Wildlife sanctuaries

The geographical position of Crete – in the middle of the Eastern Mediterranean and at the ‘crossroads’ of three continents, its geomorphology and climate, have contributed to the creation of ideal conditions for the development of flora and fauna.

A total of 53 sites have been included in the NATURA network. Out of the 53, 27 have been designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SCAs), 25 as Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and one is protected under both protection regimes. Twenty-two sites have also been designated as Important Bird Areas (IBAs) and 228 wetlands, both coastal and inland, have been recorded.

Bird watching

Almost half of the bird species that can be seen in Crete are migratory, following the same route every year from northern Europe to Africa and vice versa, stopping at various locations to recover before continuing their arduous journey.

There are also large populations of species that live permanently or breed in Crete and are mainly found in the Special Protection Areas of the European NATURA 2000 network.

Regional Unit of Chania

In the Regional Unit of Chania, the Special Protection Areas and observation points are:

  1. On the peninsula of Gramvousa, the islets of Imeri and Agria Gramvousa, Pontikonisi, the peninsula of Rodopos and the islet of Agioi Theodoroi (Thodorou).
  2. In the area of Meterizia, Agios Dikeos – Tsounara – Vitsilia in the White Mountains. Apart from being included in the NATURA 2000 network, the area is protected as a Wildlife Sanctuary and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (Elafonisos, Polyrinia, Rogdia, Voutas).
  3. In the lakes of Agia and Kournas, as well as in the Almiros estuary. These are easily accessible observation points. Lake Agia, southwest of Chania, although artificial, has perhaps the richest variety of wetland plant communities. Lake Kournas is the only natural freshwater lake in Crete. The entire area of Lake Kournas is located within a Wildlife Sanctuary.
  4. In the National Park of Samaria – Tripiti Gorge – Psilafi – Koustogerako. In the White Mountains, 199 species of birds have been recorded. Bird watching can be enjoyed in the entire mountain range, but it requires a long and sometimes painful hike.
  5. In the Kallikratis Gorge – Agrouliano Gorge – Manika Plateau, Southwestern Gavdos and Gavdopoula. Three quarters of the area of Kallikratis are Wildlife Sanctuaries. Gavdos is protected as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Regional Unit of Rethymno

In the Regional Unit of Rethymno there are:

  1. In the Prasano gorge, Soros, Agathi, Kedros, Kourtalioti gorge and Preveli gorge. The Kourtalioti and Preveli gorges flow into the southern coast. The most important feature of the area is the second largest palm forest in Crete. Most of the gorges are Wildlife Sanctuaries, and Preveli is also protected as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
  2. In Mount Ida, Krousonas – Vromonero Idis. In Mount Ida, 155 species of birds have been recorded. Parts of the area are protected as Wildlife Sanctuaries, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Natural Monuments.

Regional Unit of Heraklion

  1. In Mount Juktas, the island of Dia. The mountainous massif of Juktas is protected as a refuge for wildlife, an area of outstanding natural beauty and an archaeological zone. 60 species of birds have been recorded there. The island of Dia (together with the islands of Paximadi and Petalidi) is an important resting place for migratory bird species during their autumn migration.
  2. In the Asterousia Mountains, mouth of the Geropotamos Messara river. In the past, the Geropotamos estuary was the largest wetland in Crete. However, continuous human interventions have shrunk the wetland. Nevertheless, it is an important area for migratory waterfowl and wading birds. In addition to its inclusion in the NATURA 2000 Network (SPA & SCA), the area includes Wildlife Sanctuaries, Archaeological Zones, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Coastal Island Wetlands. In these two areas, 210 species of birds have been recorded.
  3. On the peak Lazaros – Madara Dikti, Selinari Gorge – Vrahasi, Koupa peak. Large parts of this area are protected as Wildlife Sanctuaries, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Island Wetlands and Archaeological Sites. 175 species of birds are found in Dikti and the surrounding area.

Regional Unit of Lasithi

  1. In the Southwestern Thrypti (Koufoto). Part of the area is protected as a Wildlife Sanctuary.
  2. In the north-eastern tip of Crete, Dionysades Islands. The northeastern tip of Crete includes the Sideros peninsula, the Vai palm forest, the coastal wetlands of Palaikastro and the nearby islands of Dionysades, Elasa and Grantes. Parts of it are protected as Wildlife Sanctuaries, Archaeological Zones and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
  3. In the Zakros Mountains, Koufonisi Island, surrounding islands and Kavali Islands. Part of the area is classified as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Archaeological Zone, while Alatsolimni and the marsh of Kato Zakros are protected by the Presidential Decree for Island Wetlands.