The Samaria Gorge National Park has announced significant changes for the 2025 season, including doubled entrance fees and strengthened safety protocols, following a challenging 2024 season marked by multiple weather-related closures and safety incidents.
Price Restructuring
The standard entrance fee has doubled from €5 to €10 per person, marking the first major price adjustment in recent years. The new pricing structure introduces several categories to accommodate different visitor groups:
- Individual daily tickets now cost €10
- Groups of 10 or more can access the gorge for €8 per person
- Family tickets are available at €6 per person
- Annual passes can be purchased for €25
Several categories of visitors are exempt from entrance fees, including children under 18, EU citizens over 65, students from EU countries, people with disabilities and their companions, local residents, and members of recognized nature conservation organizations.
Enhanced Safety Measures
Measures Following the tragic incident involving a German tourist in September 2024 and subsequent public discourse about management practices, authorities have implemented comprehensive safety improvements. A new operational framework establishes shared responsibility between the Organisation for Natural Environment and Climate Change (OFYPICA) and regional authorities.
“We’ve completely revamped our safety protocols while maintaining the gorge’s accessibility,” states Theodoros Skylakakis, Minister of Environment and Energy. “The new measures reflect our commitment to both visitor safety and environmental preservation.“
While these measures significantly enhance visitor safety, many travelers opt for additional peace of mind by hiking with professional guides (more on guided options below).
Visitor Management
To ensure sustainable tourism and enhanced safety, the park has implemented a daily limit of 1,000 visitors. The 2025 season will begin on May 1st, with daily operations from 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM, though opening dates may adjust based on weather conditions and necessary maintenance.
New Safety Protocols
The updated safety framework includes:
- Continuous geological monitoring and risk assessment
- Enhanced weather monitoring systems
- Increased number of trained personnel along the trail
- Improved emergency response protocols
- Installation of new safety barriers in high-risk areas
Entry Points and Enforcement
Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at two official entry points: Xyloskalo (Omalos) and Agia Roumeli. Park authorities have implemented strict enforcement measures, with unauthorized entry resulting in fines of ten times the standard ticket price. The enhanced security measures include increased staff presence to ensure compliance with entry regulations.
Free Entry Days
The park will offer free admission to all visitors on three designated days annually:
- March 21: World Forestry Day
- May 21: European Natura 2000 Day
- June 5: World Environment Day
Regular safety protocols and visitor guidelines remain in effect during these free admission days, with park staff and guides continuing their normal operations.
Revenue Allocation
The increased fees will directly support various infrastructure and safety improvements:
- Trail maintenance and visitor facility upgrades
- Enhanced cleaning and protection services
- Improved safety measures and monitoring systems
- Water and waste management system upgrades
- Advanced weather monitoring equipment
Notably, 30% of the revenue will be distributed among local municipalities including Platanias, Sfakia, Kantanos-Selino, and Chania, supporting community development and local infrastructure.
Community Response
Local business owners have cautiously welcomed the new measures, though some express concerns about the impact of increased fees on visitor numbers. “We understand the need for safety improvements,” says Maria Papadakis, a local tour operator. “However, we hope the higher entrance fees won’t discourage visitors from experiencing this natural wonder.“
Looking Forward
The 2024 season, which welcomed 117,542 visitors before its conclusion, demonstrated both the gorge’s enduring appeal and the challenges of managing such a popular natural attraction. The new measures aim to strike a balance between accessibility and safety, with authorities emphasizing that the price increases will fund crucial infrastructure improvements and safety enhancements.
Visitors planning their 2025 trips are advised to:
- Book tickets in advance when possible
- Check the park’s status before visiting by calling +30 28237 70046
- Wear appropriate hiking footwear and carry necessary supplies
- Follow all safety guidelines and staff instructions
Guided Tour Option
For visitors seeking a hassle-free experience, this comprehensive guided tour departs from Chania. Starting with an early morning hotel pickup from Chania via luxury bus, you’ll arrive at the Omalos Plateau around 7 AM. After a short breakfast break and photo opportunity at Xyloskalo (1,200m altitude), you’ll begin your descent into Europe’s longest gorge. The 16km hike takes you through dramatic landscapes, past the historic St. Nicolas church, and through the famous ‘Iron Gates.’
The trek ends at the coastal village of Agia Roumeli, where you can enjoy a swim and meal before taking a boat to Sougia, where buses await to return you to Chania. Book this Samaria Gorge tour from Chania here.
The Samaria Gorge remains one of Crete’s most significant natural attractions, and these changes reflect a broader effort to ensure its sustainable management for future generations while maintaining the highest safety standards for visitors.
Published on: February 21st, 2025
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you click and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
The description of the guided tour makes no sense at all. From the Omalos plates we drive to the entrance of the national park, not to Sougia at the south coast. Because if you sail from Sougia to Agia Roumeli which is at sea level, how on earth can you descend 1237 meters?????
From the entrance at Xyloskalo we start the descend, end up in Agia Roumeli and then sail to Sougia where our buses wait for our clients.
Hi Ingrid, thank you for pointing that out. I did think the order of events on the tour’s page was off! I fixed it now so thank you once again. 🙏
-Bella 💙