Psiloritis is a place that can evoke intense emotions in those who take the time to explore it. Here, you can witness some of the most stunning and wild landscapes that nature has to offer. The scenery is made up of incredible caves, karst formations, deep gorges, small plateaus, forests, cliffside villages, and alpine zones with no vegetation. Overall, Psiloritis is a unique and beautiful place that is definitely worth a visit for any nature lover.
The Psiloritis Mountain, also known as the Ida Mountain Range, is situated at the heart of Crete and spans a significant portion of the Heraklion and Rethymno prefectures. The highest point of the island is the Timios Stavros peak, which is the largest cove of this mountain range.
The majestic mountain of Psiloritis has always inspired a sense of awe in those who visit it. It was considered a sacred mountain by the ancient Minoans, and many myths revolve around it. Dikteon Cave, also known as Deus Cave, is said to be the birthplace of Zeus, father of the gods, according to Greek mythology. Psiloritis continued to be worshipped even in Christian times, and to this day, visitors can climb to the top of the peak and visit the chapel of Timios Stavros, which was built many years ago. The view from the top is breathtaking, and you can see Crete in all its splendor. However, climbing to this altitude requires good preparation, as the peak stands at 2500 meters and the temperature drops below zero at night, with no vegetation or water in sight. It’s an amazing experience, but one that requires careful planning and preparation.
The forests on Mount Psiloritis were once more abundant and dense, but now they have become limited. One of the largest forests is the forest of Rouvas, which is home to rare and endemic species of plants and animals, such as the Cretan Wildcat. The fauna of Psiloritis is rich and plays an extremely important role in the biodiversity of Crete. On Mount Psiloritis, rare predators like vultures and hawks can be found.
In the mountain village of Mylopotamos with its capital Anogia, you will experience authentic Cretan hospitality. Anogia has a close relationship with Psiloritis and its mountainous landscapes. The inhabitants are mainly engaged in livestock farming and are known for their hospitality. You can find genuine Cretans here who still wear traditional Cretan costumes and twirl their mustaches. The residents of Anogia seem to enjoy every moment of their lives and do not hesitate to express their joy with balothies, raki, and feasting. However, they do not tolerate any insult to their honor. Anogia is famous throughout Greece for its contribution to culture, with great Cretan lyre players and singers hailing from the town. One such artist is the renowned “Archangel of Crete,” Nikos Xylouris, whose house is located in Anogia.
Psiloritis is a mountain range that is known for its numerous caves and deep gorges that can be explored. The mountain range also serves as a natural source of water, which is mainly derived from the snow that accumulates on its peaks until May. This water flows through underground rivers and reaches several areas around the mountains, including Lake Faneromeni, which is located in a lush valley at the southern base of Mount Psiloritis. This site is definitely worth a visit!
The majestic beauty of Psiloritis is beyond words and can only be fully appreciated by standing in awe before it. The breathtaking landscape, with its untamed wildness, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave an indelible mark on anyone who visits Crete. It’s no wonder that Cretans take such pride in their homeland, especially with natural wonders like Psiloritis to call their own.