Nature

The dam of Valsamiotis is located near the village Vatolakos at Kissamos Province and has water capacity of 6 million cubic meters. It was inaugurated in 2014 and since then it has turned to one of the most important wetlands in West Crete.

The canyon of Chosti is formed by the small settlement of Hosti in Chania, amid one of the most beautiful and lush green places of Crete. Away from the known tourist routes, it remains completely unknown and yet untouched. You will not find in any tourist guide referring to it, though it is a jewel of western Crete and is one of the most beautiful small canyons small, which can be easily crossed without any canyoning equipment.

Kissano Gorge is located 1km north of Kissos village, in Amari valley, and 34km southeast of Rethymnon, connecting the village το the small plateau of Gious Kambos. It is a short, but beautiful gorge, crossed by the rural road of the area.

The carob wood of Tris Ekklisies is located 64km south of Heraklion, next to the village of Tris Ekklisies. The area, one of the most secluded in Europe, is very difficult to reach, as a very rough dirt road 10km long starts from the village Paranymi, runs across the wild Asterousia Mountains and ends at the beach level.

Approximately 300m to the east, you'll find several small bays with round pebbles, which are secluded. Kolimbakia or Loutres coves, as they are called by locals, are ideal for snorkeling and fishing, as the rocky bottom is home to plenty of fish. After the coves you will meet the beach in front of a local hotel, Stomio beach, which is well organized with umbrellas, showers, beach-volley court, canoes, sailing, windsurfing and diving facilities.

The ancient olive Tree of Vatolakkos is grafted onto wild olive subject. Because of its size it has been declared by the Association of Cretan Olive Municipalities as monumental. Access to it is very easy.

If you walk 1 hour east of Vlyhada beach at Livari (by Goudouras), you will soon reach the two deserted beaches of Tihida area. The area is full of caves and takes its name after the wall-like rocks (tihos in Greek) at the small beach, offering shade during summer.

The holm oak wood (Azilakodasos) is located 11km west of Vrachasi and 9km south of Malia, in the foothills of Mount Selena. The small forest can be accessed either by walking the smooth path from Krassi village or by following the trail from Malia that runs uphill. There is also a small network of forest dirt roads in the area.