms with increased risk of flooding phenomena in the Ionian Sea, the Peloponnese, Crete, the Cyclades and the Dodecanese (more details at /ellada/weather/). For visitors to Chania (/crete/chania/), the closure of the gorge means a readjustment of the schedule, as the Xyloskalo – Agia Roumeli trail is a key reference point for mountain tourism in the area, with direct impacts also on the ferry routes connecting Agia Roumeli to other settlements on the southern axis.

OFIEKO did not announce a reopening date for the Samaria Gorge, as this decision will depend on the evolution of weather conditions and on a fresh evaluation of nowcasting data and EMY forecasts. Until a new announcement, the two gorge entrances remain closed in both directions. It has not been clarified whether the suspension of operations will extend beyond Tuesday 15 September 2026, nor whether the rainfall will continue with the same intensity in the coming days. The competent authorities are expected to re-evaluate the data before any new decision on opening the trail.