Kourtaliotiko Gorge welcomes the new tourist season under a new framework of organised management. Controlled visitor access will now be supported daily by security and cleaning staff in order to safeguard the area.

The new operational framework is being implemented through the cooperation between the Natural Environment and Climate Change Organisation (OFYPEKA) and the Municipality of Agios Vasileios, with the aim of protecting the natural environment, improving the visitor experience and funding maintenance and biodiversity conservation actions.

The introduction of this new framework came as a response to the increased and often uncontrolled visitor numbers of previous years, which had placed pressure on the ecosystem, led to the accumulation of waste and increased risks for both visitors and the natural environment.

According to available data from the first year of implementation of the new model, Kourtaliotiko Gorge recorded particularly high visitor numbers, with more than 140,000 visits in 2025. This development confirms both the destination’s growing appeal and the need for organised management aimed at sustainable tourism development.

As part of the cooperation between OFYPEKA and the Municipality of Agios Vasileios, actions are being carried out to strengthen safety measures and upgrade infrastructure, including the improvement of hiking paths and the development of supporting facilities and services for visitors.

At the same time, ticket revenues are being directed towards site maintenance, nature protection initiatives and studies concerning the promotion of the wider area, extending as far as the Preveli Palm Forest.

Kourtaliotiko Gorge is considered one of the most important natural destinations in Crete, known for its striking geomorphology and rich biodiversity. Its steep cliffs, reaching heights of up to 600 metres, are home to rare species of flora and fauna, while the gorge is crossed by the Kourtaliotis River, which flows into the palm forest of Preveli.

The area is part of the Natura 2000 European ecological network, underlining the importance of preserving its natural characteristics and ecological balance.

During this year’s season, efforts continue to combine nature protection with organised and safe visitor access, highlighting Kourtaliotiko Gorge as a model of sustainable management for natural areas in Greece.