Skinakas Peak & Observatory
Perched at an elevation of 1,750 meters on the northern ridge of the Psiloritis (Mount Ida) range, Skinakas Peak is one of the highest accessible points in Crete, offering unparalleled views and a world-class scientific environment.

The Views & Location:
The panorama from the summit is truly breathtaking. On clear days, the view spans the entire width of the island—from the Aegean Sea on the north coast to the Libyan Sea on the south. The high altitude, pristine air quality, and minimal light pollution make it a stark, dramatic landscape that feels close to the clouds.

The Astronomical Observatory:
Skinakas is famous for housing the Skinakas Observatory, a joint research facility operated by the Astrophysics Group of the University of Crete and the Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas (FORTH). The observatory features two primary telescopes—a 1.3-meter reflector and a smaller 0.3-meter telescope—dedicated to deep-space research, stellar observation, and atmospheric physics.

Rider’s/Explorer's Notes:
The Access: Access is via a fully paved asphalt mountain road ascending from the Nida Plateau and the village of Anogeia. While narrow and sweeping with steep drop-offs, the road surface is smooth, providing an incredible climb for motorcycles and cars. Note that the observatory area is open to the public on select summer open days, but the mountain peak view is enjoyable year-round (weather permitting).