Geological Formations

The geological formations of Crete reveal the long history of a landscape that continues to change. Tectonic movements raise or lower parts of the island, while water, wind and the sea erode the rocks and create new landforms.

Karst landforms are particularly widespread, developing through the dissolving action of water on limestone. Water enters cracks, gradually widens them and creates underground cavities and passages. Caves, shafts, sinkholes and grooves on exposed rock surfaces are different expressions of this process.

The same process, combined with the underlying tectonic structure, helps shape enclosed basins and plateaus. Small depressions, often called lakki in Crete, collect soil and moisture, creating conditions that differ from the surrounding rocky terrain. Sinkholes, locally known as choni, channel surface water into the underground drainage network.

Elsewhere, differences in the resistance of rocks to weathering and erosion produce natural sculptures, rock towers and cavities. Along the coast, former marine notches and sea caves now standing above the water record changes in relative sea level and uplift of the land.

These formations are part of Crete’s geological heritage and help explain how the present landscape developed. Observing and photographing them without carving, removing material or causing other damage allows us to appreciate them while preserving their integrity.

Crete's Geology: How was it formed?

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Gray limestone atop mountain peaks and vertical cliffs, deep and narrow dark canyons, steep shores, shiny greenish schist, pale phyllite, light limestone eroded by rain and wind, fertile yellowish marlstone - it’s all here. No wonder Crete is a multicolour island.

Komolithi at Potamida

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Komolithi is one of the most bizarre and interesting landscapes in Crete. They are met by the village Potamida (Kissamos province), at the valley of Tyflos River, about 35km west of Chania. These are alternating small hills consisting of soft clay, which due to time erosion, have turned them to wonderful conical shapes.

Apoplystra Folds

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The folds of the rocks at position Apoplystra, between the village of St. Paul and the sandhills are remarkably colorful and have been proposed to be listed to the Natural Monuments of Greece.

Vourvoulitis Pond

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If you climb the cliffs on the east side of Agiofarago beach and walk for a while to the southeast, you will meet a hidden saltish lake - cave, called Vourvoulitis, surrounded by vertical cliffs.

Votiros and Gria’s Pies

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Near Agia Varvara in Heraklion, in the area of Prinias and at the location Plakota Harakia, we encounter some of the strangest geological formations in the Cretan countryside. These enormous rounded rocks are known as “Gria’s Pies” or “Gria’s Cheeses”.

Shell Fossils of Chrissi

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Chrissi can be considered a paradise for geology enthusiasts. One of the most spectacular geological sights of the island can be seen east of Belerinina beach, where you will meet thousands of fossils, mainly bivalves. The fossils form a so-called thanatocoenosis, that is, dead shells that have been gathered there by the streams and have fossilized over time.

Voulismeno Aloni

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Voulismeno Aloni is located approximately 15km west of Heraklion and next to the old road connecting Heraklion to Rethymnon, near the village Marathos. It is one of the weirdest geological phenomena in Greece. It is a very large sinking (karstic doline) with circular shape.

Kourtsa Rock Formations at Chonos

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This is an entire mountainside with spectacular naturally carved rocks having amazing shapes. They are extremely sharp and stand tall like meteors in the sky, and between them aisles are formed that leave space for walking and for a few shrubs and trees.