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Several of Chania's best-known tours are genuinely seasonal — the Samaria Gorge closes for winter by park regulation, Balos boat trips scale back outside the warm months, and the Aradena Bridge bungee only runs specific weekends. This guide covers what's actually open month by month, distinct from our general best time to visit guide, which covers weather and crowds rather than tour operating seasons specifically.
Quick Answer
May–September is when everything runs, including the Samaria Gorge and the Aradena bungee. April and October are shoulder months — most tours run but some (bungee, certain boat trips) may be limited or by prior booking only. November–March, the Samaria Gorge, the bungee jump, and most boat tours are closed; Knossos, food tours, and wine tours still run.
Month-by-Month Availability
| Months | Samaria Gorge | Balos Boat | Aradena Bungee | Sailing/Boat Tours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov–Mar | Closed | Closed/very limited | Closed | Closed/very limited |
| April | Opens (date varies) | Starts running | Closed | Starts running |
| May | Open | Running | Prior booking only | Running |
| June–Aug | Open | Running (peak) | Weekends (Jun/Aug), prior booking (Jun) | Running (peak) |
| September | Open | Running | Prior booking only | Running |
| October | Closes mid-month (date varies) | Scaling back | Closed | Scaling back |
Exact opening and closing dates for the Samaria Gorge are set annually by the national park — always check current dates close to your trip if hiking the gorge is a priority. See our full Samaria Gorge guide for the latest details.
The Table Gives You the Season — the Calendar Gives You the Date
Opening and closing weeks move by a fortnight or more year to year, and the shoulder months are where that bites: a tour listed as running in April may not have a departure on your Tuesday. Putting your actual dates into the booking calendar is the only way to see what is genuinely operating — and it costs nothing to look.
What Runs Year-Round
Not everything is seasonal. Knossos and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum are open year-round (shorter winter hours). Food tours and wine tours generally run through the cooler months too, since they don't depend on sea conditions or park regulations — though some operators reduce frequency in the quietest winter weeks. The Old Town itself is always open, obviously.
How Far Ahead to Book
- July–August: book Balos and Samaria Gorge 1-2 weeks ahead; departures are at their most limited relative to demand.
- May, June, September: a few days to a week ahead is usually enough for most tours.
- April, October: availability is generally good with short notice, but double-check that your specific tour is still running this late/early in the season before finalising other plans around it.
See our full day-by-day itinerary guide for how to sequence tours once you know your dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What months is the Samaria Gorge open?
Roughly early May to mid-October, weather and rockfall risk permitting. Exact dates are set annually by the national park wardens.
Can you visit Balos in winter?
Guided boat cruises generally run April through October. Outside that window, boat operators scale back or stop, and the unsealed direct road is best avoided in wet weather.
When does the Aradena Bridge bungee jump operate?
Weekends through June, July, and August, with prior booking only in June and September. It doesn't operate outside roughly April to September.
What's the best month to book Chania tours?
May and September — nearly everything runs, weather is excellent, and prices and crowds are lower than July-August peak.
Booking Windows, Short Version
In July and August the constraint is departures selling out, not the season — book Balos and Samaria a week or two ahead. In April and October the constraint is whether the tour runs at all, so confirm the departure exists before you build a day around it. Free cancellation on most listings means booking early costs you nothing but holds the seat.