The opening of the Samaria National Park for the 2026 season was announced by the Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency (OFYPEKA).

Specifically, the park will reopen as a visitor destination tomorrow, Tuesday, May 19, operating fully from both entrances, as OFYPEKA has completed all necessary annual maintenance work on the trail, infrastructure, communications systems, and all other facilities related to the park’s accessibility and visitor safety.

This year, for the second consecutive year, the use of a nowcasting application has been secured, according to the agency’s management, in order to provide warnings of possible severe or extreme weather conditions within two hours at specific critical points along the gorge. Medical and nursing staff will also be available from the first day of operation.

According to the operating regulations of the National Park (Government Gazette B’ 5266), visitors are required to respect and protect the natural environment of the park and to comply with all rules governing entry, exit, and stay within its boundaries. Visitors also assume full personal responsibility for their own safety while entering and remaining in the park, acknowledging the risks involved, particularly in cases of extraordinary and unforeseen events, and are expected to take any measures they consider necessary for their protection.

OFYPEKA has arranged for helmets to be provided free of charge at both entrances to the National Park. Their use is optional but strongly recommended. Visitors must also fully comply with any emergency regulations or restrictions on access and stay within the park, as well as follow all instructions and guidance provided by staff or authorized contractors.

The operation of the gorge may be suspended under specific conditions, as provided for and approved by the Region of Crete, in accordance with the Emergency Response Operational Plan for the protection of visitors from natural hazards in the Samaria Gorge.