White Mountains (Lefka Ori)

White Mountains (Lefka Ori) Essentials

The White Mountains, or Lefka Ori, dominate western Crete with over 30 peaks exceeding 2,000 meters. This selection centers on the Omalos Plateau, the northern gateway to the 16-kilometer Samaria Gorge. High-altitude highlights include the Gingilos summit and Kallergi Shelter, while the southern descent leads to isolated coastal spots like Domata and Tripiti beaches. Historical markers include Ottoman-era fortifications such as Tripiti Koules and Voukelasi Fort, which guarded the rugged mountain passes and remote shoreline.