Points of interest

Plateaus – other geotopes
Omalos plateau

The Omalos plateau is in the south of Chania prefecture, at 1000m above sea level, and is surrounded by the White Mountains. The landscape is charming and changes according to the season. In the winter it is often covered entirely in snow, and in the spring, it has countless flowers and seasonal marshes. The conditions have led to the development of rural activities, the most important being stockbreeding. The mitata of the area (round stone buildings made by the shepherds) are characteristic and they produce excellent dairy products. Due to its remote, protected location it was used as a refuge by the Cretan fighters during the Ottoman occupation.
The plateau receives many visitors because the famous Samaria gorge starts from there, at Xyloskalo, at an altitude of 1250m. Numerous other paths to the surrounding peaks, like Gigilos, start also from Xyloskalo. The Information Centre of the Samaria National Park is also there.

The project is implemented through the Regional Development Fund of Crete
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