White Mountains

October 10-11

The imposing mountain range of Western Crete with its otherworldly Madaras, as the highest points of the White Mountains are called, is the largest sanctuary of endemic plants in our country, attracting interest from dozens of botanists worldwide. The White Mountains are one of the most impressive mountains in Greece, a giant mountain mass that dominates the middle of the Mediterranean. The name White Mountains comes from the fact that the peaks appear white almost all year round, both from the snow and the bare rocks that shine in the sun. They are located in western Crete, extending from west to east, covering an area 50 kilometers long and 25 kilometers wide, which constitutes almost 40% of the Chania prefecture.

More than fifty peaks higher than 2,000 meters. Deep ravines, many gorges with dizzying cliffs, rugged ridges with imposing rocks, accessible yet challenging routes, the combination of all these is the White Mountains.

Our mountains are a true balcony above the Libyan and Cretan Seas, such that even the imagination of a great artist could not conceive.

The White Mountains are a complex with more high peaks than low ones. They are mountains where each peak is independent, uniquely shaped, and different from its neighbor. They span 30 km in length and 25 km in width. Locals call them Madaras, and nowhere in their heights will you find a smooth path like those we know in mainland Greece. Treeless, wild with sharp stones and vast areas of gravel that challenge hikers on their excursions to them.

Rightly so, Greek and foreign mountaineers consider the White Mountains a strenuous climb. However, as you ascend, you see that the wildness is matched with grandeur, the difficulty of the climb intertwined with magic and enjoyment. Pachnes is the highest peak at 2,454 meters, but the view towards the two seas (Cretan-Libyan) is equally magnificent from many slightly lower peaks.

Where to start: from its plateaus, from the imposing gorges, from the wild ravines, from the caves full of legends, from the dolines, or from the wonderful human presence, whose hospitality leaves you in a great dilemma even to stay there with them.

In the White Mountains, we find gorges of great interest for canyon explorers in Greece. The largest and most famous is the Samaria Gorge. There are also other “gorges” according to the local dialect, such as Aradena, Trypiti, etc., where you should let yourself be immersed in nature and dedicate time to discover their beauties.

In the plateaus of Omalos and Askifou, one can experience Cretan hospitality and taste the “essence” of Mediterranean cuisine and the delightful Cretan delicacies.

Day 1

Our meeting will take place in Heraklion, and from there we will continue to Anopoli Sfakion with the aim of ascending the highest peak of the White Mountains and the second highest peak of Crete, Pachnes.

After arriving and settling into our hotel, we will proceed to an altitude of 1900m and the location Rousies, from where our hike will begin. We will then follow the classic path and reach Pachnes at 2453m, where we will enjoy the view of the enchanting Madaras, as well as the Cretan and Libyan seas.

We return to Rousies via the same path and then to Anopoli where we will spend the night.

6 hours of hiking

Day 2

Morning with the cool breeze, and then we will head to the village of Aradena with the largest metal bridge in Greece (138m high) from where we will start our hike in the Aradena Gorge, one of the most impressive gorges in Greece.

The route through the gorge is enchanting but also a bit demanding, with large rocks making our hike challenging until we reach Marmara beach. At the beach, it’s time for rest and swimming before we continue to Loutro and end up in Sfakia full of new experiences.

Return to Heraklion.

6 hours of hiking

Essential equipment: