Flora and Fauna of Crete

The lovely island of Crete has numerous types of flora. However not many know that it is also home to some 130 or so species of wild flowers and herbs which are unique to the island alone.

When is the best time to visit to see the flora? This is likely spring is the best when the fields are full of colour. I visited in May a couple of years ago and was delighted to see an abundance of wild flowers, and the air was full of the smell of lemon and orange blossom. However visit Crete at any time of year and you will be treated to colour in one form of another, for example in the summer oleander and osier bloom in the ravines. During winter, anemones are abundant.

The rarest Cretan plants grow in the ravines or on the steep mountain slopes, however you do not need to climb to see rare plants. Indeed The Cretan palm grows along the beach at Vai. Other rare plants found along the shore include the sea daffodil, knapsweed), and chamomile.

The fauna of Crete is as varied as the flora. The unique Cretan wild goat, the agrimi or "kri-kri" is most likley to be spotted found in the Lefka Ori, in the Samaria National Forest than elsewhere.


The Cretan "prickly rat" is also unique in the world. Other inhabitants include the marten, badger, and wildcat. These are shy creatures however. You might more easily spot one of the several kinds of lizard which inhabit Crete. Look out for The Balkan green lizard which can grow to be over one metre in length. Do not walk barefoot through undergrowth however as there is one poisonous snake. This is despite local folklore portraying St. Titus drove all poisonous snakes off the island.

For those interested in birds Crete has it's golden eagle and the lammergeyer, a subspecies unique to Crete. The mountains and ravines are home to griffon vultures. Warblers and swallows are common and goldfinches are occasionally seen.

You might spot some more familiar birds during your holiday as migratory birds make Crete a stopover each spring and autumn.

During a trip to Crete amongst other birds I was delighted to see a young owl just sitting on a post at the edge of am olive grove, in the evening darkness.

If you have spotted any of the local wildlife on your holidays please do let us know where and when and what you saw.

If you want to visit Crete and see the Flora and Fauna find your accomodation at Click Rent Stay