When you visit Crete, you want to adventure in the mountains and know where you can find accommodation or just a roof over your head and a modest, honest-to-God bite to eat. There’s nothing glamorous about mountain shelters – they are there to give you peace of mind and a haven when you are out and about exploring the roughest parts of this island, which is about 80% alpine.
Mountain Shelters of Chania
1. Kallergis Mountain Shelter in the White Mountains
The best-known mountain shelter on the island, often referred to as the Kallergi mountain refuge, stands on the Omalos Plateau in Lefka Ori – Crete’s famed White Mountains. Operated by the Mountaineering Club of Chania, it can accommodate up to 50 people in the tourist season, which lasts from April to October. If you feel like exploring this part of Crete offseason, you must call and make the necessary accommodation arrangements. From the Kallergis mountain shelter, you have easy access to the Psari, Mavri, and Melidaou peaks and the Lefka Ori Mountain Desert.
For reservations and additional information call: +30 697 658 5849
Website: https://www.kallergi.co/
eMail: refugecrete@gmail.com
2. Katsiveli Mountain Shelter in the White Mountains
Another refuge managed by the Mountaineering Club of Chania, the Katsiveli mountain shelter takes its name from the Katsiveli Plateau where it stands. From here, you have access to the Svourichti peak, the E4 trail, and the Sfakiani Madara trail. The shelter offers accommodation for up to 20 mountaineers.
For reservations and additional information call: + 30 28210 44647
Website: https://www.eoshanion.gr/
eMail: info@eoshanion.gr
3. Volikas Mountain Shelter in the White Mountains
Still in the Chania regional unit and the White Mountains (Lefka Ori), the Volikas mountain shelter stands at 1450 meters above sea level in Keramia, not far from the picturesque Kambi alpine village. The Mountaineering Club of Chania manages this refuge, which can welcome 30 climbers. From the Volikas (sometimes Volika) mountain shelter, you can access Spathi peak, Livada, the E4 trail, and the Therisso trail.
For reservations and additional information call: + 30 28210 44647
Website: https://www.eoshanion.gr/
eMail: info@eoshanion.gr
4. Greleska Mountain Shelter in the White Mountains
Taking its name from its location, the Greleska mountain shelter initially offered accommodation for naturists observing the Cretan Ibex (kri-kri or, colloquially, the Cretan goat) in its natural habitat. Any mountaineering exploring this part of the Lefka Ori can enjoy spartan accommodation in a fair stone edifice that also sports a small exhibition documenting the area’s fauna. From this refuge, you will enjoy stunning views of the Omalos plateau, as well as Samaria and Agia Irini gorges.
For reservations and additional information call: + 30 28210 44647
Website: https://www.eoshanion.gr/
eMail: info@eoshanion.gr
5. Tavri Mountain Shelter in the White Mountains
Raised in a bucolic cypress wood area at some 1200 meters above sea level close to the Askyfou plateau, the Tavri mountain shelter is ideally positioned on the Tavris Askufo plateau (Sfakia) with access to the E4 trail. Mountaineers will also appreciate the proximity to the Sfakiano and Kavi gorges and Kastro peak. Forty-five daring explorers can overnight in this shelter.
For reservations and additional information call: + 30 28210 44647
Website: https://www.eoshanion.gr/
eMail: info@eoshanion.gr
Mountain Shelters of Rethymnon
6. Migerou Lakos Mountain Shelter on Mount Psiloritis
If you want to explore Mount Psiloritis (Mount Ida) and need a place to spend the night, the Migerou Lakos mountain shelter is the right choice. Operated by the Cultural Association of Livadia, the refuge can be accessed by car on a paved road. From here, you can hike to Crete’s highest peak, Timios Stavros, which raises some 2546 meters above sea level. Although a popular destination for mountain sports and backcountry skiing enthusiasts, the shelter only sports six beds and a modest kitchen.
For reservations and additional information call: +30 2834061489
7. Toumbotos Prinos Mountain Shelter on Mount Psiloritis
At an altitude of 1600 meters above sea level, the Toumbotos Prinos mountain shelter (also known as the Mountain Shelter of Samari), operated by the Mountaineering Club of Rethymno, offers accommodation for 30 guests. You can access the refuge from Fourfouras section of the E4 foot trail or by car from Kouroutes.
For reservations and additional information call: +30 6932034813
Website: http://www.eosrethymnou.gr/
eMail: ph4225@edu.physics.uoc. gr
Mountain Shelters of Heraklion
8. Samari Mountain Shelter on Mount Psiloritis
Basic and practical, the Samari mountain shelter west of Rouvas Gorge at 1417 meters above sea level will only accommodate twenty mountaineers. Pack water (the water available from the on-site cistern is not potable) and food supplies if you want to spend the night. You’ll have a fireplace and a rudimentary cooking area.
For reservations and additional information call: +30 281 022 7609
Website: https://www.eos-her.gr/
9. Prinos Mountain Shelter on Mount Psiloritis
One of the oldest mountain shelters on Crete island, in use since 1967, the Prinos mountain shelter stands at some 1989 meters above sea level on the east slope of Mt. Psiloritis. You can only access this refuge on foot on a two-hour hike from Ano Asites. From here, you can hike to the splendid Rouvas Forest, Nida Plateau, and the Koudouni and Gyristi peaks. Access to the E4 footpath is possible too.
For reservations and additional information call: +30 281 022 7609
Website: https://www.eos-her.gr/
Mountain Shelters of Lassithi
10. Strovili (Limnakaro) Mountain Shelter on the Dikti Mountain Range
On the Limnakaro plateau at 1533 meters above sea level, you will find a mountain refuge manned by the Mountaineering Club of Lassithi (sometimes referred to as the Hellenic Alpine Club of Lassithi or H.A.C.). This is the Sttovili (Limnakaro) mountain shelter, which gives you convenient accommodation when you want to explore Crete’s Spathi, Psari Madara, and Afendis Christos peaks. Hike to the Slekano forest on the E4 trail when you are in the area. Do make reservations in advance as the shelter is relatively small and has toom for 12 daring explorers or less. Pack sleeping bags, food, and water supplies to enhance your comfort and peace of mind here.
For reservations and additional information call: +30 28440 31260, +30 2810 226900, or +30 694 4782507
11. Thripti Mountain Shelter in the Thripti Range
A small refuge next to the Lord Christ (Stavromenos) chapel, the Thripti mountain shelter in the Ierapetra municipality of Crete is a convenient stopover when you plan to explore this mountain range and the isthmus of Ierapetra. The shelter is locked down because of vandalism. You must request access in Thripti village if you want to spend the night here. Hike the local gorge and enjoy the pine forest coving the mountain range in this part of Lassithi.
These Cretan mountain shelters are ready to welcome you every season. Just get in touch with the people managing them before your arrival for a stress-free experience.