Mount Ida, known variously as Idha, Ídhi, Idi, Ita and now Psiloritis, is the highest mountain on Crete. Located in the Rethymno Prefecture, it is sacred to the GreekTitanessRhea, and on its slopes, according to legend, lies the cave in which Zeus was born. It is the mountain with the highest topographic prominence in Greece. Interesting features are the plateau of Nida and the forest of Ruva on the east side. The observatory of the University of Crete is located on the secondary peak Skinakas.
"Psiloritis" means "smooth (= treeless) mountain".