Mt Psiloritis and the Psiloritis Range
Mount Ida also known as Idha, Ídhi, Idi and Psiloritis Ψηλορείτης sits at 2,456 m looking down over Kriti from the centre of the island. The range extends through Rethymnon and Iraklion prefectures in an east west direction. The name Ida seems to be derived from the ancient word for the mother goddess de or da. Thus, the goddess associated with Mt Ida is Rhea, the earth goddess and goddess of nature, animals, mountains and caves. She is often pictured with two lions at her feet. She is associated with bees, which are also a symbol of Crete from ancient times, as the island was known for its heavenly honey. Of course it still is today.
Psiloritis literally means “the tall one” and is a proud and affectionate name for the mountain which gives him a personality and instantly creates a relationship of awe and respect. Home of many mountain villages, such as Anogia, and plateaus such as the
Nida Plateau.
From ancient times, the shepherds of the mountains have played an important part of the culture of the island. The timeless image of the weather-beaten shepherd sitting amongst the rocks and thyme, singing softly to his sheep or goats, has been a symbol of freedom, co-mingled with hardship and isolation, a recurring theme in the Cretan and Greek story. Zeus Cave is in these mountains, it is known as Ideon Andron and sits looking over the Nida Plateau. This wide mouthed cave has an inner cavern where excavations have found jewellery, bronze shields, seal stones pottery and metal artifacts. These finds reveal the history of Crete, including sanctuaries of worship. Psiloritis Ψηλορείτης range is part of the European Geopark. Rare endemic species, an unusual ecology and geological formations under intense scrutiny by scientists, biologists, geologists and speleologists contribute to its value and distinction. Here is a quote from the Geopark’s website; this is how an area is selected as a Geopark, of which there are 30 in Europe: “A European Geopark must comprise a certain number of geological sites of particular importance in terms of their scientific quality, rarity, aesthetic appeal or educational value. The majority of sites present on the territory of a European Geopark must be part of the geological heritage, but their interest may also be archaeological, ecological, historical or cultural.” Wildflowers of spring are famous in Kríti. There are walking tours arranged every season with knowledgeable botanists. 268 of Greece’s endemic plants can be found in Crete, 196 are native only to Crete. On the mountain are 76 endemic species. Plants of the area include to wonderful aromatic herbs for which the island is famous; including thyme and dictamo. Dictamo also known as erontas is a strong herbal remedy. On the slopes are found hawthorn trees, Kermes oak, Cretan maple trees and holm-oaks. Rouvas forest near Zarós has many Kermes oaks and extremely rare Cretan orchids Cephanlanthera cucullata and Zelkova abelicea. Caves to explore are Kamares, Sfendoni and Melidoni. Speleologists also study the cave-precipice of Tafkoura and the Labyrinth cave. Striking rock formations and hard hiking can be found in Zarós Gorge, Kamares Gorge and Vorizia Gorge. The mountain villages of Axós, an ancient Cretan site, Zonianá, Livádia and Garázo are typical traditional villages. Perama and nearby Margarites are small mountain villages where you will find the natural products such as raki, cherries, honey, olive oil, and cheeses such as graviera, anthotyro and myzithra made from mountain milk. To stay in these beautiful mountains in a traditional guesthouse, see our page about rural inns of Crete. Enagron Traditional House will give you quality accommodation and an authentic Cretan experience, it is located near the village of Axos in the Psiloritis range. WARNING: If you plan to walk, hike or explore caves on Psiloritis you must seek guidance and local knowledge. There are many climbing and walking clubs in Crete. Beware of changing weather conditions and isolated, inaccessible areas. Respect the ecology of this beautiful island.
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