The winter months on the island of Crete are quiet. The weather is changeable and it is often quite cold but there are always a few sunny days that brighten up the landscape.
It is on these bright days that visitors to the island have the best views of the snow covered mountain tops that loom in the distance.
The snows stay on the proud peaks during mid December right through until the months of April or May. The mountain ranges of the regions between Sitia and Kissamos are a wonderful sight that many visitors do not expect to see in Crete, they think of the island being drenched in sunlight. They are surprised when they see the snow capped mountains they find at this time of year, but they cannot but help admire the beauty of the white peaks as they shimmer in the sunlight.
Mount Ida or Psiloritis is the highest peak that is situated in the middle of the island. It dominates the horizon with its glistening white snow capped summit. To the east you find the proud ranges of Lassithi and Dikti and the magnificent Lefka Ori White Mountains with their fifty or so gorges that carve their way through the rugged terrains. This is where you will discover the fantastic Samaria Gorge.
The White Mountains in the prefecture of Chania dominate the landscape giving a wonderful impression of the size of Crete and they form a magnificent backdrop to Chania. The views of these mountains are impressive no matter where you happen to be. Not far away you will find the village of Omalos on the peaceful Omalos Plateau.
You can hike through many of the mountain ranges down tracks that are easy to walk through.
The panoramic views from the trails that lead you through this rugged land are magnificent. You can go on the E4 European walking path through the region of Sfakia which is well known for the wild mountain men who inhabit the area. This area of the island and its harsh terrain is known as the high desert because so little vegetation grows here. With splendid views of the Mediterranean Sea, these trails through the mountain ranges of Crete will simply take your breath away.
When spring arrives the entire area bursts into flower with the many endemic species found on the island. Taking a guided tour through the region at this time of year you will find out all there is to know about the various flowers that are only found on Crete. It is in the spring that everything comes to life with birds like the Bearded and Griffon Vultures circling the skies.
You will see Peregrine Falcons and Bonelli’s Eagles these rare birds have made these mountain ranges their home.
The mountain ranges of Crete are truly a bird watcher’s paradise and visitors who come to see the splendor of the landscape and the wildlife that is so unique to the island will not leave disappointed with all that they discover on one of the most beautiful islands in the Med.
