Psiloritis Natural Park consists of the Ida Range, the highest mount of Crete, and the northern coastal zone of central Crete. Within the territory of the Geopark added in 2001 in the list of UNESCO geoparks, the whole nappe pile of Crete, and the majority of the rock types of the island are presented in excellent outcrops and sections. Big faults with excellent and imposing fault surfaces, fossil sites, caves, impressive gorges and plateaus hosting many endemic species of the island, unique fold associations and geomorphologic structures are feeding for thousands of years the culture of local people.
Geology
The great variety of Earth processes that have formed Psiloritis Mountains, the fascinating geology, the exceptional natural environment and the vibrant culture and traditions of its people are all facets in the character of the Psiloritis Global Geopark. The Global Geopark is characterized by its superb and outstanding geology reflected by the variety of rock formations that comprise all rock types of Crete in a series of sheets. These are exposed in a number of excellent outcrops and cross–sections which provide an insight into Earth’s mountain-building processes. Some of its spectacular natural monuments include the Permian fossilized corals and bivalves, the impressive “Vossakos” folds, the “Chonos” karstic formations, the breath-taking caves and the deep gorges of the mountainous area, as well as the ophiolites, the remains of the ancient Tethys Ocean. All these geosites host an extraordinary diverse flora and fauna.
Geography
Psiloritis Global Geopark extends over an area of about 1200 km2 and it covers the central part of the island including the entire area of Mountain Idi (Psiloritis) which is the highest in Crete, reaching up to 2456 m. The surrounding Talean Mountains that extend till the northern coast and the valleys of Mylopotamos, Messara and Amari are all included within its boundaries. The Global Geopark is administratively allocated in two Regional Units (former prefectures), that of Rethimnon and Heraklion.
The Myths
Psiloritis is connected with the birth and activity of immortal gods. At the glacis of mountain Idis, Rea hunted by Saturn, hid Zeus and the mythical goat Amalthia nurtured the king of Dodecatheon. Here, Kourites with the growl of their shields covered the cry of the little god that was meant to become the father of Gods and people. Above the table-land of Nida at Idaion Andron was the center of worship of the Cretan born Zeus.
Deservingly, the cave was characterized as the Vithleem of ancient times. According to the ancient myth, Zeus disguised as a bull, crossed over the river Litheos and transferred Europe to the island of Crete ending up to ancient Gortina. Here is the labyrinth; the cave where in its rambling corridors lived the infamous Minotaur.
The copper giant Talos was assigned by king Minoa to protect the island of Crete from any intruder. The mythic creature is linked with the mountainous bulk of the Talea Mountains that spread north of Psiloritis.Gerondospilios of Melidoni was the worshipping place of Talaios Hermes.
The sacred mountain from the era of the first residence defines the fate of humans that are fed with myths and form history.
If you drive from Agios Nikolaos in the direction of Heraklion on the new national road, you will see the pointer Amazonas Park.
It is a small zoo located on the side of the road in the mountains. You should visit it, inspite the fact that the road to it is difficult – very steep serpentine. The price for the ticket is 10 EUR per person, but it worth it. Before the entrance to the park there is free parking. By the way, there were not many visitors.
Here you can see a large number of birds, mostly parrots and monkeys, goats and donkeys.
Parrots are very different, perhaps fifteen species, maybe more. Not all parrots want to be photographed, some of them when you approach them fly away into the far corner of the cage, and you have to stand still, wait until accustomed.
There were also a clutch of turtles. There are very small, may be fit in your hand, they are only two months.
By the way, the recommendation is not to relax and to hold fast in the hands of personal belongings is not an empty phrase: one of the visitors to experiment simply pushed aside at arm’s length packet with a delicacy in the distance jumping monkey. She reacted instantly :).
CRETE INFO 