Mountains & peaks

Mount Psiloritis (Ida)

Phaistos, Heraklion · Free

Highlights & amenities

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About

Crete's highest mountain at 2,456 m.

Psiloritis, also called Mount Ida, is the highest mountain in Crete, with its summit Timios Stavros at 2,456 m. It lies in the middle of the island, on the border between Rethymno and Heraklion. The mountain is part of a UNESCO Global Geopark.

In Greek mythology, Zeus grew up in the Ideon cave on the slopes of Ida. The mountain is home to shepherds, who still use stone huts called mitata, and to rare plants and birds, including vultures and eagles. Snow often stays on the summit until May.

The classic climb starts from the Nida plateau and takes about 4 to 5 hours to the top. The path is not technical, but it's long, so start early and bring warm clothes and plenty of water.

Phaistos covers the western Messara, the largest plain of Crete, and its coast on the Libyan Sea. Here lie some of the most important Minoan sites, Phaistos and Agia Triada, and the beaches of Matala, Kommos, Kalamaki and the long Messara bay. Inland, towns like Moires and Tymbaki are busy farming centres, while villages such as Zaros, Vori and Kamilari are perfect for a slower pace. The area is warm and sunny, with a long swimming season.

Around Phaistos

Nearest town: Agia Galini, about 21 km by road
Nearest airport: Heraklion airport (HER), about 51 km by road

Heraklion is the heart of Minoan Crete and the island’s busiest region. Knossos and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum are the two places almost everyone visits, and they work well together on one day. In the south, the wide Messara plain holds the palace of Phaistos, the Roman ruins of Gortyna and the famous caves above the bay of Matala. More about Heraklion