If you rate a place by the standard of its beaches, then Chania is one of the best locations in Europe. Beautiful turquoise water and golden sands stretch along the coast, what more could you ask for? Well if you’re not a sun worshipper or just fancy some time away from the beach, you might want to diversify your holiday.
There is much more to Crete than its perfect beaches. Why not head inland in your hire car and read Economy Car Hire’s guide to exploring the island?
Where to?
If you head south from Chania you will end up in the White Mountains, or the Lefka Ori National Park. The drive itself is beautiful and the scenery when you get there is jaw dropping. There are few roads through the mountains and so which route you choose depends on which side of the mountains you wish to visit.
The most popular places are on the east side of the park and take longer to drive to. You can reach the western edge of the park in around an hour’s drive from Chania, but the eastern side will take you around 2 and a half hours to drive to.
From sea to summit
If you are heading to the eastern side then take the E75 eastbound out of the Chania. The road takes you along the coast, and there are spectacular views over the ocean. The stark contrast in scenery is what makes this drive particularly special, and as you veer away from the coast, the landscape will start to change dramatically.
After the town of Vrises you will have to take the road southbound up into the mountains, where the road will become even more impressive. The roads are good quality but there are long sections where you will traverse up steep sided mountains. The effort is worth it though, and there and some special views en route. Make sure you take some time to appreciate them as you continue on your trip.
Crete is not particularly famous for its walking, but the White Mountains have some incredible hiking trails. Make sure you pack some food and lots of water, and you can have a good day trip starting from almost anywhere in the park.
Samaria Gorge
One of the most popular attractions in the area is Samaria Gorge, accessible from the east side of the park. It is easy to see why people come here. The steep sided gorge is a photographer’s dream, and there is great walking on offer for all hiking enthusiasts. Even if you’re not a regular walker, you would be able to complete the 4 hour hike down the valley.
There are numerous points of interest along the way on top of the brilliant views of the white peaks. The area is protected and so it is a hotspot for flora and fauna. There are endemic bird and mammal species, such as the Cretan ibex, a wild goat, and the Cretan wildcat. Alongside the potential to spot wildlife, there are some beautiful old churches and fascinating geological features which you can see on the way.
Get climbing
If you want an alternative to walking the gorge, or you would rather be going up than down, you can take your pick of one of the high mountain peaks to summit. The highest peak in the White Mountain range is Pachnes, so why not try getting to the top of it? You don’t need much specialist equipment, just some good walking boots, a map and lots of sun protection. It is a rewarding climb and the views from the top are spectacular.
Anything else?
Hopefully a day trip to the White Mountains will give you a different view of Crete and inspire you to explore more of the island. Why not check out our post on 8 things to do in Crete? Alternatively, read some of our advice on how to choose the right hire car for you.
Written by Nicholas Ferns from Economy Car Hire
