Lefka Ori
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Lefka Ori (it means "White Mountains" in greek) or “Madares” is a mountain located in West Crete, in Chania and Rethymno prefectures. The White Mountains or Lefka Ori occupy a good part of the centre of West Crete and are the main feature of the region. They are made of limestone and called White Mountains because they are covered in snow until late in the spring.
The highest summit is Pachnes (2.453m) and there are over 30 summits that are higher than 2.000m. The White Mountains also have about 50 gorges, the most famous being the Samaria gorge. Another characteristic of the mountain is the plateau of Omalos which is a round plain surrounded by mountains, at an altitude of 1100m.
Lefka Ori is the second tallest mount in Crete (after Idi or Priloritis) and the 10th in Greece.
There are only a few roads leading into the White Mountains: the road to Omalos and the entrance of the Samaria Gorge and the road to Chora Sfakion through the plateau of Askifou. There are also a few dirt roads leading to a higher altitude but if you really want to experience the mountains you will need to walk.
The centre and southern part of the White Mountains lying at an altitude of 1800m and above are a moon landscape technically called a high desert and unique in the northern hemisphere.
There are 4 refugees in Lefka Ori. The Volikas Refuge was built in 1958. It is located above the village Kampi Keramion, in an altitude of 1.450 meters. It can accommodate up to 30 persons. The Kallergi Refuge was built in 1970. Its altitude is 1.650 meters and it can accommodate 45 persons. It is located 5 km from Omalos. The Tavris Refuge was built in 1992 and it is located near Ammoudari, 7,5 km from Askyfou, in 1.200 meters. It can accommodate up to 45 persons. The Svourichti Refuge was built in 1994. It’s located 7 hours from Anopolis in 1.980 m. and it can accommodate 20 persons.
White Mountains has a rich history as a rebels covert during Greek wars against the Venetians and Turks, as well as during German Occupation (1941-1945).
More info in the Greek Mountaineering Club of Chania page: http://www.eoshanion.gr
