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According to the Greek Mythology, Zeus was reared on this mountain in a cave called Dictaeon Andron (Psychro Cave). On the north of the main massif, the plateau of Lassithi is located. The topology of the mountain range is rich with a lot of plateaus (Lassithi, Katharo, Omalos Viannou, Limnakaro), valleys and secondary peaks. Some important peaks are Spathi 2148m, Afentis Christos/Psari Madara 2141m, Lazaros 2085m, Madara 1783m, Skafidaras 1673m, Katharo Tsivi 1665m, Sarakino 1588m, Afentis 1571m, Selena 1559m, Varsami 1545m, Toumpa Moutsounas 1538m, Platia Korfi 1489m, Mahairas 1487m, Virgiomeno Oros 1414m, . The main masif forms a horse-shoe around the valley of Selakano. Large part of the mountain area, including the Selakano valley, are forested with pines (pinus brutia), kermes oaks (quercus coccifera), cypresses (cupressus sempervirens), holm oaks (quercus ilex) and Cretan maples (acer sempervirens). The fertile valleys and plateaus of Dikti/Dicte are of significant importance in the local economy. Dominant feature of Dikti is the Lasithi Plateau, the largest and most picturesque plateau in Crete. It is a place with a long history. Diktaion Antron, is located here, a cave where -according to the Mythology- Zeus was born. In a different myth, Dias (Zeus) was born in Idaion Antron in Mt Idi. A third myth is a compromise of the two, claiming that Zeus was born in Diktaion Antron but raised in Idaion. The Lasithi Plateau is a nice place for pleasant excursions. If you are more ambitious and want to climb to the summit of Mt Spathi, then ask at the village of Agios Georgios for the path leading to the small plateau of Limnakaro. The distance is 2 hrs long. At Limnakaro there is a dirt road leading to the shelter of the Mountaineering Club of Lassithi (30 minutes). Do not follow this road; try to locate the E4 path which leads to the top. The ground is not very solid, and special care is necessary. Go all the way up to the crest of the mountain and then keep moving to the left for the next 2 hours. |
