Why do Crete’s mountains receive more precipitation than other parts of the island?

Crete’s mountains receive higher levels of precipitation than the rest of the island primarily due to the effects of topography on moving air masses.1

When moist air encounters a mountain range, it is forced to rise. As this air ascends, it cools, leading to the formation of clouds and subsequent precipitation, a process known as orographic precipitation. Because Crete features significant mountain ranges—including the Lefká Mountains, the Ídi range, and the Díkti Mountains—these elevations effectively capture moisture from the air, resulting in much higher rainfall and frequent winter snowfall in the highlands compared to the lower-lying coastal plains.12