The National Park of the Samaria Gorge, in western Crete is opening its doors to visitors again for this season, today Thursday 20/02, after municipal crews worked to repair damage and clear stones, that had fallen into the trail during winter months.
The entrance to the gorge, which opens today, is located at Aghia Roumeli, at the southern side of the park and in this case both access to and exit from the gorge is by boat. This visit is classified as the easy way to see Samaria.
The northern entrance, at the area of Xyloskalo is expected to open sligthly later, on May 1, when visitors will be able to walk the full length of the trail.
The Chania Forests directorate said it maintains the right to redirect the visitors’ trekking path, or even briefly close the park, if weather conditions worsen, thus making trekking dangerous for visitors.
The Samaria Gorge is 16 km long, is to be found in the heart of the White Mountaing range. The passage through the gorge starts at Omalos, at an altitude of 1,250 m at the northern entrance and end at the shores of the Libyan Sea in Agia Roumeli. After a refreshing swim and a bite to eat, to recharge the batteries, the boat will take you out of Agia Roumelia to Sfakia.
Samaria was declared a National Park in 1962 and attracts thousands of trekkers throughout the year.