Mount Kedros, also known as Kentros, is located in central Rethymnon, southwest of the Psiloritis Range. The fertile Amari Valley extends between the two mountain ranges. Its highest summit reaches an altitude of 1,776 metres, and the small chapel of the Ascension stands nearby. According to one interpretation, the mountain’s name is associated with its conical shape, which resembles a pointed sting when seen from a distance.

Kedros is a rugged, predominantly limestone mountain with bare rocky slopes, steep passages, deep ravines and small gorges. Despite its seemingly sparse vegetation, it supports exceptionally rich biodiversity, and the wider area forms part of the Natura 2000 network of protected areas.

Rare and endemic plants grow on its slopes, including Dianthus pulviniformis and Cerastium brachypetalum subsp. doerfleri, along with anemones, orchids, hyacinths and other wildflowers. A particularly important species is the red Cretan tulip, Tulipa doerfleri, which grows almost exclusively on the small Gious Kambos Plateau at the foot of the mountain. In spring, the plateau is covered by thousands of red tulips and other flowers, attracting nature lovers and botanists.

The steep and inaccessible slopes of Kedros provide refuge for important birds of prey. Falcons, griffon vultures, bearded vultures, Bonelli’s eagles and golden eagles can be observed in the area, using its rocky outcrops and ravines for feeding and nesting.

Although the summit and upper slopes have a dry and rocky character, dozens of springs emerge around the mountain. During the rainy months, numerous high seasonal waterfalls are formed, the most characteristic being the Gre Dafni Waterfall near Krya Vrysi.

To the northeast, between the main massif of Kedros and Mount Samitos, lies the Smiliano Gorge, also known as Kalamafka. The Smilianos River flows through the gorge, collecting water from the surrounding mountain area.

Numerous historic villages of Amari and Agios Vasilios are situated around Kedros, retaining close links with livestock farming, agriculture and the traditional life of the Cretan countryside. The mountain offers several hiking and mountaineering routes that require good physical condition and caution, as the terrain is often rocky and shade is limited.

One of its most important routes is the section of the European E4 trail from Spili through Kedros to Gerakari. The Krya Vrysi mountain refuge is also located on the southern slopes. It belongs to the Rethymnon Mountaineering Club, and prior arrangement is required for visits or overnight stays.