Visiting Omalos
Far from any noise, Omalos is a mountain village that keeps a peaceful life just 39 km (24 miles) from Chania, the capital of Crete. Time here does not stop, but it chooses its own pace, governed by the seasons, the herds, and the harvests. At the heart of the Lefka Ori, or White Mountains, the village sits at an altitude of 1080m (3543ft). Its plateau is well-known among trekkers. At the foot of the famous Volakias, a 2116m (6942ft) peak, local legend says the summit was once the throne of Zeus, though it served more practically as a retreat for the Cretan resistance during the Ottoman occupation. For those looking to touch the heavens or simply see a different side of Crete, this is an ideal nature destination.
A true mountain village
With its rugged terrain, Omalos is a place you have to earn. The village serves primarily as a supply point and a place to rest. You will not find grand architecture here, and nothing is designed for mass tourism, as the exceptional setting justifies the visit on its own. The White Mountains range is the largest on Crete, and in the northern section, Omalos is the only true village. With a very small population, it is the domain of goat herders and farmers. Potatoes and grains thrive in the cool air of Omalos, but they are not the only things that flourish. The local flora is among the richest in the world with 1828 species recorded on the island, some of which are endemic. It is in this lush landscape that aromatic herbs are most common, and local farms are dedicated to processing them. In the small mitata, which are traditional stone roundhouses, graviera cheese is prepared, revealing the true character of Crete.
16 km of gorges
The impenetrable nature of the site helped Cretan revolutionaries during their uprising against the Ottoman Empire. The tomb of one of its most famous figures is perhaps the only historical vestige of Omalos, as this is where Hatzimichalis Giannaris requested to be buried. A church dedicated to him is located nearby, as is the Cave of Tzani, a former hideout for revolutionaries.
The famous Omalos plateau offers some of the most beautiful scenery on the island. The dense vegetation is broken up by rocky peaks, making it a paradise for hikers. An old mule track connects the village to the small community of Agia Eirini. At 5 kilometers (3 miles) away, the Xyloskalos Gorge begins, but it is the Samaria gorge that has built the region's reputation. At the heart of the National Park of the same name, the 16 km (10 mile) trail forms an incredible path through the depths of the rock. Closed in winter, the gorge is the subject of many excursions, though it should be reserved for experienced hikers.
When to go
To make the most of the area, the best time to visit is from May to October. In winter, the Samaria Gorge is inaccessible. The climate is alpine, and heavy snowfall means you would need specialized gear to hike.
How to get there
Omalos is 39 km (24 miles) from Chania. You can rent a vehicle to make the drive or take a taxi.
In the village itself, there is not much to do. It still has the merit of existing and being a place to get some rest during your hike through the stunning Omalos gorge. A good spot to stock up on snacks, drinks, a bathroom break, etc :)