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Flora of Crete

Trees, Shrubs, Herbs and Wild Flowers

Dittany healing herb of Crete

The flora of Crete is identified by botanists as Mediterranean forest, woodlands and scrub.

The low elevations have sclerophyllous evergreen and semi-deciduous oak forests. With species such as kermes oak, carob, juniper and tree-spurge.

The mid elevations have mesophyllous pine forests with Brutia Pines pinus brutia. Holly Oak quercus coccifera woodlands are widely spread.

The highest elevations such as the Lefka Ori and Psiloritis mountain ranges support cypress woodlands, where the local evergreen Maple acer sempervirens grows, and thorny cushion shrublands.

Four new species of plant were discovered on Crete between 2000-2004.

There are 55 unique ecotopes identified by the Natura 2000 program in Kriti. Of over 1600 species found on the island, around 160 are found nowhere else. The endemic plants are to be found high in the mountains and include a rare and endangered small tree named Cretan Zelkova.


Kato Zakros in spring


When we speak to our mother of her childhood memories of Crete, flowers in springtime are one of her fondest reminiscences. With snow on the mountains and very cold temperatures in winter, spring is truly a magical time of renewal and bursting energy in the nature of Kriti.

One of the most striking images is that of the glowing red poppies contrasting against the bursting green grasses, and the white limestone rocks of the hillsides.

Spring time brings visitors from all over the world to enjoy the flora of Crete.

The profusion of wild herbs of Crete have been gathered over centuries and used for teas, wellbeing and healing. The herb Dittany dictamo or in Cretan erondas is used for pain relief, especially of stomach aches and arthritis.

This herb has been known for centuries and was used by the Minoans and ancient Greeks. Hippocrates taught its therapeutic benefits and in modern times it is available in powder form and as an essential oil.

Poppies and lavender grow wild




The hillsides of Kriti are fresh with lavender, rigani, thyme, sage and chamomile. Cretan mountain tea, an ironwort Sideritis syriaca is a very common drink in the village and may be proudly offered to visitors as tsai tou vounou.

Below we give just a taste of the abundant plants of Crete, with their photographs and species names to help the amateur botanists and lovers of nature to enjoy the discovery of the unique plants of Crete.


Trees and Scrub of Crete

Vai Palm Trees

Vai Palm  Phoenix Theofrasti

Oleander - Nerium oleander

Oleander  Nerium oleander

Tamarisk - Tamarix cretica (image by Alexia de Angelis)

Tamarisk  Tamarix cretica

Myrtle - Myrtus communis (image by Jimenez)

Myrtle  Myrtus communis

Carob Tree - Ceratonia siliqua (image by Gino Cherchi)

Carob Tree  Ceratonia siliqua

Plane Tree - Platanus orientalis

Plane Tree  Platanus orientalis

Maple Tree - Acer sempervirens

Maple Tree  Acer sempervirens

Mastica Bush - Pistacia lentiscus (image by Ettore Balocchi)

Mastica Bush  Pistacia lentiscus



Herbs of Crete

Origanum dictamnus - Dittany of Crete

In Greek 'Dictamo'

in Cretan dialect 'Erondas'

in English 'Dittany of Crete'

Origanum dictamnus


Cretan Mountain Tea - Sideritis syriaca

Cretan Mountain Tea

 Sideritis syriaca

Thyme - Thymus capitatus

Thyme  

Thymus capitatus

Chamomile - Chamomilla recutita (image by Justin Snow)

Chamomile  

Chamomilla recutita

Sage - Salvia pomifera

Sage  

Salvia pomifera


Valerian  Valerian officinalis (image by Andreas Loukakis)

Valerian  Valerian officinalis



Flowering Flora of Crete

Cretan Cyclamen - Cyclamen creticum

Cretan Cyclamen  

Cyclamen creticum

Lily of the Sea  Pancratium maritimum

Lily of the Sea  

Pancratium maritimum

Jerusalem Sage - Phlomis cretica

Jerusalem Sage  

Phlomis cretica


Here on this page and throughout our website we share some beautiful flora images from talented local photographer - Andreas Loukakis.

