Mountains & peaks

Dikti Mountains

Lasithi Plateau, Lasithi · Free

Highlights & amenities

Entry: Free

About

The mountains of eastern Crete with peaks over 2,000 m.

The Dikti mountains, also called the Lasithi mountains, stretch across eastern Crete. The range has three peaks over 2,000 m, the highest being Spathi at 2,148 m. At its heart lies the Lasithi plateau.

The mountains are rich in flora and fauna and have impressive gorges. Hiking routes, including parts of the E4 path, cross the range from the Lasithi plateau to the Selakano forest. The Dikteon cave, birthplace of Zeus according to myth, lies on its slopes.

Around Lasithi Plateau

Nearest town: Malia, about 22 km by road
Nearest airport: Heraklion airport (HER), about 47 km by road

Lasithi, the eastern end of Crete, is quieter and greener than you might expect. Agios Nikolaos wraps around a small lake and a lively harbour, with cafés on the water and beaches within walking distance. Just north, Elounda and Plaka look across to the fortress island of Spinalonga, one of the most moving places on the island. More about Lasithi