Nature

Korfalonas is a nice sandy beach with shallow waters located in the central part of the vast beach that runs from Kissamos to Cape Rodopos. There are a few amenities near the beach, with umbrellas, showers, taverns and hotels included.

The monastery of Koudoumas is located 74km south of Heraklion, on the western side of Cape Martelos and south of Kofinas Peak (the highest peak of Asterousia Mountains). The whole area is full of cavities where hermits used to live. To reach the monastery, you have to drive in a passable dirt road of 20km, starting from the village Sternes, which descends from an altitude of 1000m to the sea level.

The beach, which is in one of the most isolated areas of the island, has beautiful pebbles and is surrounded by tall vertical cliffs. The beach is mainly accessed by boat, but you could also trek from Agios Nikitas. The surrounding area is ideal for fishing. Moreover, if you come by boat, do not forget to walk in the gorge and admire the rugged landscape, till the dead end with falls that get dry in summer.

The cat snake (scient. Telescopus fallax) is the only snake in Crete with venom. However, the poison is too weak to hurt humans and is excreted in the back of its mouth, making it actually harmless. The snake feeds on small lizards and uses the poison for relaxing their bodies.

Malotira (Sideritis syriaca), also known as Cretan Mountain tea is a herbaceous plant or shrub, 10-50cm long, which is met at ranges over 900m in West Crete (over 900m). The species is endemic to Crete and the name syriaca (instead of cretica) probably comes from a confusion of the botanist who gave the name.

Psili Ammos is located near the famous palmforest of Vai, 95km east of Agios Nikolaos and 25km east of Sitia. It can be accessed via a short footpath that starts in Vai and circles the hill on the east end of Vai. Walking does not exceed 5 minutes and the beach is definitely worth visiting.

Richtis is located around 20km west of Sitia and 45 east of Agios Nikolaos, in the exit of the homonym Gorge of Richtis that starts from the village Exo Mouliana. In order to reach the beach you can follow the paved road starting from Exo Mouliana. Alternatively, you can trek in the lush gorge.