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Omalos Plateau
By Katia Luz
Omalos Plateau - Οροπέδιο Ομαλου is in the centre of the Cretan mountains named Lefka Ori, or The White Mountains, a large mountain range in the west of the island. The highest mountain in the range is Pachnes at an altitute of 2452m.
The village of Ομαλός is 39 km from the town of Chania. It is a very small village but the hotel Νέος Ομαλός is open all year round.
The mountains are wild and rocky, steep and difficult for hiking. Walking here is for experienced hikers only, tough Cretan shepherds and goats. In the highest parts of the White Mountains it is known as 'high desert' due to the lack of vegetation. This means there is no cover, no shade and no water. Hikers must be well prepared for long walks.
It is best to take a walk with an experienced guide and a small group - Anne Deckel of Aori Walks provides experience and local knowledge of the White Mountains on multi day hikes.
Manolis of Dromolatis also provides private guiding services and multi-day walks. He knows the mountains well.
One green oasis amongst this harsh terrain is the small Omalós Plateau, a flat piece of land ringed by high peaks at an altitude of 1200 m. A walk around the Omalós Plateau is 5-6 km which is an easy flat walk that takes around two hours.
Flora in the gorges and lower mountains is abundant and includes the native herb known as dittany of Crete, wild oregano and thyme. Cretan mountain tea, an ironwort Sideritis syriaca is a very common drink in the villages and may be proudly offered to visitors as tsai tou vounou. In spring the plateau bursts into life with thousands of flowers including asphodels and native tulips.
Hiking trails from or near Omalos Plateau include:
- Omalos Circuit
- Fygou Gorge
- Agia Irini Gorge
- Tripiti Gorge
- Gingilos Mountain
- Pachnes Mountain
- Samaria Gorge
- Omalos to Kallergis Refuge
- Boriana Gorge
Or take a private hike with a knowledgeable local who is passionate about their place.
Take a hike to Agia Irini Gorge 7.5 km
Embark on a captivating journey through the mythical landscapes of Agia Eirini Gorge & Sougia, where natural wonders converge to create an unforgettable experience. This carefully curated tour offers a glimpse into the rich history and breathtaking beauty of this remarkable region.
This adventure begins in the small village of Agia Irini which is
located in a valley along the winding road that leads from Chania to
Sougia in southwest Crete. From the South end of the village of Agia
Irini, at an altitude of around 560 m, the gorge of Agia Irini is a deep
cut along the western edge of the White Mountains which will take you
all the way down to the shores of the Libyan Sea at Sougia, a hidden
coastal gem nestled amidst rugged mountains and the azure waters of the
Libyan Sea. 8 hours
Walk the Samaria Gorge
The village is 10 km from the entrance to Samaria Gorge, at the edge of the plateau, at a point known as Xyloskalo or wooden stair. This is where the buses drop walkers for the Gorge of Samaria, and from where the gorge walk starts, which is 16 km south through the gorge to the seaside village of Agia Roumeli.
Because
of the one-way direction of the walk, most travellers elect to take an
organised day tour to complete the hike, take the ferry in the afternoon
from Agia Roumeli to Chora Sfakion, then a bus back to their town of
origin, be it Chania or Rethymnon or to their hotel. This makes for a
long but enjoyable day.
Independent travellers can park their cars at the entrance to the
gorge, then take a ferry from Agia Roumeli to Chora Sfakion and take a
taxi back to Omalos, but it is a roundabout way to achieve the same
walk.
Better to take the local bus to the entrance of Samaria Gorge - check timetables because it differs at different times of the year
- and then take the bus back from Chora Sfakion in the afternoon. Be
aware of the last bus of the day, to ensure you leave enough time to
complete your walk, take the ferry and make it onto the bus.
Other fitter, more experienced walkers might leave their cars at the Omalos carpark and walk down and back in one day, but this is very rare and should not be attempted by inexperienced hikers.
Please see our page about Samaria Gorge for more detailed information.
The Road to Omalos
Take a virtual bus ride on the curvy mountain roads to Omalos, on the way to Samaria Gorge. Enjoy the views on this beautiful sunny days and the Cretan music on the bus sound system (all over the island you will hear this music on the buses!).
Accommodation
Neos Omalos Hotel is open all year round and has a great location for hikers at the start of the trails located all around the plateau. The hotel staff will drop you at the start of your hike in the morning. Experience local food and culture in the authentic surroundings, and enjoy the convenience of the restaurant on the premises. Wholesome mountain fare and hospitality. Note that there is still 7.2 km to get to the entrance to Samaria Gorge from this location, but that there is a shuttle bus service from the hotel.
Mike's Houses are built in the local traditional style, with stone and wood, this mountain location is remote and best visited with a car. Wonderfully quiet and peaceful. Two homes sleeping 4 and 3 guests in warm comfort. Attentive service and local knowledge. 8 km to the entrance of Samaria Gorge. Also close to Agia Irini Gorge walk.
Valley & Mountain Images
Here are more beautiful images of the valley with local farmers' goats and sheep.
Looking for shade in summer.
The plateau in autumn.
Below you will find breathtaking images of the White Mountains, taken by Aori Walks, showing the scenery you can expect from your multi-day hikes.
Getting Here
Visitors arrive into Chania International Airport CHQ from Athens on a 1 hour flight with Olympic Air or Aegean Airlines.
The drive from Chania town to Omalos is 38 km on the roads south-east, through the villages of Daratsos, Vatolakkos and Lakkoi. Allow 1.5 hours for the journey, as there is lovely scenery along the way.
The local buses KTEL run a bus from Chania town to Omalos and to the beginning of the Samaria Gorge, which is at the edge of Omalos Plateau. These buses are seasonal and travellers must check the timetable before making plans.
See more details about flights, ferries and buses below.
Car hire in Crete is a really good idea as it is a large island 60 km by 260 km. There is so much to explore.
When you book with our car rental partners - Rental Centre Crete - you are supporting a local company with excellent service and easy online booking. We are sure you will be well looked after by the team. Choose from hybrid, electric or regular vehicles.
We trust you have enjoyed these tips from the We Love Crete team. Evíva!
Yiásas!
Anastasi, Apostoli & Katia
are the We Love Crete team
We just love sharing our passion for Crete, Greece and travel
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About the Team
Yiásas!
Anastasi, Apostoli & Katia
are the
We Love Crete team
We just love sharing our passion for Crete, Greece and travel
About us
