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. In the west is
Agia Irini Gorge a 7 km gorge starting at the village of Agia Irini and ending close to the seaside town of
Sougia, on the south coast of
Crete. This rocky terrain of the Cretan mountains makes for wonderful hiking and walking. 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 of
Crete 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.
