Pachnes, Mountain summit in White Mountains, Greece
Pachnes is a mountain summit in the Lefka Ori range, reaching 2,453 meters and making it the second highest peak on Crete. The massif consists of over 30 cone-shaped peaks rising from a limestone plateau.
Mountain paths leading from Anopoli village to the summit served as refuge for resistance fighters during Ottoman occupation in the 18th century. These areas were a strategic retreat for local communities during that period.
Shepherds use seasonal shelters near the base, continuing a centuries-old tradition of raising livestock in mountain regions. This practice shapes daily life in surrounding villages and shows how people have adapted to mountain living across generations.
Reaching the summit requires a four-wheel drive vehicle to reach the starting point at 1,950 meters, followed by a well-marked hike of about 6.5 kilometers to the top. Good hiking boots and plenty of water are important since the route crosses limestone terrain with little shade.
The summit is part of a special geological formation known locally as the mountain desert, where bare limestone columns rise in a surreal landscape. This formation looks completely different from typical mountains and creates an unexpected visual experience.
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