Crete Island Travel Forum

Been trying to find this on guidebooks and on websites without success. We are in Crete from Tuesday 23rd October to Tuesday 30th October. Is Samaria gorge still open for walkers? Some of the guidebooks say it closes mid-October.

Thanks in advance.

My guidebook (Globus) says that the gorge will close around the end of october, depending on the water levels in the gorge. I suspect the exact closing day changes each year. If the Samaria gorge is closed, you could also head for the Imbros gorge. The walk is easier and only three hours, but I heard from other travelers that the Imbros gorge is very beautiful. Some actually preferred it over the the Samaria gorge.

Niekie

If you have any such questions about travel destinations and the times they are open or closed, you can always call 24hrs. the Greek Tourist Police. Their phone number in Athens is: 171 (from any phone) I have just called them and they have told me the following specifically regarding your question about the Samaria Gorge: Call Samaria Tourist Information at beginning of Walk (0030)28210 67179, or this number at the end of walk in Roumeli (0030) 28250 91254

The internation phone code for Greece is 0030. The rest of the number is the local Greek exchange you will call if you are in Greece.

The Samaria Gorge, from now, is open until the 31st of October, depending of course on the weather. If we have sudden, hard rains, it will be closed.
You may call the above numbers for more current information when you arrive.

Have a great trip in Greece. You will love this walk, as I have done it myself. Just wear proper hiking boots and a hat and don't carry too much with you.

Niekie/Janetanne - thanks very much indeed for that. Very helpful.

There is not a fixed date. It depends on weather conditions: Early rains, may be the reason for closing the gorge before the end of October. Gorge is closed if walking is not safe. Anyway, mail me. As I live in Chania,Crete I will be glad to help you.