Several upland plains are situated among the mountain ranges of Crete. The Oropedio Lassithiou (Lassithi Plateau), with its distinctive windmills, is surrounded by the peaks of Dikte and it lies at a height of 850 metres above sea level. Located at the head of the famous Samaria Gorge, the Oropedio Omalou (Omalos Plateau) lies in the Lefka Ori at a height of about 1,000 metres. Two other noteworthy plateaus are Nida, at the base of Mount Psiloritis and Askifou, in the Lefka Ori.

The Pediada Mesara (Mesara Plain) is the largest plain in Crete, measuring 50km in length and 7km in width and is on the south side of the island, in the prefecture of Iraklion. This southern location, in combination with the fertile soil, allows crops to be grown that cannot be cultivated in other places in Crete.