PSILORITIS GEOPARK

The Psiloritis Natural Park, a UNESCO Global Geopark in Crete, Greece
Within the island of Crete, renowned for its culture and history, there is a place where the secrets of life and nature have been preserved for hundreds of centuries. Different types of Mediterranean rocks mixed together to create a unique environment within which life adapted and evolved. The combination of hundreds of plants and animals, which live exclusively in these mountains has produced a region characterized by its great biodiversity. Because of its unique natural history, a large part of the area participates in the Nature 2000 Network. The great variety of Earth processes that have formed these 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 UNESCO Global Geopark.
Without doubt the Geopark is characterized by its superb geology. This is reflected by the variety of rock formations that comprise all the rock types of Crete, the various landscape types ranging from the sandy beaches to the alpine mountain tops, the diverse gorges and the hundreds of caves. Both the outstanding scenery and the wonderful climate of the park are embedded in the cultures of all the civilizations that thrived there. Evidence of these cultures is preserved in the countless archaeological sites, museums and historical monuments, as well as at the dry-stone made Sheppard’s houses, the “Mitata”. Psiloritis is also the heart for the original Cretan traditional music and textiles that the visitor can discover in most of its traditional villages. The excellent environment, the traditional methods of cultivations and livestock growth give birth to products of superb quality and taste.
The cultural and natural heritage of Psiloritis’ can be discovered using the broad network of hiking, mountaineering, natural, geological and cultural trails that cross over all the territory. Supported by the mild Mediterranean climate explorers can travel with safety and pleasure most times of the year, to unravel the secrets of an extraordinary mountainous environment. Only in Psiloritis geopark, one can experience mountain skiing and within an hour drive, swimming in the Cretan or Mediterranean Sea.
The UNESCO Global Geopark of Psiloritis is an excellent destination for geotourists and provides opportunities for both recreation and education. Within the Geopark the visitor has an extensive choice of activities ranging from sports, like swimming, hiking, mountain biking and rock climbing, to getting associated with the breathtaking science of geology, to observe birds, animals and plants, and to flavour the traditional cuisine renowned worldwide as among the most healthy and tasty food in the world.