With a varied landscape, mild climate and rich history, Crete enjoys an enviable position in the southern Mediterranean, while its diverse flora and confiding birdlife are of great interest to naturalists.
Crete’s rugged landscape includes a chain of mountains that rise to nearly 2,500 metres, which in early spring create spectacular snow-capped vistas. Many of the mountains are formed of limestone and dolomite, with high plateaux cut through by deep gorges.
Although birds are never particularly numerous on Crete, as it lies off the main migration routes, the range of species here can nevertheless be diverse and unpredictable, and close views of some of the migrants can be stunning. The western end of Crete is probably the wildest and most spectacular part of the island.
Crete has a fascinating history from the times of the earliest European civilisation onwards, and the Palace of Knossos (the original ‘labyrinth’ from Theseus and the Minotaur), is an intriguing relic of rich Minoan culture.
We spend a week on Crete – the largest and, to many, the most spectacular of the Greek Isles. The geology and isolation from the mainland have given this rugged land a diverse fusion of flowers, birds and wildlife, and this tour operates at one of the best times of year to see them. Find out more about Crete’s Spring Flowers & Birds
Hotel Alexis has an excellent restaurant serving breakfast buffets and dinner which can be taken al fresco. The hotel is conveniently situated for exploring the area – there’s a shuttle bus service every 20 minutes to the centre of Chania, and the nearest beaches are just a ten-minute walk away. Find Out More about Alexis Hotel
Onsite facilities at the Hotel Mediterraneo include a small water park, souvenir shop, water slides, and swimming pool, as well as a poolside snack bar. There’s a good choice for breakfast with continental, American-style and buffet options available, and there’s a variety of restaurants nearby. Find Out More about Mediterraneo Hotel
