Cretan Nature

In Crete you have a very wide range of options for experiences in it’s magical nature, you will never forget your trip and the beauty of one of the most amazing islands in Greece.

Bird watching

Wetlands of Crete are shelters for a large number of plants and animal species. They are crucial for the conservation of biodiversity on the island. During fall and especially in spring, visitors can observe migratory birds in the numerous watch towers placed at most wetlands. Watchtowers have also been installed in mountainous areas with a large array of predator species.

During the spring and the autumn, Crete becomes a favorite resting place for a vast number of migratory birds. Many observation huts and towers have been installed in wetlands where bird watchers can observe a great variety of birds. Apart from wetlands, watch towers have been placed in several gorges and mountains that are home to a large number of birds of prey.

The largest natural lake in Crete is located at Kournas by Georgioupolis, where visitors can observe birds from the local watch tower. Small, but important, natural ponds with water all year round are also located at Tersanas by Chania, at Mohos and Thrapsano while seasonal ponds are met at Orne, Parakalouri, Ziros, Omalos by Viannos, Achendrias, Stroumboulas, various plateaus of north province Mirabello, Gergeri and in several more places. Artificial lakes where one can observe birds are located at Ayia by Chania, Votomos by Zaros, at the large dams of Bramiana, Aposelemis, Faneromeni, Potami and the numerous small dams in the hinterland of Heraklion.

Rivers and wetlands that are home to large populations of wading birds are also found in numerous sites of the island. The most famous include the estuaries of the rivers Aposelemis, Anapodaris, Almiros by Gazi, Preveli, Platys, Almiros by Agios Nikolaos, Kyliaris and the four rivers of Georgioupolis. Other extremely important locations are the saltpans of Xerokambos, Gavdos, Chrissi and the marshes of Malia, Katalyki and Falassarna.

Agritourism

Agritourism units and specialized tourist agencies offer seminars for gathering herbs, snails, mushrooms and truffles in the countryside. Similarly, they organize tours for acquainting visitors with traditional rural occupations, such as the cultivation of olive or vine, production of honey and more.