Nature

Kastri is located 72km southeast of Heraklion, in the sheltered bay of Keratokambos. It is the biggest of the two settlements of the region (the second is Keratokambos), which are now united. In recent years Kastri has faced a considerable development, mainly because the surrounding beaches are a magnet for visitors.

Gladiolus italicus is one of the most impressive flowers that decorates the fields of Crete in the late spring. It is distributed across southern Europe, particularly in the Mediterranean. In Crete it is called Maherida (knife plant) due to the purple and pink flowers that are oblong and sharp as knives. Their scientific name also means the same, as Gladius means sword in Latin.

The beautiful beach of Skotini is located at the Cape Sideris, between Ravdoucha and Agios Vasilios, just before Panagia Myrtidiotissa at Choni, at the exit of a small and quite steep gorge. You can reach the beach by walking the impressive path that starts from the area of Saint Marina.

Giorgakis is one of the many beaches in Ferma area, formed below very steep cliffs, but it can be accessed by stairs. The short descent leads to one of the most beautiful beaches of East Crete, with fine pebbles and rocks that form caves.

One of the many caves around Kalo Nero is the Vorinos (north) Spilios located just opposite the very old monastery that adorns the area, Panagia Zoodochos Pigi, on the slope east and higher than the temple. Access to the cave is not particularly difficult, and requires climbing only 10 minutes away from the monastery.

At the southwest edge of Mikronissi islet with the lighthouse of Agii Pantes, opposite Agios Nikolaos city, just at the point where there is a small pier for the boats, we meet the beach of the island. The beach is located in an ancient carvied bay and there is access through a stone staircase.

One of the most beautiful flowers that we meet in Crete is the Paeonia Clusii. This is one of the 33 species of peonies on the planet and is endemic to Crete and Karpathos isle. It belongs to the family Ranidae and is also known as the Cretan Peony. It is found only at high altitudes, especially in the mountains of Dikti and the White Mountains. The impressive flower of peony has white or pinkish purple color and only a few people have seen it.

The cave of Kera Spiliotisa is located at Flomes position by Vrysses, Chania. The area is very tough to reach due to lush vegetation and the narrow entrance of the cave is not easily seen. It is located next to the area where archaeologists position the ancient town Pergamos or Polihna.