The White Mountains National Park is situated in a rocky,
mountainous area in the northern part of Crete and is
characterized by its numerous and impressive gorges. The main
gorge, and the most interesting, among those in the central part
of the White Mountains is the Gorge of Samaria, by which name
the National Park is generally known. This is a perfect
combination of natural elements, resulting in a fascinating
landscape unique in the Mediterranean region. The park was
established in 1962 by a Royal Decree published in the
Government Gazette 742/1962 and 103/1963. Conservation of the
scientific, aesthetic, recreational and cultural values of the
whole area was the main objective when the land for the park was
bought from the inhabitants of the village of Samaria, located
in the centre of the gorge and subsequently evacuated. The park
covers an area of 4.850 ha, which includes the Gorge of Samaria
(16 km long), with the adjacent forested slopes and precipices.
Steep rocky gorges, rushing mountain streams, se