Skinakas Observatory

The Skinakas Observatory is a joint research facility of the University of Crete and the Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH). Three optical telescopes with mirror diameters of 1.3 m, 1.0 m, and 0.3 m, respectively, are installed and operate at the Observatory.

The operation of the Skinakas Observatory is supported by staff from the Department of Physics of the University of Crete and the Institute of Astrophysics of FORTH. The Observatory is located on Mount Ida (Psiloritis) in central Crete at an altitude of 1750 m.

The Observatory is located on Mount Ida (Psiloritis) in central Crete at an altitude of 1750 m. It is 25 km away from the city of Heraklion in a straight line, while by road it is 50 km away. On the way, 20 km before reaching Skinakas, you will come across the traditional town of Anogia, renowned for its significant role in modern Cretan history. Northwest of the Observatory, about 6 km away, is the Idaion Andron, the famous cave where, according to mythology, Zeus was raised.