Nature

The red tulip of Crete (Tulipa doerfleri) is one of the 5 endemic tulip species of Crete. It grows exclusively at the small plateau of Gious Cambos, by Amari Valley, at an altitude ranging from 700-800m. In spring (April) this small plateau is covered by a red carpet made of tulips.

The Forest Pardi is one of the finest remaining holly woods of Crete, near the village Kouroutes, 53km southeast of Rethymno. Here the steep western slopes of Psiloritis meet with the plain of Amari, creating a magical and unknown majestic landscape.

The long gorge of Maza starts from the village Karydi, merges a smaller gorge that starts from Vrysidi village and ends shortly before the village Adravasti. It is long and has impressive landforms inside, but the path is only suitable for experts in crossing gorges. In the past it was the main route between the settlements of the area.

The cave Ahnistres is located west of the seaside village of Milatos, at an altitude of 70 meters and it has two entrances, quite covered by dense vegetation. One entrance is precipitous with 4m depth, while the main entrance, 1.5m wide, leads to a descending aisle, 6m long, ending at a passage 0.5X0.5m. The first room with the precipitous entrance has also a small opening that leads to the main cave with impressive stalagmites and columns that divide the room into several parts.

Thripti pine wood is located at an altitude of 850m, near Pahia Ammos in Lassithi Prefecture. The scenic village of Thripti, the green landscapes and the unique pine forest in the mountains of Sitia, are some of the things that you will never forget when you come here.

This part of the E4 path has as its main feature the ascent of Mount Kryoneritis, which has panoramic views of the northern and southern coast of Crete. The course continues north and ends at Alones village.

Cave Gaidourotripa is located west of Kritsa, on the road that leads to the plateau Katharo. The cave bears very rich cave decor. Its name literally means Donkey Cave, because the locals used to bring the elderly donkeys in the cave.

One of the many Neraidospilios caves (Fairy Caves) in Crete, and probably the most beautiful, is located by the village Astritsi. The name comes after the folk tradition of fairies that lived in the cave and charmed everyone that happened to pass by there and hear their songs. Whoever met the fairies, lost his speech.