Nature on Crete

Olive Trees & Olive Oil

The cultivation of the olive tree is very important in Crete and excellent virgin olive oil is produced. With an estimated 34 million olive trees, Crete is one of the a major producers of olive oil. Other important products include oranges, bananas, grapes and vegetables from greenhouses. Honey, cheese and herbs are of excellent quality also.

Sheep and goats

Large herds of sheep and goats are raised in Crete and there are certain subspecies of animals are unique, like the local wild goat, known as the 'Kri-kri'. They have a very distinctive and impressive appearance and as there are now not too many on the island and they are now protected by the Government. They can also be quite difficult to photograph, especially the males, who are extremely shy. Forests of Pine and Holly Oak trees provide good homes for these particular animals.

Herbs

Sage, thyme and lavender are found everywhere in Crete and the air is full of their wonderful, aromatic smells carried in the breeze. A selection of different herbs grow in Crete which can be bought everywhere. The herbs have been used for many years, by the locals as medicines.

Trees

A varied selection of trees are found on Crete, the oak chestnut, pine, evergreen plane tree and the famous cypress tree. The plane tree is often found in the village squares, offering shade for the locals. One of the villages houses a plane tree so huge that the local community have declared it a 'Monument of Nature".

Grapes

Grape gathering and wine making are two activities thoroughly enjoyed during the autumn each year. The old way of wine making involves crushing grapes in a special stone construction, by several people taking turns. While recovering from their exercise or waiting for their turn, they consume food and wine.

Wildlife refuge

Georgioupoli was built on the site of the ancient city of Amphimala in a region with plenty of water and old trees. The village has spread out over the years along a beautiful, long sandy beach and is now a small town with restaurants and cafes. The area has been declared a nature reserve, rich in flora and fauna and don't miss the opportunity to visit nearby villages of Maza and Vryses.

Snakes and Scorpions

There are no poisonous snakes on Crete scorpions are sometimes seen. These live under stones or in dry wood but can also be found wandering about. Their bite is painful but no reason to panic. A worse hassle that you are likely to get is from mosquitoes, at least in some places.

Vegetation

There are many trees and plants which can only be found on the island of Crete. This is easily explained as Crete is an island and its ecosystem is isolated, due to the surrounding sea. Unfortunately, vegetation has diminished over the years and some of the mountains that previously had lush vegetation, are today almost bare, however there are still some wooded areas remaining.

Flowers of Crete

During the early summer months, Crete is covered by wild flowers. Poppies, Daisies, Camomile, Iris, Gladioli, Yulips, Hyacinth and various species of the Cretan Orchids, give the island a wonderful blaze of colour. In shady areas masses of cyclamen can be found, although these are now considered as an endangered species.