Omalos

The plateau of Omalos is one of the three highest large plateaus of Crete. It has three exits; the first one is the road from Chania. The entrance to the plateau (1,087m) on this road is called the Neratzoporta --The Orange Door. The second exit is the Samaria Gorge, which ends at Agia Roumeli. The third exit is the road which reaches Sougia through wild and captivating scenery. The plateau is surrounded by the peaks of the Lefka Ori: Volakias (2,116m); Gigilos, in front of Xiloskalo (2,081m); Samberos (2,005m), on the west side of the Samaria Gorge; and Psilafi (1,984m). The plateau is roughly triangular in shape and each side is about an hour walk. During the winter months, snow may cover Omalos and the road may be closed for several days. The Omalos Plateau is green, except in midsummer, and is covered by wild flowers in the spring. The physical beauty of the area is as exhilarating as the mountain air and the plateau is a marvellous area for mountain hiking or walks. On the plateau there are taverns and hotels, some of which are equipped for winter stays.