The Nature and Landscape

Spring on Crete

A considerable part of Crete is protected by law of the protection of nature and is declared as a nature reserves. The island is different because of the great variety of landscape, which in itself is unique for such a relatively small territory. First of all, Crete is a mountainous island. Mountains are all over the island- coastal small hills are growing into the high rocky peaks, replacing the fertile valleys and plateaus. In the mountains of Crete more than 3000 caves and different karst formation can be found. Three mountain ranges divide the island into four parts.

Samaria george

The highest mountain is The Idi Range (Psiloritis), 2.456 meters above sea level. Fertile soil and the mild climate are ideal conditions for a wealth of more than 2000 plants species, 250 of them are found only on Crete. More than 40 species of wild orchid is growing in gorge of Samaria, which is the longest gorge in the Europe. Crete has around 100 gorges, where very rare plants are growing. For the Cretan people the gorges are associated with many historical events, along with myths and legends. Highly intended coastline stretching over 1000 km hides the small and cosy bays and natural ports. Crystal clear sea water allows one to see the bottom of the sea even in very deep locations. 

Vai, Eastern Crete

Sandy or pebble beaches are hidden in coastal cliffs or they are scattered in many kilometers. The beaches of the Bay of Messara - is the place where sea turtles Careta-Careta lay their eggs. The districts of Crete are all different: oak, chestnut, fir and cedar forests in the west, palm trees, olives and fruit plantations in the east, green fertile valleys in the center, hills on the southern and northern coast line and the flowers and herbs that literally are growing under the feet all over the island. There are areas with almost arctic or opposite, almost tropical climate. There are much more rare plants growing than on any other European Island and most of them are not familiar to the European traveler.