Rare May snowfall has blanketed the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) in western Crete, with striking satellite images capturing the unusual extent of the snow cover. The White Mountains, which rise above 2,400 metres, occasionally see late-season snow, but accumulation this deep into May is uncommon. The snow is visible from the coastline and creates a dramatic contrast with the warm lowland temperatures tourists are experiencing at sea level. Visitors staying in the Chania region can see the snow-capped peaks from the city and nearby beaches. Hikers planning to trek the E4 trail or access higher-altitude areas of the Samaria Gorge region should check local conditions before heading up, as paths at elevation may be slippery or partially blocked. No disruption to lowland tourist areas or road access to Chania has been reported.
