Published on
September 7, 2025
Greece’s Sternes Cave, located in the White Mountains of Crete, has gained international recognition as both a scientific wonder and an emerging travel destination. Stretching over 10.5 kilometers of underground passages, this second-largest cave system in Greece has attracted explorers from around the world. As expeditions continue to uncover the cave’s hidden wonders, Sternes is quickly becoming a must-visit destination for adventurers and speleologists alike. Beyond its underground allure, the surrounding White Mountains offer hikers and climbers unparalleled vistas, with the Sternes summit providing some of the most breathtaking views in all of Crete, making the area a top attraction for those seeking both geological marvels and authentic, off-the-beaten-path travel experiences.
Sternes Cave and Summit Reveal the Untamed Soul of Crete’s White Mountains
At the heart of Crete’s White Mountains, at an elevation of 2,050 meters above sea level, lies one of the island’s most remarkable natural wonders: the Sternes cave system. Stretching over 10.5 kilometers of explored passages and descending to an impressive depth of 700 meters, Sternes holds the distinction of being the second-deepest cave system in Greece. The cave’s geological formations and unexplored chambers continue to captivate speleologists and adventure seekers from around the world, making it a top destination for those eager to uncover the hidden wonders of Crete. For many, Sternes is not just a cave—it is an epic story of exploration, mystery, and scientific discovery.
A Decade of Exploration Beneath the Mountains
The cave has been the focal point of international expeditions for nearly a decade, with research teams carefully mapping its complex underground passages and documenting the rich geological features within. This year alone, forty cave explorers, both Greek and international, came together for a multi-day mission to further their knowledge of this mysterious subterranean world. Their ongoing efforts build upon years of research and exploration that have gradually unveiled the many secrets hidden beneath Sfakia’s rugged terrain.
The Municipality of Sfakia has been instrumental in supporting these missions, providing logistical support, supplies, and moral encouragement to the teams. Mayor Ioannis Zervos has been a strong advocate for the project, visiting the expedition camp and demonstrating the municipality’s unwavering commitment to the region’s scientific and tourism potential. The Mayor’s active involvement highlights the broader vision to not only explore the cave itself but also raise awareness about the significance of the White Mountains, an area that remains largely untouched by mass tourism.
Beyond Science—A Destination for Adventure
While Sternes is a mecca for geologists and cave enthusiasts, the landscape above ground offers a unique adventure for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The White Mountains are known for their dramatic terrain, offering a wide array of trails, ridges, and ravines that wind through some of the most unspoiled landscapes in Greece. These rugged mountains present a paradise for hikers, climbers, and those looking for an authentic experience away from the crowds.
The mountains’ natural beauty is complemented by its remote villages, where travelers can enjoy the hospitality of local communities that have long lived in harmony with the harsh yet stunning environment. For those who seek the perfect mix of adventure and cultural immersion, the region offers unparalleled opportunities to explore Crete’s wild, untamed landscapes while connecting with the local way of life.
The White Mountains are a haven for adventurers, with well-marked trails that take visitors to the peaks and valleys of this vast and unspoiled region. Whether it’s trekking through the deep gorges, climbing rocky outcrops, or simply absorbing the sheer beauty of the surrounding vistas, the area offers something for everyone. From the top of Sternes, visitors are treated to expansive vistas of the rugged, desolate terrain below, offering one of the most stunning panoramic views in all of Greece.
Sternes Peak—Where Mystery Meets Majesty
While Sternes cave represents one of Crete’s most significant underground wonders, the peak of Sternes, rising 2,335 meters, offers another spectacular experience. Although Sternes is the eighth-highest peak in the White Mountains, its summit is considered one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in the entire range.
Located at the heart of the mountain range, the peak offers a 360-degree view that is unparalleled anywhere else on the island. From this summit, climbers can gaze westward toward Pachnes, the highest peak in the White Mountains. However, the view from Sternes is even more expansive, providing a breathtaking perspective of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The rugged landscape unfolds like a giant, stone ocean, with other peaks—Svourichti, Kakovoli, Trohari, and Bournelos—rising up on all sides, each one contributing to the raw beauty of the scene.
On clear days, visitors can also catch sight of distant mountains, including the towering Mount Psiloritis and the peaks of southern Rethymno. These stunning vistas make Sternes one of the most coveted hiking and climbing destinations in Crete, drawing explorers from across the globe to experience its magnificent landscapes.
The Stone Sea of Sfakia
What truly sets Sternes apart, however, is not just its geological and panoramic significance, but the feeling of standing at the center of a vast, uninhabited wilderness. From the summit of Sternes, visitors are treated to a view of Sfakia’s barren, lunar-like landscape—a stark and haunting beauty that stretches out as far as the eye can see. The stark, empty expanses of the Mavri Lakki sinkholes, the eerie emptiness of Pavlia’s Halara, and the rough terrain between Agkathopi and Ammoutsera all contribute to the unique appeal of this remote area.
This “stone sea” of Sfakia is unlike any other in Europe, with its desolate beauty evoking both awe and reverence. It is a reminder that Crete is not just about its famous beaches and ancient ruins, but also about the wild, untamed parts of the island that remain mysterious and unexplored.
A Monument Above and Below
Together, Sternes cave and its summit form a natural monument to Crete’s wild heart—a place where nature’s mystery and majesty coexist in a harmonious balance. The combination of the underground cave system and the towering peak above is a testament to the diverse and rugged beauty of the White Mountains, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the island’s untamed wilderness.
Greece’s Sternes Cave in Crete has earned global recognition as a remarkable speleological and travel destination. Its vast underground network and breathtaking summit views attract explorers and adventurers from around the world.
As 2026 approaches, marking ten years of continuous exploration at Sternes, the cave and its surroundings continue to stand as a symbol of scientific achievement, adventure, and the uncharted depths of Crete’s natural history. For both researchers and adventurers, Sternes offers an opportunity to discover a side of Crete that few have seen, and it remains a beacon for those eager to explore the island’s hidden corners.
