The Samaria Gorge, Crete

The entrance of the 18km long Samaria Gorge taken from Xyloskalo on the Omalos plateau. In the distance you can see the high peaks of the White Mountains. The plateau is particularly beautiful in the winter, when it is frequently covered by snow. Just out of shot, a slow line of back-packers make there way down the torturous path to start there long hike which is very hot and dry without any refreshment stops, each showing a special pass to guarding wardens.

In the past, the plateau of Omalos was the shelter of the locals and the base of rebels during the two and a half centuries of the Turkish occupation, but also during all other wars against invaders.