Omalos
Greece
Approach the west part of the White Mountains and enjoy the scenery at Omalos Plateau (1000m/3300ft altitude). The shepherds have their sheep and goats at the plateau all year arround. Take photos at Samaria's National Park entrance, the longest gorge in Europe (16km/10 miles).
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Omalos
Welcome to Omalos, a high-altitude plateau nestled in the heart of Crete's Lefka Ori, or White Mountains. At over 1,000 meters above sea level, Omalos offers a starkly different landscape from the coastal regions of the island. …
Listen in the app2Xyloskalo — The Wooden Staircase to the Deep
Our exploration begins at Xyloskalo, the dramatic entrance to the Samaria Gorge. The name 'Xyloskalo' literally translates to 'wooden staircase,' a reference to the steep, stepped path that begins the descent into the abyss. …
Listen in the app3The Pastoral Life — Mitata and Shepherds
Away from the hustle of the gorge entrance, the Omalos Plateau retains its traditional pastoral character. For centuries, shepherds have brought their flocks here during the summer months to graze on the nutrient-rich mountain…
Listen in the app4Geology and Hydrology — The Limestone Polje
To understand Omalos, one must look beneath the surface. The plateau is a textbook example of karst topography. …
Listen in the app5The Flora of the White Mountains — Rare Endemics
The White Mountains are a biodiversity hotspot, and Omalos is its botanical garden. Due to its isolation and varying altitudes, Crete is home to hundreds of endemic plant species—those found nowhere else on Earth. …
Listen in the app6History of Resistance — The Fortress of Omalos
Omalos is not just a natural site; it is a historical one. During the Greek War of Independence and the subsequent resistance against the German occupation in World War II, this plateau served as a vital base for the 'Andartes,'…
Listen in the app7Modern Omalos — Tourism and Conservation
Today, Omalos balances its traditional identity with the demands of modern tourism. A handful of family-run tavernas and guesthouses provide refuge for those wishing to stay overnight and experience the profound silence of the…
Listen in the app8Omalos
As we prepare to descend from the Omalos Plateau, whether back toward the coast or into the depths of the Samaria Gorge, take a final moment to breathe in the thin, mountain air. Omalos is a place that stays with you—a memory of…
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What is Omalos?
Omalos is a place in Greece with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | Greece |
|---|---|
| Type | Heritage |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 35.3420, 23.9035 |
| Last updated |