The stunning island of Crete is a natural gem that boasts incredible beaches, pretty views, and excellent hiking routes. If you have found a villa in Crete and you are interested in hiking, in particular, then you should seek out the White Mountains, or Lefka Ori. The largest and most scenic massif on the island, this is the best place to head for incredible panoramas and a wonderful range of hiking routes that are suitable for a wide variety of levels of experience and fitness in hiking. Whether you want to just go for a stroll and take some photos of this beautiful landscape in Greece that surrounds or you want to spend a whole day hiking and working up a good sweat, you'll find what you're looking for if you head to the White Mountains.
Taking up a good portion of the centre of West Crete, the White Mountains are the main feature of the area and loom large and impressive in the background throughout the area. Made of limestone, they take their name from the fact that their peaks remain dusted in a white cap of snow late into the spring (with some of the highest peaks managing to hold onto some snow right up to June) and that the limestone summits reflect the sun and appear white as a result in the summer months as well. The highest peak is Pachnes at 2,453m but there are over thirty more summits in the range that are higher than 2,000m. In addition, the range is home to endless caves, sinkholes, precipices, meadows, unique landscapes (such as the moon-like desert in the centre and southern part of the range), fascinating rock formations, and more. There are also 50 rocky gorges, the most famous of which is the gorge of Samaria, where trekking, canyoning, and other outdoor pursuits are possible. This diverse landscape is, furthermore, home to a great variety of flora and fauna, much of which is found nowhere else, not even on other parts of the island.
Taking up a good portion of the centre of West Crete, the White Mountains are the main feature of the area and loom large and impressive in the background throughout the area. Made of limestone, they take their name from the fact that their peaks remain dusted in a white cap of snow late into the spring (with some of the highest peaks managing to hold onto some snow right up to June) and that the limestone summits reflect the sun and appear white as a result in the summer months as well. The highest peak is Pachnes at 2,453m but there are over thirty more summits in the range that are higher than 2,000m. In addition, the range is home to endless caves, sinkholes, precipices, meadows, unique landscapes (such as the moon-like desert in the centre and southern part of the range), fascinating rock formations, and more. There are also 50 rocky gorges, the most famous of which is the gorge of Samaria, where trekking, canyoning, and other outdoor pursuits are possible. This diverse landscape is, furthermore, home to a great variety of flora and fauna, much of which is found nowhere else, not even on other parts of the island.
Hiking is one of the main draws for visitors to the White Mountains. Some more dedicated and experienced hikers can decide to take expeditions that last days with mountain shelters located along the route in which mountaineers can spend the night. However, you don't need to be that committed or set aside that much time to get a taste of the White Mountains and to enjoy them. We have mentioned the famous trekking trails of Samaria (16km long, it takes all day) and Imbros (8km long, it is more doable for many) but there are also many other options to choose from including the Kallikratis Gorge, which is 6km long and takes about three to four hours to walk. For even more options, be sure to check out the guidebooks on sale and ask around when visiting the towns and villages in the White Mountains as locals will be able to give you the best advice. No matter which routes you choose to take or areas you explore, be sure to admire the truly incredible rock formations that abound, check out the wildflowers often growing picturesquely along craggy stretches, take in the lush meadows, keep an eye out for wild goats, scan the skies for vultures, eagles, and other majestic birds that own the heavens in this part of the world, and be sure to stop into local tavernas to refuel, try some local wines and imbibe other regional delights, and enjoy some traditional tunes.
So, if you have found a villa in Crete and you are looking for somewhere to hike while on holiday in this part of Greece, be sure to come and explore the stunning, diverse, and fascinating White Mountains!
So, if you have found a villa in Crete and you are looking for somewhere to hike while on holiday in this part of Greece, be sure to come and explore the stunning, diverse, and fascinating White Mountains!
Photo credits
Picture 1: orestakoskaialexandroulini / CC BY-SA 4.0;
Picture 2: orestakoskaialexandroulini / CC BY-SA 4.0;
Picture 1: orestakoskaialexandroulini / CC BY-SA 4.0;
Picture 2: orestakoskaialexandroulini / CC BY-SA 4.0;