Taxi from Heraklion Airport to Omalos

Omalos is a charming village located in western Crete, specifically in the Mousouroi unit of the Chania region. The name Omalos comes from the Greek word Ομαλός, which means even, plain, regular, or smooth, reflecting the plateau’s topography.

Geographically, Omalos is situated at the northeastern corner of the Omalos Plateau, within the White Mountains (Lefka Ori). The plateau covers an area of 15 km2 and lies at the intersection of three districts: Mousouroi, Sfakia, and East Selino. Although Omalos is part of the Mousouroi unit, most of the plateau belongs to East Selino.

The village can be accessed through three different routes: from the west via the Chania-Sougia road, from the north at Omalos, and from the south by descending through the famous Samariá Gorge to the coast at Agia Roumeli on the Libyan Sea. Omalos, located about 5 km from the entrance to the gorge at Xyloskalo, is a popular starting point for trekking adventures. An old stone mule track connects Omalos with Agia Eirini to the west, providing access to the Agia Eirini Gorge.

The plateau’s cooler climate and fertile soil make it an ideal location for growing crops such as potatoes, apples, and cereals. The traditional round stone houses, known as mitata, are used for making local cheese, including the famous graviera. During the warmer seasons, shepherds bring their flocks to graze on the slopes of the Lefka Ori.

One of the main attractions of Omalos is the Tzani Cave, located about 1.6 km from the village. It is believed that this cave was once a lake, but it lost its waters through natural processes. The cave is named after Tzanis Markos, a revolutionary leader during the uprisings against the Ottoman Empire. It is also said that the name Omalos originated from a revolutionary song about the area.

The history of Omalos is intertwined with the Greek struggle for independence from the Ottoman Empire. Due to its strategic location and difficult terrain, the Turks rarely managed to penetrate the plateau. The church of Hatzimichalis Giannaris, a Cretan revolutionary, can be found near the Tzani Cave. He was born in a nearby village and was one of the leaders of the conflicts against the Ottoman rule in the 19th century.

During World War II, Omalos was used as an airfield. Today, tourists can easily access this picturesque village from Heraklion Airport, which is 176 km away and takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes by taxi. For a hassle-free transfer, visitors can book a taxi from our website, MyCreteTaxi.

In conclusion, Omalos is a unique and beautiful destination in Crete, surrounded by breathtaking natural landscapes and steeped in rich history.