Crete is one of the most important places for the reproduction of the threatened loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), which is very famous throughout Greece. However, there are more sea turtle species found in the seas of Crete, which do not nest on the island. These are the green turtle, the leatherback turtle and the hawksbill sea turtle. All sea turtles have lungs, but can hold their breath for a long period under water.

Crete has a few species of terrestrial turtles, mainly because the climate is warm and dry. However, in the limited wetlands of the island, it is sure that someone is going to meet many of them. The only native species is the Balcan terrapin, while there are also the introduced Greek tortoise and the marginated tortoise.

In Crete, snakes appear to have played an important ritual role in the Minoan period. Indeed, one of the most famous archaeological findings listed in Heraklion Museum is the statuette of the goddess of fertility, known as the Goddess of Snakes, who holds two snakes with both of her hands. Snakes were also used for treating diseases, from where the symbol of Asclepius comes, preserved in medicine even today. Moreover, when Hercules arrived in Crete for the labor with the Bull of Crete, he wanted to pay honors to the birthplace of Zeus (Crete). Thus, he cleared the island from all hazardous animals. This beautiful ancient tale explains why Crete has no harmful animal species (such as venomous snakes). However, snakes are widely falsely thought as the evil-doers, with the dark intent on poisoning us with their painful venom. The snakes someone might meet in Crete is the Balkan whip snake, the dice snake, the cat snake and the leopard snake. Among them, only the cat snake has venom, but it is very weak and actually harmless.

Lizards and snakes are misunderstood animals as man has always feared them. This perception is obviously due to some species that have poison, but it is not at all reasonable. On the contrary, snakes and lizards are very important for maintaining the balance of the natural environment, as they feed on harmful insects and rodents. Especially for the reptile fauna of Crete, the fear for reptiles has no basis since there is not a single species of snake or lizard that is dangerous to humans. Even the "deadly" bite of the skink is a myth that is still alive.