Crete is a miniature continent with a unique natural landscape. On an island, with an area of 8300 sq. km, one finds what one can find on a large continent. One surprise follows another and countless treasures are revealed, such as
- emerald beaches in Falasarna, Elafonisi etc.
- sand dunes in Elafonisi and Xirokampos
- tropical waters in Kedrodasos and Chrysi
- pine-covered shores in Ierapetra
- hidden beaches at the exit of wild canyons in Sfakia and Asterousia,
- Palm groves in Vai and Preveli
- long, organized beaches on the north coast
- alpine zones with over 55 mountain peaks at 2200 m., 22 peaks in Chania, Psiloritis etc. which are covered with snow in the Winter
- Mediterranean forests in Rouvas, Kroustas, etc.
- rocky mountain tops, rocky places and steep slopes
- verdant mountains in Chania and Lasithi
- Brush wood and maquis vegetation in Asterousia
- 5200 caves and karst formations (underground caves)
- More than 100 deep gorges, which cross the Cretan landscape, of Samaria, Imbros, Aradaina, etc.
- Waterfalls in the gorges of Richtis, Mylonas, Abas etc
- lakes with bird observatories in Kournas etc.
- Salt flats in Xirokampos, Gavdos and Chrysi
- Aquatic habitats that host large populations of birds at the deltas of the rivers Aposelemi, Anapodari, etc.
- fertile meadows, in Heraklion, Chania and Ierapetra
- Plateaus in Lasithi, Omalos, Chania etc.
- Plains in Mesara, Kissamos etc.
- fertile vineyards and olive groves
- and the same contrasts at the bottom of the sea.
The geographical isolation of Crete from the rest of Europe is also reflected in the genetic diversity of the island's flora and fauna. It has been estimated that in Crete there are 2000 species of plants, 160 of which are endemic, and 1000 endemic species of fauna. The numbers are impressive and so many endemic species, gathered in one place, are found nowhere else in the world.
Fair enough, Crete is considered a small continent and it would take a long time for someone to say they know it well.
(More articles about Crete on www.gomega.gr)
