White Mountains (Lefka Ori) Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the White Mountains (Lefka Ori). Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Georgioupolis Safari Off Road Tours Outdoor Activities Land Rover Defender

• Wine & Olive Oil Tour with Lunch at the White Mountains

• Crete White Mountains Safari Including Lunch

• Private—Jeep Safari Tour with Lunch and Tastings

• Crete's Wine and Olives Safari Tour from Chania

Visiting Crete’s White Mountains is technically free—you can explore at your leisure, whether it’s hiking the Samaria Gorge or going for an olive oil tasting. However, it’s a really good idea to go with a guide through this remote region; safari tours that explore the rugged hillsides and their villages start at around US$100 per person.

Yes, the White Mountains are worth visiting. Not only are they beautiful and remote, but they're home to one of Europe's longest hiking trails—the Samaria Gorge. Beyond hiking, visitors here can explore olive vineyards, traditional hillside villages, and so much more, all away from the crowds lining Crete's beaches.

Per one customer who booked the Wine & Olive Oil Tour with lunch at the White Mountains, "If you only see the coastal part of Crete, you're missing the hidden beauty of the island.  This trip was through the gorgeous mountains of Crete.  Our driver, Nicos, was very knowledgeable about the island, its history, and the olive and wine industry.  He took great care of us. The drive was stunning."

The White Mountains (aka Lefka Ori) in Crete are found in the western stretches of the island, spreading out around the diverse region of Chania. These limestone peaks form part of the wider White Mountains National Park, covering over 50 dramatic gorges and mountain summits.

The White Mountains’ highest summit is Pachnes, which reaches an altitude of 8,048 feet (2,453 meters), with many other peaks not so far behind. With an impressive altitude, the mountains here are actually skiable in the winter, although there are no lifts, trail maps, or facilities.

The highest peak in Chania is Pachnes, part of the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) range. The summit sits at 8,048 feet (2,453 meters) and can be reached via an old sheep track from Anopolis and then a footpath, rewarding those who make it with far-reaching views.

When people talk about the snowcapped mountains in Crete, chances are they’re talking about the White Mountains. Known locally as Lefka Ori, the peaks are snowcapped usually from mid-December through early April, although in the summer, they still seem gleaming white, thanks to the sun on the limestone terrain.

There are no mountains in Crete that are covered in snow year-round. The island has no glaciers, and after the winter, the snow melts even from the top of the island’s two highest peaks—Timios Stavros (Lsithi) and Pachnes (White Mountains)—both of which sit above 7,874 feet (2,400 meters).

Yes, the built-up areas away from Chania’s historic center were developed with tourism in mind, and it can feel touristy—but it depends on where you go. Chania is one of Europe’s oldest cities, boasting Minoan remains and Venetian architecture, so visitors can easily avoid the tourist traps and bars.

There are tons of things to do when you're done visiting the White Mountains. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Crete:

• Palace of Knossos

• Elafonisi Beach

• Archanes

• Balos Beach and Lagoon

• Samaria Gorge

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Crete.