Psiloritis

The largest island of Greece has no shortage of high mountains. In the center of Crete, the largest island of Greece, stretches the mountain complex of Psiloritis, the highest massif of Crete, it has 5 peaks that exceed 2,000 meters, Timios Stavros 2,456m, Agathia 2,424m, Stolistra 2,325m , Voulomenou 2,267m and Koussakas 2,209m

Psiloritis, which according to myths has the privilege of seeing the sun before sunrise, is a monument of world natural heritage, of immense beauty, wrapped in a timeless veil of history and customs. The history of the mountain is inextricably linked to the history of Crete. Human activities in the area date back to the early Neolithic era, with a multitude of archaeological sites confirming the centuries-old history.

A sacred mountain from the Minoan era, linked to myths and legends throughout the centuries According to mythology, in its forests lived the good demons Fingers, who sprang from the fingers of Rhea, mother of Zeus, when she, in order to endure the pains of childbirth, stuck her fingers in the earth. During the Christian years, the Holy Cross was built on the top of Psiloritis, The massif stores huge amounts of water, mainly from the snow that is present on the peaks until May and these, through underground rivers, reach many villages, such as Spili.

The southwestern part of Psiloritis has sharp slopes and vertical slopes both in the south and in the west, limestone, dolomite and gneiss are the dominant rocks. Psiloritis is the main hydrological basin of central Crete. The steep geological uplifts in the area have created a fair number of canyons, short in length but large in elevation differences. In Psiloritis there are dozens of caves, among them the Cave of Gerondospilios in Melidoni, Sphendoni in Zoniana, Kamilari cave, Karamaiko etc.

It also has a rich fauna and flora that includes endemic and narrow-endemic species, which grow only on its slopes and is enclosed in 2 NATURA 2000 areas and a wildlife refuge on the Gournos hill above Krousona. Phrygana and macchia vegetation dominate up to an altitude of 1,600 meters. At higher altitudes the vegetation consists of bushes of mainly thorny plants, such as heather.

Psiloritis, has impressive landscapes of natural beauty and imposing caves such as Koritsi, Marathokefala cave, Melidoni cave, Sphentoni cave, deep gorges such as Prassano gorge, Platanion gorge and others, plateaus, forests and villages, such as Mylopotamos, Anogeia, Zoniana and many others. In addition to the natural attractions, in the area there is also the Skinaka Observatory at 1,750 meters altitude. In winter, the snow that falls in the area is sufficient, making it possible to operate a ski resort.

Access to its peaks is made by several paths, with the most common and well-marked path E4 starting from the Nidas plateau with a hike estimated at around 5 hours. Climbing the mountain is a unique experience, while the sights, mountain villages and natural scenery are impressive. However, in the summer months it is particularly difficult due to the heat and the lack of shade. In the winter months it is usually snowy. Known paths Kouroutes – Rethymnon EOS Refuge – Psiloritis (2,456 m.) Stroumboula Plateau – Tylissos Alpha – Ancient Eleftherna – Margarites Pit of Mygeros – Holy Cross of Psiloritis.

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