Nestled in the Mousouroi unit of the Chania region in western Crete lies the charming village of Omalos (Greek: Ομαλός) The name itself is derived from the Greek word Ομαλός, meaning even, plain, regular, or smooth, a fitting description of the plateau on which the village is situated
Omalos is perched at the northeastern corner of the Omalos Plateau (οροπέδιο του Ομαλού), a vast expanse of 15 km2 in the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) This picturesque village, located 38 km south of Chania, is a true gem of the region Its location at the intersection of three districts, namely the Mousouroi unit of Platanias (previously Kydonia), Sfakia, and East Selino, adds to its unique charm
The plateau can be reached through three different approaches, from the west via the Chania-Sougia road, from the north at Omalos, and from the south through the infamous Samariá Gorge, leading to the coast at Agia Roumeli on the Libyan Sea Omalos village itself is about 5 km from the entrance to the gorge at Xyloskalo, and is most well-known for its association with trekking In fact, an old stone mule track connects Omalos with Agia Eirini to the west, providing access to the stunning Agia Eirini Gorge
The cooler climate and fertile soil of Omalos make it an ideal location for agriculture The locals take advantage of this by growing various vegetables and fruits, including potatoes and apples, as well as cereals The small round stone houses, known as mitata, are used for making local cheese, known as graviera During the warmer seasons, shepherds bring their flocks to graze on the slopes of the Lefka Ori, known as madares (μαδάρες)
One of the most interesting features of Omalos is the Tzani Cave, located about 16 km from the village on the winding road towards Chania Legend has it that this cave was once a lake, but lost its waters through the cave’s entrance It is also believed that this cave was used by a revolutionary chieftain named Tzanis Markos as his lair during the uprisings against the Ottoman Empire The cave is about 25 km long and descends 241 meters, making it a truly fascinating site to explore
The rich history of Omalos is also reflected in its association with Greek mythology The two peaks of Xyloskalo, Gingilos (2080m) and Volakias (2116m), are said to be the throne of Zeus, the Greek god who was born in Crete Further west, you can find Agathopi (1768m) and Psilafi (1984m), believed to be the racing grounds of Zeus, but are now popular for slalom ski racing
During the 1855-1869 conflicts against the Ottoman Empire, Omalos served as a safe haven, as the Turks rarely managed to penetrate the plateau The name Omalos is even thought to have originated from a revolutionary song that translates to “When will the sun rise, when will I arm myselfto descend to Omalos” This song represents the bravery and courage of the Cretan people during this time
Omalos is also the birthplace of the Cretan revolutionary Hatzimichalis Giannaris (1833-1916), who played a significant role in the uprisings against the Ottoman Empire He was later captured and imprisoned in Chania but managed to escape and was exiled to Odessa In 1912, he was elected to the Greek parliament, and at his request, he was buried in Omalos, where a church dedicated to him now stands near the Tzani Cave
During World War II, the plateau was used as an airfield, adding to its historical significance Today, Omalos is a popular destination for tourists, offering a unique blend of history, mythology, and natural beauty It is located 56 km from Chania Airport, with a driving time of 1 hour and 14 minutes, and 176 km from Heraklion Airport, with a driving time of 2 hours and 45 minutes A visit to Omalos is a must for any traveler exploring the beautiful island of Crete
