The White Mountains ( Lefka Ori )

The White Mountains, known in Greek as Lefka Ori, form one of the most impressive and rugged mountain ranges in Crete. Stretching across the western part of the island, they dominate the landscape with more than 50 peaks over 2,000 meters, including Pachnes, the second-highest summit in Crete. The range gets its name from the way the mountains appear white for most of the year—either covered in snow during winter or glowing pale under the strong summer sun due to their light-colored limestone. This unique geology creates a dramatic, almost lunar landscape at higher altitudes. Lefka Ori is also famous for its deep gorges, including the world‑renowned Samaria Gorge, as well as Imbros, Aradena, and many smaller canyons. The region is home to rare wildlife, traditional shepherd huts called mitata, and remote plateaus such as Omalos and Askifou.