Sitia Orchid - Orchis sitiaca (image by Andreas Loukakis)

Sitia Orchid  'Ορχις της Σητείας  Orchis sitiaca


Cretan Bee Orchid - Orchis heldreichii (image by Andreas Loukakis)

Cretan Bee Orchid Orchis heldreichii


Anatolian Orchis - Orchis anatolica (image by Andreas Loukakis)

Anatolian Orchis  Όρχις o ανατολικός  Orchis anatolica


Four-spotted Orchis - Orchis quadripunctata (image by Andreas Loukakis)

Four-spotted Orchis  Ορχιδέα η τετράστικτη  Orchis quadripunctata


Three-toothed Orchis Orchis tridentata (image by Andreas Loukakis)

Three-toothed Orchis  Ορχιδέα η Τρίδοντη   Orchis tridentata


Cretan Ebony (Cretan Silver Bush, Shrubby Sainfoil) Edenus cretica (image by Andreas Loukakis)

Cretan Ebony (Cretan Silver Bush, Shrubby Sainfoil)

Έβενος ο κρητικός  Edenus cretica


Fleishman's Ophrys Ophrys Fleismanii (image by Andreas Loukakis)

Omega Bee Orchid or Fleischman's Ophrys Ophrys omegaifera subsp. fleischmannii


Broad Leaved Anemone  Anemone hortensis (image by Andreas Loukakis)

Broad Leaved Anemone  Ανεμώνη ή κηπαία   Anemone hortensis


Phrygana Ophrys  Ophrys phryganae (image by Andreas Loukakis)

Phrygana Ophrys  Οφρύς των φρυγάνων  Ophrys phryganae


Cretan Iris  Κρητική Ίριδα  Iris cretensis (image by Andreas Loukakis)

Cretan Iris  Κρητική Ίριδα  Iris cretensis


Pink Butterfly Orchid  Orchis papilionacea (image by Andreas Loukakis)

Pink Butterfly Orchid  Ορχιδέα η πεταλουδόμορφη  Orchis papilionacea


Cretan Birthwort  Aristolochia cretica (image by Andreas Loukakis)

Cretan Birthwort  Aristolochia cretica

Cretan Catchfly - Silene cretica (image by Andreas Loukakis)Flora of Crete - Cretan Catchfly - Silene cretica

Cretan Catchfly  Σιληνή ή κρητική  Silene cretica

Orphrys cretica - Cretan OrphrysOrphrys cretica - Cretan Orphrys

Cretan Orphrys   Οφρύς η κρητική   Orphrys cretica



Accommodation

Enagron Eco Tourism Village
Enagron Eco Tourism Village

Enagron Eco Tourism Village - the Psilioritis range dominates the centre of the island and is the source for inspiration, strength and hardiness of the Cretan character. The mountains are the backbone of Crete and a visit will open your heart to the real Crete.

Giannis and Fani have created Enagron in the village of Axós, in Rethymnon prefecture near Mt Ida, also known as Psiloritis. The essence of nature surrounds them, in the silence of the mountains.

Located 48 km from Rethymnon town, the village has played a part in the history of the island and there are many walks in nature in the local area, to discover the flora of Crete.


Pezoulia Mountain Cottages in Lasithi Crete
Pezoulia Mountain Cottages in Lasithi Crete

Sitting in the Dikti Mountains in the Selakano Forest, this quiet mountain retreat is perfect for getting close to nature in comfort.

The Pezoulia Mountain Cottages are built of traditional materials - it is as though they are hewn out of the mountain side itself. Rough stones and thick wood, thick walls and solid foundations. These impressive mountain dwellings are complete with the character of Crete.

These mountains and forest tracks are great for trekking, walking, climbing, bird watching and hikes to see the flora of Crete. The vegetation is a mix of  oaks, maples and plane trees, with the principal tree being pine pinus brutia. Set in the village of Selekano just 30 km from Ierapetra, Lasithi.



Getting Here

Flora of Crete - getting to see these flowers and plants in their native locations.

Flights leave Athens many times a day for Chania Airport and Heraklion Airport. The flight time is 1 hour.

How to choose your airport in Crete.

Ferries depart from Athens Pireaus port for Chania and Heraklion very day, the sailing duration is around 8-9 hours.

More details on flights and ferries are below.

It is a good idea to hire a car in Crete to see the local flora. Many of the back roads in the mountains are still unpaved and you will find many adventures on your quest for botanical wonders. The island is 60km x 260 km, so it is very much worth while hiring a car or a 4WD. Car hire details are below.



When you book with our car rental partners - Rental Centre Crete - you are supporting a local company with excellent service and an easy online booking procedure. We are sure you will be well looked after by Harry and his team. Choose from hybrid or non-hybrid vehicles.


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We trust you have enjoyed these tips from the We Love Crete team. Evíva!

The We Love Crete team - Anastasi, Katia & Apostoli

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