In the heart of central Crete, on the southern slopes of Mount Psiloritis, lies the Rouvas Forest, an ecologically valuable forest spanning 30,000 acres at altitudes up to 1100 meters. As part of the Psiloritis UNESCO Geopark and NATURA 2000 area, it harbors rich biodiversity, including endemic plants such as Zelkova abelicea (Cretan zelkova) and rare animals like the Cretan wildcat, the Cephalanthera orchid, birds of prey, and the endangered mammal Cretan shrew. The Rouvas Forest is a vital refuge of unique natural beauty and ecological significance in Crete.
The Rouvas Forest, a place of unparalleled natural beauty and ecological significance, embraces the heart of central Crete. Its geographical location becomes particularly interesting when associated with two emblematic archaeological sites that testify to the island’s rich historical past: Knossos and Gortyna. To the east and slightly northeast of the Rouvas Forest lies Knossos, the mythical center of the Minoan civilization. The distance between these two sites is approximately 58 kilometers. As one travels from Knossos to Rouvas, they leave behind the hillsides, farmlands, and northern coastal areas of Crete and enter a more mountainous and wild landscape. Further south of the Rouvas Forest, one encounters Gortyna. The distance between them is shorter compared to that from Knossos, making access to the forest easier from this historical site. Gortyna, with its impressive monuments whose history spans from the Minoan to the Roman era, stands as a key point of reference for understanding the historical and geographical importance of the wider region. It is also tied to mythology: according to tradition, it was in Gortyna that Zeus united with Europa, and from their union were born their three sons — Minos, Rhadamanthus, and Sarpedon. Minos became king of the Minoan civilization, one of Europe’s earliest and most important cultural legacies, centered in Crete.
To reach the Rouvas Forest, you can follow a route that starts from the picturesque village of Gergeri. The forest is located approximately 15 kilometers from the village. The journey includes a comfortable paved road for the first 10 kilometers, while the final 5 kilometers are a dirt road that will lead you to the heart of the forest.
The Rouvas Forest carries deep historical and cultural significance, as it is inextricably linked to Mount Psiloritis, known in ancient Greece as "Idi," a name that attests to its dense forest cover since then. During the revolutionary periods against Turkish rule, the forest offered safe refuge to Christian populations. Furthermore, the area is the birthplace of Giorgos Katehakis, a significant fighter in the Macedonian Struggle, also known as "Captain Rouvas," a fact that lends the place particular historical weight and connects the forest to important moments in modern Greek history.
The Rouvas Forest is an exceptionally significant botanical area in Crete and Europe, owing to its remarkable diversity of trees and plants. Dominant species include kermes oak, maple, oak, and Phillyrea, while oriental plane trees thrive in wetter areas, evergreen cypress trees contribute to the landscape, and pine trees are also present. Beautiful Cretan cyclamen (Cyclamen creticum) and various orchid species add splashes of color, particularly in spring and autumn. Of particular importance is the presence of the rare and protected endemic species Zelkova abelicea. Furthermore, over 80 species of herbs have been recorded in the forest, highlighting its rich biodiversity.
