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Cretan Nature

Wide Open Spaces...

Cretan nature and ecology is diverse. Both the animals and plants of Kriti are unique and well worth exploring. The mountainous terrain in Crete ensures the survival of some very special birds and plant species. Marine life is also rich and varied.

The landscapes, shapes and ecology of the island are influenced by the main activities of agriculture and tourism; however there are protected areas and plenty of wide open spaces where nature lovers can discover the hidden treasures of Kríti.

Heavy snow on the mountains in winter brings life to the streams and creeks in spring, and an abundance of spring flowers beloved by locals and visitors alike.

See our dedicated pages:

Mountains and Gorges

In the mountains and gorges grow plane trees, Mediterranean cyprus pines and maple trees in the rocky terrain, along with trachea pine, kermes oak and carob tree. There are also chasteberry and mastic shrubs, myrtles, strawberry trees and ebony trees, lavender and and the wonderful healing herb known as Dictamo (Origanum dictamnus).

The mountain herbs, such as sage, thyme and majoram grow wild and have been savoured for centuries, they hold many natural remedies.

The famous animals of Crete are the Kri-Kri (capra aegagrus cretensis), (below) indigenous mountain goats now protected.

In Samaria National Park (pictured above), the goats are slowly increasing in population. They are difficult for the visitors to see as they are shy and fast-footed, they climb in the highest, steepest mountain terrain and keep out of people's way. The brown goats known as agrimi or wild ones, can only be found in a few places in Crete now. Still they are hunted and destruction of natural places limits their habitat.

Other mammals found in Cretan nature include the Cretan Spiny mouse, shrews, hedgehogs, weasels, martens and badgers, mice and bats.

Mediterranean Monk Seal

The Mediterranean Monk Seal Monachus monachus (above) is critically endangered. See our conservation pages, by clicking on the seal photo, to learn how to support the seals.

Thank you to the kind folks at Monachus Guardian for this lovely photo. Learn about their work at www.monachus-guardian.org

In the sea...

In the sea roam fin whales and pygmy sperm whales. Whalespotting tours are available at Paleohora on the south coast of western Crete, where you can also see delfinia dolphins, a sacred animal to the Minoans and still swimming in the waters around Crete.

In Kriti there are all types of marine life; fish, coral, shells, octopus, moray eels, scorpion fish, salemas, bream, stingrays, sponges and sea anemones. The Mediterranean is home to much of Cretan nature.

The other notable animals are the Loggerhead Sea Turtle caretta caretta, also protected and helped by many volunteers in conservation projects. You can contact the Archelon – the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece and the World Wildlife Fund both in Athens to learn how to support the turtles.

Leatherback turtles Dermochelys coriacea and Green turtles Chelonia mydas are also endangered sea turtles found in Crete.

On the beach are the beautiful white flowers of the Lily of the Sea Pancratium maritimum (see above).

Fourogatos

Now to the intriguing story of Cretan nature; the fourogatos Cretan Wild Cat Felis silvestris agrius. This cat was thought to be extinct but recent reports of sightings have created hope that there may be some of these beautiful felines roaming wild in Kriti.

Has anyone seen one?

Unique Palm Forest

The shy Cretan Martin is a little bit like a stoat or a weasel and has had rare sightings; however we saw one at Vai Palm Forest. This palm forest at the eastern tip of Crete is the largest in Europe. The palms Phoenix Theophrastii, are unique to Crete. The forest borders on Vai Beach, and nestles inland around a fresh water creek in a shallow valley. The area is now protected by the EU and is recovering from destruction. The forest supports a number of animals.

Birds of Crete

The birds of Cretan nature are many and interesting and we show you a few of them on this page.

The Bearded Vulture Gypaetus barbatus (see picture above) is one of only very few of this rare bird lives in Kriti. These birds are endangered, and are protected under the Life program of the European Union.

In Crete are found the European Kestrel, the Partridge, the Golden Eagle, Bonelli’s Eagle, Griffin Vulture, doves and martins.

The Eleonora's Falcon (above), known in Greece as Mavropetritis, is a fast and skillful predator, migrating from the Mediterranean to Madagascar and other islands in the Indian ocean each year. This beautiful bird is under threat. Its habitat on tiny islets is being destroyed or invaded by rats, due to human activity.

The Natural History Museum of Crete

The Natural History Museum of Crete, at the University of Crete in Iraklion, protects the Eleonora's Falcon in participation with other organisations and the European Life program Nature 2003. Their website it at www.nhmc.uoc.gr, visit the museum to learn about the diverse flora and fauna of Kriti. This museum shows a vast range of Cretan nature.

The E4 Walking Path

A great way to experience the diversity and unfolding panoramas of Cretan nature is to walk the E4 European Walking Path.

This path stretches over the Lefka Ori, Psiloritis and the Dikti Mountains, running from west to east across the whole of Crete for 320 kms. There is a coastal route and an alpine route to choose from. See the information on our dedicated page.

Want to see more of Kriti? Planning a visit? Wanting better maps? On our map page we tell you where to find excellent maps of the island for walking, hiking, E4 path and more.

Cretan Nature - Emporer Dragonfly by Jelger Herder

The magnificent Emporer Dragonfly (above) is found on Crete.

Are You Interested in Wildlife Conservation in Crete?

We are all aware of the need to contribute to the health of our planet and to conserve habitat and a healthy ecology for our Cretan nature. Here at we-love-Crete.com we actively participate in ecology programs and make donations to conservation projects. If you are interested in getting involved or becoming more familiar with conservation issues in Crete, click on this link to our conservation page.

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