Omalos Plateau

Omalos Plateau is a high-altitude basin in the White Mountains where open grasslands and seasonal meadows support a unique mountain ecosystem. In spring, the plateau fills with wildflowers and herbs, attracting insects like butterflies and bees that play a key role in pollination. The surrounding slopes provide habitat for birds of prey such as eagles and vultures, as well as small mammals adapted to the cooler climate. Sparse forests of cypress and pine appear around the edges, offering shelter for wildlife. Its isolation and elevation make Omalos an important refuge for biodiversity in western Crete.