Lefka Ori
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Lefka Ori | |
|---|---|
| Elevation | 2,453 m |
| Location | Island of Crete, Greece |
| Prominence | 2038 m |
| Coordinates | Coordinates: |
Lefka Ori (Greek: Λευκά Όρη, meaning "White Mountains") or “Madares” is a mountain range located in Western Crete, in Chania and Rethymno prefectures. The White Mountains or Lefka Ori occupy a good part of the centre of West Crete and are the main feature of the region. They are mainly made of limestone, granite and dolomite and are called White Mountains because they are covered with snow until late in the spring.
The highest summit is Pachnes (2.453m) and there are over 30 summits that are over 2.000 m. high. The Lefka Ori also have about 50 gorges, the most famous being the Samaria Gorge. Another characteristic of the mountain range is the plateau of Omalos which is a round plain surrounded by mountains, at an altitude of 1100 m.
Pachnes=Fatso is the second tallest mount in Crete (after Idi=Seen or Psiloritis=Tallest/Highest) and the 10th in Greece.
There are only a few main roads leading into the White Mountains: the roads to Omalos and the entrance of the Samaria Gorge and the road to Chora Sfakion through the plateau of Askifou in the east. West of Omalos the roads to Sougia and to Paleochora. There are also a few dirt roads leading to a higher altitude but if you really want to experience the mountains you will need to walk.
The centre and southern part of the Lefka Ori lying at an altitude of 1800 m and above are a moon landscape technically called a high desert and unique in the northern hemisphere.
There are 4 refuges in Lefka Ori. The Volikas Refuge was built in 1958. It is located above the village Kampi Keramion, at an altitude of 1.450 meters. It can accommodate up to 30 persons. The Kallergi Refuge was built in 1970. Its altitude is 1.650 meters and it can accommodate 45 persons. It is located 5 km from Omalos. The Tavris Refuge was built in 1992 and it is located near Ammoudari, 7,5 km from Askyfou, at 1.200 meters. It can accommodate up to 45 persons. The Svourichti Refuge was built in 1994. It’s located 7 hours from Anopolis at 1.980 m. and it can accommodate 20 persons.
The Lefka Ori has a rich history as a rebels covert during Cretan uprisings against the Venetian and Ottoman rulers, as well as during German Occupation (1941-1945).
