The huge limestone massif of the White Mountains dominates the west of Crete. It is characterized by its barren peaks, its plateaus, and gorges. More than ten gorges cut through the mountain from north to south. The most famous of them, the Samaria, which cleaves through the mountain like a giant axe blow, is considered the most impressive gorge in Europe.

The gorge area has formed the Samaria National Park since 1962, together with the surrounding peaks. The botanical wealth of the area is overwhelming. Nearly five hundred different plant species grow here, many of which can only be found on Crete or within the gorge.

A gem of the Samaria Gorge is also the Kri-Kri, the wild goat of Crete, which lives freely in the national park and breeds there. This book, which describes the place and its history in an easily readable manner, includes detailed maps and a variety of images, with a primary focus on the natural environment of the gorge.

This uniquely beautiful, wild, and magnificent landscape, praised like no other place, was awarded the "European Diploma of Protected Areas 1st Class" by the Council of Europe and received the designation of Biosphere Reserve from UNESCO.