The famous plateau of Omalos is surrounded by the high crowns of the Lefka Ori (White Mountains) at 1,040 to 1,250 meters and is just 38 km from the town of Chania. The plateau of Omalos is the physical border and “meeting” point among 3 from the 5 counties of the prefecture of Chania, namely Kydonia, Sfakia and Selino.
The plateau of Omalos was the shelter of the locals and the base of rebels during the two and a half centruries of the Turkish occupation, but also during all other wars against invadors.
From the plateau and specifically from the location Xyloskalo at 1,250 m high, there is the start of the path along the world famous Samaria gorge. In Xyloskalo there is a forest outpost and information centre (small museum) about Lefka Ori and Samaria