Cretan Mountains

The Cretan mountains stay in our hearts, with their unpredictable beauty and sudden changes of mood. Kriti's character is created by her mountains and gorges with fertile plateaus.

In the west are the Lefka Ori or White Mountains, Omalos Plateau and a range full of high peaks including Pachnes at 2453m above sea level. In these inaccessible areas are many rare species and a unique mountain ecology protected by conservation. This range is named for its white snow-topped peaks in winter and its white limestone which shines in summer.

Bearded Vultures, Griffon Vultures and Peregrine Falcons (see below) are amongst the birds found here. The summits of the Lefka Ori peaks are very bare and known as a high desert.

Also in Chania is Samaria Gorge. The Samaria National Park boasts stunning mountain country, unique flora and fauna and one of the longest gorges in Europe. This is one of the most visited attractions on the island and can be very busy in summer. It is a striking deep gorge with cyprus pines, sage, marjoram, thyme, wild orchids and lillies, and rocks, rocks and more rocks. The trek to Agia Roumeli takes all day, with a boat the only way out. Why not stay awhile?

In the centre proud Mount Ida or Psiloritis sits looking down over all of Crete. The highest mountain on the island at 2456m, this mountain is the great overseer of Kriti, abode to heroic adartes, and inspiration to many mantinades and songs.

Amongst the Psiloritis range are caves, gorges and plateaus including Nida Plateau and the intriguing Ideon Andron or Zeus Cave. What is it that touches this cave with magic?

In the east are the Dikti Mountains pictured above. The highest peak, Mt Spathi is 2148 metres above sea level. Located in the Lasithi prefecture, these mountains abound with history, agriculture in lush plateaus, striking scenery in the gorges, and beautiful churches. Hiking, rockclimbing and caving are popular here.

The E4 European Walking Path passes through the Cretan mountains, taking in some of the most beautiful scenery in Kriti. A total of 320 kms, it runs from Kastelli-Kissamos in the west to Kato Zakros in the east.

Lasithi Plateau in the east is a fertile agricultural centre dotted with striking white-sailed windmills.

These wild areas abound with nature because of the unique ecology of the island of Crete. Click on the falcon or the warbler to visit our nature pages.

Gorge walks, hiking, caving and natural history tours are all popular in Kriti. One of the most unusual gorges in eastern Crete, known as the Valley of the Dead, is Zakros Gorge.

The mountain villages retain the traditional Cretan way of life. It is here that you may discover peace and the real essence of Kriti.