# Mount Ida > highest mountain on Crete **Wikidata**: [Q83659](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q83659) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Ida_(Crete)) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mount-ida-q83659-2 ## Summary Mount Ida is the highest mountain on the island of Crete, Greece. It is a significant natural landmark located within the Mylopotamos Municipality and is part of the island's central mountainous region. ## Key Facts - Mount Ida is the highest peak on the island of Crete. - It is located in the Mylopotamos Municipality, within the Rethymno regional unit of Crete, Greece. - The mountain is part of the broader geographic and cultural landscape of Greece, a country in Southeast Europe. - Coordinates: Latitude 35.226388888889, Longitude 24.770713888889. - Also known by the aliases Psiloritis and Ida. - Sitelink count: 41 (as of provided data). - Wikidata description: "highest mountain on Crete." - Image source: Landscape_mountains_Phaistos.jpg by Jebulon, licensed under CC0 (public domain). - Wikipedia title: Mount Ida (Crete). ## FAQs ### Where is Mount Ida located? Mount Ida is located on the island of Crete, within the Mylopotamos Municipality in the Rethymno regional unit of Greece. It is the highest point on the island and is situated in a region known for its rugged terrain and natural beauty. ### What is the significance of Mount Ida in Greek geography? Mount Ida is significant as the tallest mountain on Crete, making it a key geographic feature of the island. Its elevation and central position make it a dominant landmark in Crete’s landscape and a point of reference for regional topography. ### Is Mount Ida related to any other places or entities named "Ida"? Yes, there is an Ida County in Iowa, United States, but it is unrelated to Mount Ida on Crete. Ida County was established in 1851 and is located in the U.S., whereas Mount Ida is a natural feature in Greece. ### What is the cultural or historical importance of Mount Ida? Mount Ida holds historical and mythological significance in Greek culture, often associated with ancient religious and mythological traditions. In Greek mythology, it is sometimes linked to the nurturing of Zeus, adding to its cultural prominence. ### What is the elevation of Mount Ida? The exact elevation is not provided in the source material, but as the highest mountain on Crete, it is a major topographic feature of the island. ## Why It Matters Mount Ida matters as the highest point on Crete, making it a defining geographic feature of the island. Its prominence contributes to the island’s biodiversity, climate regulation, and cultural identity. As a natural landmark, it plays a role in local tourism and outdoor activities. Its mythological associations also make it a point of cultural and historical interest in Greek tradition. ## Notable For - Being the highest peak on the island of Crete. - Hosting unique ecosystems due to its elevation and geographic isolation. - Having mythological significance in ancient Greek religion and folklore. - Serving as a key landmark for biodiversity and environmental studies in Crete. - Being a site of archaeological and anthropological interest due to historical use and cultural references. ## Body ### Geography and Location Mount Ida is the highest peak on the island of Crete, located in the central part of the island. It is situated within the boundaries of the Mylopotamos Municipality, which is part of the Rethymno regional unit in the Crete Region of Greece. The mountain’s coordinates are approximately latitude 35.226388888889 and longitude 24.770713888889. Its elevation makes it a dominant feature in the island’s topography, influencing local weather patterns and ecosystems. ### Cultural and Mythological Significance Mount Ida is historically and mythologically significant in Greek culture. In ancient Greek mythology, it is associated with the nurturing of Zeus, who was said to have been hidden in a cave on the mountain to protect him from his father, Cronus. This connection ties Mount Ida to foundational myths of Greek religion and identity. Archaeological evidence and historical texts suggest that the mountain was a site of ancient worship and ritual. ### Natural Environment As the highest point on Crete, Mount Ida supports diverse flora and fauna adapted to its elevation and climate. The mountain’s terrain includes rugged landscapes and is part of the broader Mediterranean biome. Its high altitude contributes to unique microclimates that support endemic species and vegetation zones distinct from the surrounding lowlands. ### Administrative and Political Context Mount Ida falls under the jurisdiction of the Mylopotamos Municipality, which is located in the Rethymno regional unit of the Crete Region in Greece. Greece, as a sovereign state in Southeast Europe, has been officially known as the Hellenic Republic since its founding on March 25, 1821. The country is a parliamentary republic and a member of international organizations such as the European Union, NATO, and the United Nations. ### Related Entities Mount Ida is distinct from other entities named "Ida," such as Ida County in Iowa, United States, which was established in 1851. While both share the name, they are unrelated in geography, history, and function. Ida County is an administrative region in the U.S., whereas Mount Ida is a natural landmark in Greece. ### Nomenclature and Aliases Mount Ida is also known by alternative names, including Psiloritis and simply Ida. These names reflect both local and historical usage in Greek language and tradition. The term "Psiloritis" is often used interchangeably with Mount Ida, particularly in Greek sources. ### Tourism and Modern Relevance Today, Mount Ida is a destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts due to its scenic beauty and ecological diversity. It is also a site of interest for researchers studying Mediterranean mountain ecosystems and climate impacts. The mountain’s prominence makes it a focal point for conservation efforts on Crete. ### Image and Representation Mount Ida is visually represented in media such as the public domain image titled "Landscape_mountains_Phaistos.jpg" by Jebulon, which captures the mountain’s scenic landscape. This image is hosted on Wikimedia Commons and is used to illustrate the geographic and cultural importance of the peak. ## References 1. GeoNames 2. peakbagger.com