NATURE

Where unyielding mountains give way to lush vineyards — and where sandy beaches meet tropical palm tree forests. It’s precisely in that game of sharp contrasts that the incomparable beauty of Cre-tan nature lies.

Here you’ll get the chance to rove through mountain ranges that have inspired hundreds of writers and artists across the millennia; hike the longest gorge in Europe (Samaria); delve into the largest palm tree forest in the continent (Vai); swim, dive or kayak in hundreds of sandy beaches, rivers, lakes and lagoons.

You’ll be in good company as well. Crete is home to some very rare species of flora and fauna, like the Caretta Caretta turtles and a protected species of wild goat (kri-kri), as well as local herbs (dik-tamo) known for their healing properties.