Omalos Plateau in Chania, Crete
Nestled in the heart of the White Mountains in Chania, Crete lies the picturesque Omalos Plateau, located just 38 kilometers south of Chania. The plateau sits at an elevation ranging between 1,040 and 1,250 meters and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. Omalos is especially stunning in the winter when it is blanketed in snow. Historically, the plateau served as a refuge for locals and rebels during the Turkish occupation and other wars against invaders. The area was also used for farming, with locals growing grain and potatoes, and for producing the famous cheese of the region at "mitata" (cheese-dairies) and shepherd huts. During the Second World War, a small airport operated in Omalos for a brief period under German occupation. Today, Omalos, specifically Xiloskalo, is the starting point for thousands of visitors to the renowned 18 km-long Samaria Gorge, making it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Crete.
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