south Crete, Kriti, Creta, Kreta, Chania, Mathara, white mountains
The Crete sea shores are endless and all the big Cretan cities are situated at the sea-side. Still, the Cretan soul - especially if we talk about the residents of Chania - is in the highlands! We'll understand easily why it is so if we look over the history of Crete. For ages there were many intruders who tried to conquer the proud nation. They had their fortresses and their entities near the sea, where they could communicate easily with their mother cities but also to run away quickly in the case of a danger. But in the inaccessible high mountains, the Cretans were breathing the air of freedom. There, they kept their language, their customs and traditions, their way of life.
Especially in Chania, Madara or the White Mountains, besides the refuge of freedom has always been the source of life for the Chania residents. The multiform natural environment gave food, water, raw materials and inspiration to the proud Cretan soul. There are more than 50 peaks higher than 2000 meters in Madara - this is how the Chaniots call the White Mountains - as well as countless gorges and cliffs which make you hold your breath, a unique view to the both sides of Crete, to the Cretan Sea but to the Libyan Sea as well. If you want to discover the authentic Crete, your way lies through the rugged trails of Madara!
It won't be that difficult, though. With a little help from the Chania Climbers Society, you can do it! There are four refuges here and there in the White Mountains, as well as many hospitable villages! The Chania Climbers Society has existed for eighty years now and has been one of the oldest nature lovers organizations in Greece and the oldest one in Crete. It has experienced guides and climbers, and with its actions it protects the mountain groups of the region and helps the permanent residents, as well as visitors who want to discover the mountainous Crete.
There are four refuges in the White Mountains, the mountains near Chania. The oldest of them was built in 1958 and is situated on the Volika site, above the Kampi Keramion village, on the altitude of 1450 meters. It was renovated in 2006 and can accomodate up to 30 persons.
Another refuge, which is the most popular due to the unique view to the Samaria gorge, is called "Kallergi" and is situated on the altitude of 1650 meters, above the Omalos glen. The path that will take you to it starts from the Xiloskalo, in the entrance of the Samaria gorge. This refuge boasts a thrilling view: White Mountains peaks (covered with snow in winter), all-green sidehills of Samaria, the Omalos glen. It can lodge up 45 persons.
Another refuge, which is the most popular due to the unique view to the Samaria gorge, is called "Kallergi" and is situated on the altitude of 1650 meters, above the Omalos glen. The path that will take you to it starts from the Xiloskalo, in the entrance of the Samaria gorge. This refuge boasts a thrilling view: White Mountains peaks (covered with snow in winter), all-green sidehills of Samaria, the Omalos glen. It can lodge up 45 persons.
The third Chania refuge is situated above the Tavri glen and the Askifu village, on the altitutde of 1200 meters. It is easily reached by the 8 km farmers' road. Of course it's better to walk there, at least one part of the wonderful part which starts from the Askifu village and goes up to Tavri, through a cypress forest. This route will take you about 2 hours.
The last refuge is the newest and the highest one in Chania. It's situated in the center of the White Mountains, under the Svurichti peak, 2080 meters above the sea. To reach it, you'll have to walk for about 6-7 hours from the Kallergi refuge or 3 hours after the end of the country road which starts from the Anopoli village, in the Roussies district. This refuge may lodge up to 20 people.
For more information, Chania Climbers Society, tel.: 00302821044647
