Rules and regulations of the Samaria National Park


Dates and opening hours

The National Park opens on 1st May until 31st October each year, from 6 am until 4 pm, with entrances at Xyloskalo and Agia Roumeli.


Guidelines for visitors

the main footpath require a special licence.



1. Destroying or removing Park technical works and materials.
2. Cutting trees and bushes, uprooting and collecting plants and seeds.
3. Collecting and transporting plant soil and firewood.
4. Lighting fires in general and smoking in all areas apart from the recreational areas.
5. Camping in any form and staying the night within the Park.
6. The free movement of any animals accompanying visitors.
7. Displaying and erecting boards and signs.
8. Selling food and other items as well as their display or distribution.
9. Consumption of alcohol.
10. Hunting of all animals.
11. Removal or destruction of all nests, eggs and newborns and the general disturbance or
destruction of wildlife.
12. Swimming in the Park’s rivers and streams.
13. Annoying other visitors.
14. Dumping waste in areas other than the waste bins.
15. Damage to the geological formations and cultural monuments.
16. Photographing visitors for commercial purposes.
17. Grazing of animals.
18. Setting up beehives without a licence from the Forestry Service.



Crete photo of the day
Crete Photo of the Day