Crete during autumn
Crete is a heaven for nature lovers and those combining adventure and fun on their vacation. The island offers a variety of activities and opportunities for exploring nature and promises a unique and unforgettable experience for those who decide to explore it.
Cretan Fauna
Crete is isolated from other continental regions of Europe, Asia and Africa and this is reflected on the genetic diversity of the island’s fauna.
From the proud Cretan ibex, the wildcat and the Cretan shrew to the endemic arthropods and bats, the fauna of Crete hides many secrets about the evolution of species in the Eastern Mediterranean.
On the island there are no animals that could harm humans. The ancestors of the Cretans attributed this either to a labor of Hercules in order to honor the birthplace of Zeus, Crete, or to the blessings of Paul the Apostle, who spent two years in Crete. Avifauna of Crete is considered one of the richest in Europe, home to over 350 bird species.
Cretan mountains host the highest insular population of vultures in the world, while along with Corsica, Crete hosts the last couples of lammergeiers in the Balkan Peninsula.
In autumn, Crete is a favourite resting place for a vast number of migratory birds. Many observation huts and towers have been installed in wetlands where bird watchers can watch 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.
Nature Activities
Crete offers a very wide range of options for experiences that will follow the visitor forever, most of which are related to nature. Horseback riding is one of the most common activities in Crete.
The island has a long tradition in using horses in everyday life. Even today, many Cretans own a Cretan horse (georgalidiko), a breed perfectly adapted to the rugged terrains of Crete, and take part in competitions and shows.
On the island there are many riding clubs and associations, while companies offer riding courses or excursions.
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.
This season is perfect for visitors to Crete who enjoy hiking through gorges, climbing, mountaineering, and cycling.
