The White Mountains or Lefka Ori occupy a large part of the centre of West Crete and are the main feature of the region.

They consist mainly of limestone, from light grey to bluish or black color.

The central and southern parts of the Lefka Ori lie at an elevation of 1,800 m (5,906 ft) and above resembles a moon landscape.

The Tavris Refuge was built in 1992 and it is located near Ammoudari, 7.5 km (4.7 mi) from Askyfou, at 1,200 metres (3,937 ft).

The Lefka Ori has a rich history as a hiding place for rebels during Cretan uprisings against the Venetian and Ottoman rulers, as well as during German Occupation (1941–1945).