Geotourism
The unique geological and geomorphological features of Crete are of particular interest to travellers and nature lovers, with designated and internationally recognised geoparks, geomorphological monuments and formations, caves, gorges and fossils.
See more information about Unesco sites in Crete
Mount Ida Geopark
The UNESCO Global Geopark of Mount Ida is a destination that combines opportunities for both recreation and education. Here, visitors have the opportunity to enjoy outdoor sports, nature walks, the tastes and aromas of local cuisine, discover the history of the land and experience the life of the people on Mount Ida. The Geopark of Mount Ida was established as an unofficial Natural Park in 2001 by the company AKOMM – Psiloritis Development Agency S.A. of Local Government, with the scientific support of the Natural History Museum of the University of Crete.
Due to its rich geodiversity, its beautiful landscapes and its undeniable history and tradition, Mount Ida Geopark was included, from its very foundation, in the European Geoparks Network and a little later, in the Global Geoparks Network. Mount Ida Geopark covers an area of 1272 square kilometers and is located in central Crete. It encompasses the Mount Ida range from its southern edges in the valleys of Messara and Amari to its northern extension in the Kouloukonas mountain range. Administratively, it is part of the regional units of Heraklion and Rethymno.
Sitia Geopark
The UNESCO Global Geopark of Sitia includes the plateau and the eastern coastline of the former Province of Sitia, which, although unknown to most of the world, has a unique geophysical wealth: caves, gorges, rare rocks and fossils.
Eastern Crete, due to its geographical position, allowed the exchange of species from Asia Minor and, in combination with the dry and hot climate prevailing in the area, created a mosaic of natural habitats and ecosystems unique to the Mediterranean region.
Within the Park, more than 100 geotopes have been recorded, i.e. sites that are special and characteristic monuments of geoheritage, such as unique rock formations and rich in fossil sites.
In the Sitia Geopark, various actions and infrastructures have been designed and developed to support geotourism and ecotourism in general. The most important ones concern the creation of the Zakros Natural History Museum and the Speleological Centre in Karidi, the production of printed and information material and the marking and promotion of a series of geo-routes.
These routes cross the area of the Natural Park, connecting geological monuments, natural habitats, as well as historical, cultural and other tourist sites of the area with the beautiful settlements of the Park. The geo-routes include road, cycling and, of course, hiking routes that follow either international trails such as the E4, local tour routes or old cobbled paths which used to connect the settlements
Komolithi at Potamida
The special geological formations found in Potamida Kissamos in the Chania Prefecture are a unique phenomenon for the entirety of Crete.
Despite their small scale, their appearance is reminiscent of Meteora or Cappadocia, as they dominate the fields of the small plain, next to the river Tyflos.
These hills (pyramids for the locals) are made of soft clay, are bare of vegetation on both sides and the only bushy vegetation is on the tops.