Mountaineering clubs of Crete manage shelters on all mountain ranges of Crete. Travellers who want to stay in them should contact these clubs prior to their visit.
The most popular mountain shelter is Kallergis, east of Omalos plateau in the White Mountains, built at one of the more breathtaking spots on Crete, at an altitude of 1.680 m. Other shelters of the White Mountains include Tavri (1.210 m), Houliopoulos at Svourichti (1.980 m) and Volikas at Keramia (1.450 m). Moreover, there is another shelter at Greleska, overlooking the lush gorge of Agia Irini, which serves as wildlife observatory. The Psiloritis range has four main shelters; Toumbotos Prinos (1.590 m), Lakkos Migerou (1.710 m) from where the trail to Timios Stavros summit starts, Prinos above Asites (1.100 m) and Zaros shelter at the position Samari (1.417 m). Two more shelters are located in Lassithi. The first, managed by the mountaineering club of Lassithi, is located at the position Strovili on Limnakaro plateau (1533 m). The second is the small shelter of Afendis Stavromenos summit atop Thripti (1.476 m).
- 1
- 2
Shelter Kallergis 
The shelter Kallergis is located at an altitude of 1680m, 5km (1:30 hour walk along a dirt road) east of the Plateau Omalos and is the most popular shelter of Crete. It is built on a amazing site with breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and the seas of both North and South Crete. The place is very important because from here one can continue climbing to the peaks Psari, Mavri and Melidaou or to cross the White Mountains by walking to the other shelter at Svourichti.
The shelter is located at Lakos Migerou position by Livadia, and is accessible by paved road. From here starts the shortest path to the top of Holy Cross, the highest on Psiloritis Mount. The shelter is manged by the Cultural Association of Livadia village (+30 2834061489). The shelter has 6 beds, wc, water and fireplace.
The small shelter named Christos Chouliopoulos is located at an altitude of 1980m, at the small plateau Katsiveli at the outskirts of Svourichti peak, in the center of the White Mountains. It can be accessed by hiking 7 hours north from Anopolis, Sfakia district, and the nearest dirt road is 2:30 hours away. The shelter hosts the hikers who cross the White Mountains to/from the shelter Kallergis (6 hours) or climb to their highest peak, Pachnes (2:30).
The shelter Volikas is located at an altitude of 1450m near the village Kambi, Keramia, at northern White Mountains. It can be accessed by 3 hours hiking from Kambi, while the nearest point where a dirt road reaches (starts from the village Madaro) requires 10 minutes course. From this refuge someone can walk to the nearest peaks, towards all directions.
The shelter of Samari or Toumbotos Prinos is located at an altitude of 1600m on the western outskirts of Psiloritis Mt. The shelter can be accessed by hiking 4 hours from Fourfouras village (part of the European E4 foot trail) or driving in a 12km long dirt road starting from the village Kouroutes.
At Greleska location of the White Mountains since 1999 operates an observatory for the endangered Cretan Ibex in a beautiful stone building. There is a reception desk, information room, exhibition and an accommodation room for the guard. The area is very beautiful with cypress trees and views to the gorge of Agia Irini.
The shelter is located at position Strovili at an altitude of 1533m over Limnakaro Plateau at Dikti Range. It can be accessed either by walking 2:30 hours from Avrakontes village or by driving the dirt road from there. From here one can hike to the peaks Spathi (2148m) and Afendis Christos (2141m). The shelter can accommodate 12 people. . It is available upon request to its operator, i.e. the Mountaineering Club of Lasithi (www.fysi.gr).
The shelter of Tavri is located at an altitude of 1200m at the plateau of Tavri, by Askyfou. It can be access by walking 1:30 hours in the cypresswooded trail starting from village Ammoudari (or dricing a 7.5km long dirt track). From this refuge you can walk to Kastro peak, cross Sfakiano or Kavi Gorges.
- 1
- 2
