Rare May Snowfall Blankets Crete's White Mountains

Monday, 4 May 2026/Source: CretaOne/1 min read

Satellite imagery captured by the European Space Agency's Sentinel-2 satellite has revealed an unusually extensive snow cover blanketing the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) in western Crete this May. The rare late-season snowfall, made visible by clear skies and optimal atmospheric conditions, produced striking aerial views of the island's highest peaks still coated in white well into spring. The White Mountains, which reach elevations above 2,400 metres, occasionally retain snow into early summer, but coverage of this scale in May is uncommon. Visitors heading to the Samaria Gorge or hiking trails in the Sfakia region should check conditions before departing, as snow at altitude can make upper paths slippery or temporarily inaccessible. Lower sections of popular routes are generally unaffected. The phenomenon also offers a dramatic visual contrast for visitors on the northern coast looking south toward the mountains.