Rouvas forest, Oak forest ecosystem in Psiloritis mountain, Greece.
The dense woodland extends across 7,400 acres between the peaks of Ambelakia, Samari, Chalazokephala, Skinaka, Koudouni, and Gyristi in central Crete.
The forest developed its distinctive character when human and animal interference decreased, allowing oak trees to grow beyond their typical Greek dimensions.
The traditional stone shelters, known as mitata, stand scattered throughout the forest slopes, representing past pastoral activities in the region.
The E4 European long-distance path provides access through the forest, with the main trail leading from Gergeri village to the Mountain Shelter.
The oak trees in this forest reach exceptional dimensions with trunk diameters exceeding one meter and heights surpassing 15 meters.
Address: Rouvas 700 02, Greece
Phone: +302810227609
GPS coordinates: 35.16340,24.91017
Latest update: March 4, 2025 00:27
This selection highlights Crete locations away from common routes. It includes historic sites such as the Venetian fortress of Spinalonga, occupied by a leper colony until 1957, and the ruins of the Minoan palace of Kato Zakros on the eastern coast. Notable geological formations include the Kourtaliotiko gorges with 600-meter limestone walls, the Aradena bridge suspended 138 meters above the void, and the Dikteon cave, extending over two kilometers into Mount Dikte. Nature enthusiasts can explore the small bay of Seitan Limania between its white cliffs, the Argiroupoli springs bursting amidst Roman ruins, or take trails through the Theriso gorges. These destinations offer a different view of Crete, away from the tourist crowds along the northern coastline.
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Egyptian Gods sanctuary
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Paliani monastery
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Monastery of Vrontesios
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Psiloritis Natural Park
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Archaeological Museum of Mesara
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Agios Thomas church (Gortyna)
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Zaros Lake
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Temple of Apollo
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Παναγία στο Φραδιό
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Basilica of Agioi Deka
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Phaneromeni reservoir
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Agios Titos
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Gortyn amphitheatre
12.5 km
Little theatre of Gortyna
12.1 km
Acropolis of Gortyna
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Great theatre of Gortyna
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Roman Odeon of Gortyn
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Gortyna Praetorium
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Moni Chrysopigis, Pyrgou
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