This is the highest peak of Crete, at 2456m. Together with five other peaks, it forms an elongated mountain range in the centre of the island, created by platy marbles. The peak and the surrounding slopes have a smooth relief except for the north side, which is steep with a slope of 900m.
Three mountaineering routes lead to the top, each of which differs in time to complete and degree of difficulty. From the plateau Lakos Migerou starts a route of 1.5-2 hours with a steep ascent; from the Nida plateau you can reach the top through an impressive route of 4-5 hours; finally, from the refuge Toumbotos Prinos starts the easier route lasting 2-2.5 hours.
Every summer local associations organise the “Path of Psiloritis”, an ascent to the peak with thousands of visitors; every September on the feast of the Holy Cross (Timios Stavros) a pilgrimage/ascent to the little church of Timios Stavros is organised. A popular event is the International Ski Race “Pierra Creta”, organised every two years with the aim of climbing the northern slopes and the top of the snowy Psiloritis.