Nature

Mavros Kolimbos or Agios Panteleimon is located 51km southeast of Agios Nikolaos and 16km east of Ierapetra. It is a small settlement near the shore, that has faced a mild development during the last decades. There are some rooms to rent around and some small taverns.

The orientation of the cave is south east and the temperature of the cave is high given the area. During the summer months the humidity of the cave is quite high. Its length is about 30m several narrow passages. From the first room in order to reach the main room, you have to pass through a very small opening. Life in the cave is not developed, probably due to many visitors.

One of the highest known waterfalls in Greece is located at Thripti range and has a height of 215m. It is located just above the small settlement of Monastiraki, by Ierapetra, and is visible from the plane west to the village.

The cypress wood of Kritsa is located about 10km west of Kritsa village, very close to the asphalt road that heads to the plateau of Katharo. It is formed across a deep ravine, at the southern foot of Mount Tsiva. The forest is in the middle of the ancient path that led Minoans to the plateau of Katharo, with many Minoan pottery remains found here.

The beach of Agia Kyriaki is located 88km south of Chania, 7km west of Paleochora and 0.5km west of the peninsula Grammeno. The beach is mainly known as Koundoura, because it is located at the Koundoura area. The climate in the region is very warm and is full of greenhouses.

Keratides is located about 1km west of Paleochora harbor, 79km south of Chania city, just after the exit of Azogirianos river and the beach Halikia. It has coarse pebbles and stones and is preferred by those who seek peace and avoid crowds.

The Turkish gecko (scient. Hemidactylus turcicus) or Mediteranean house gecko is one of the most common reptiles in Crete, which is closely related to the Moorish gecko. Indeed, many people tend to confuse the two species that have similar characteristics but do not belong in the same species.

1km south of Korfos settlement, at Gavdos island, there is a very quiet beach with amazing bottom, Lakoudi, accessed only by walking from Korfos or by boat. Lakoudi is one of the nicest beaches on the island and surely deserves a visit.