The imposing mountainous bulk rising south of Chania, which during wintertime is covered with snow, emerging between the Aegean and Libyan seas, is the mountain-chain of Lefka Ori or “Madares” as the locals call it.
It covers the biggest part of Chania, being 50 kilometers long and 25 kilometers wide.
Decorated with gorges, mountain sites of rare beauty, steep slopes, caves and 20 peaks of over 2000 meters, the Lefka Ori lure every climber.
Because of their morphology, the degree of difficulty for one to explore the mountain chain ranges from moderate to demanding. Good physical condition is required as well as experience, good orientation and knowledge of the mountain.
The alpine zones of over 2000 meters are rocky and bare, with snows covering them, often until June.  Lower down however, the vegetation is rich and includes many endemic species such as the Cretan cypress. A variety of animals live on the Lefka Ori, the Kri-Kri wild goats being the most famous.
The tallest peak is Pachnes (2454m) with an unrestricted view over the Libyan and Cretan sea whereas the rest of peaks of over 2000 meters are: Troharis (2.401m), Mesa Soros (2,397m), Dipli Thodori (2.380m ), Gavala (2.350m), Bournelos (2.342m), Svourihti (2.337m), Sternes (2.335m), Grias Soros (2.331m), Thororis (2.320m ), Katsouna (2.305m ), Xerolimnia (2.288m), Ag. Pneuma (2.254m), Zouridia (2.250m), Kentakia (2.243m), Exo Tourloti (2.240m), Modaki (2.224m), Kastro (2.218m), Kakovoli (2.214m), Askifiotikos Soros (2.213m).
Known routes are the one climbing to Kastro over the Tavris plateau and the one to the Kalergi shelter over the Omalos plateau.
However, there are some shelters that can be reached by car through the rural roads.
The most famous gorges are Samarias, Aradena, Agia  Irini of Imvros and Eligias.
The Lefka Ori may make it hard for the visitor because of their untamed and wild beauty but as you approach them the aromas from the herbs and wildflowers, the clear mountain air and the endless view reveal the protected sweet beauty and harmony they possess.