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The White Mountains make up the most extensive range on the island, running from west to east for 40-45 km and from north to south 35 km.
They have a large number of peaks (57) above 2000 m and almost as many (54) between 1500-2000 m.
The most imposing of these are Pachnes (2453 m), Trocharis (2401 m), the Soros Mesa (2397 m), Bournelos (2342 m). The most impressive of all, though not the highest, is Gigilos (2005 m), which rises above the west side of the Samaria Gorge, with its wild ravines filled with snow.
The White Mountains are characterized by extensive upland plateaus and striking gorges.
The largest and most outstanding of the latter are located on the steep southern slopes, in particular those of Aghia Irini (Irene), Samaria, Aradena and Imbros.
Of these Samaria is the best known, with its drop of 1500 m and length of 18 km.
The main plateau of the White Mountains are Askyfou (at an altitude of 730 m), Kallikratis (750 m), Anopolis (600 m) and of course the famed Omalos plain – at 1080 m, whence starts the Samaria Gorge.
At the feet of the south slopes are to be found the most attractive and isolated beaches, and on their sides have grown up extensive forests of pine, oak and cypress.
On the south slopes of the White Mountains, and also towards the center, runs the European Walking Trail E4. For those who love to tramp about, go mountaineering and indulge in free-skiing, the White Mountains offer many trails of varying degrees of hardness and in greatly differing landscapes.
2453m
Pachnes summit (2453m), Trocharis (2401 m), Soros Mesa (2397 m), Bournelos (2342 m), Gigilos (2005 m)
The Rural Greece is an online portal that connects travellers with unique destinations and local businesses in the countryside, offering authentic experiences through activities that highlight nature, traditions and culture.
For the Rural Greece accessibility is fundamental to enhancing an inclusive tourism experience. Following the principles of inclusion and equality, the epaithros Rural Tourism Network and its member businesses are constantly working to enhance the tourism services provided, ensuring that all visitors have the opportunity to experience the authentic beauty of the Greek countryside.
Sustainability in tourism refers to a way of developing tourism that respects and protects the environment while strengthening the local economy and preserving cultural traditions. The aim of sustainable tourism is to provide unique and authentic experiences for visitors without harming the natural and social environment, while ensuring that local communities benefit from tourism activity.
This type of tourism is based on three pillars:
With sustainable tourism, visitors can have authentic experiences, knowing that the impact of tourism on the region is positive and lasting for future generations.
For Rural Greece, localism is one of the most important factors for the development of sustainable tourism, as it promotes a strong link between the tourism product and the local society, economy and culture. Through localism, visitors get the opportunity to explore authentic elements of the destination, such as local products, traditions and culture. This not only boosts the local economy, but also helps to sustain and strengthen local businesses, creating new jobs and supporting the development of local communities.
Furthermore, localism contributes to the sustainability of the tourism sector, as it reduces the use of resources from other regions and encourages the use of local goods and services, reducing the ecological footprint of tourism activities. Thus, integrating localism into tourism practices enhances sustainability awareness, both among visitors and local businesses, creating a more responsible and sustainable tourism destination.
