Gay owned and run accommodation,lodgings,bed and breakfast hotel
and inn Hersonissos Crete Greece
There is much for the naturalist to enjoy on Crete. In spring we have an
abundance of wildflowers. Many of the plants will be familiar to gardeners from other
parts of Europe as they are grown in cultivated versions. Among the commoner types
are oleander, myrtle, daphne, arum lilies, phlomis, geranium, echinops, eryngium,
iris, and verbascum. There are also several endemic orhids, we have three types growing
in our garden. Felling of trees and clearing of land for grazing has depleted stocks of trees,
but local pine, laurel, and acers can be found in many places. There is also a Cretan
Palm tree. The island is also home to endemic varieties of origani, sage, and other herbs.
Many of the plants are related to those found in Turkey, the Greek mainland, and other
Aegean islands, remnants of when sea levels where lower and there was easy land
passage for animals and man across the eastern Mediterranean.
Native mammals are rarer, except for the Beach Marten, a relation to the weasel; there Is
also an endemic shrew mouse and badgers can occasionally be seen. There are also
Cretan and other varieties of frog, several lizards and in particular the quite spectacular
Balkan Green lizard, examples of which can also be seen in our garden.
Butterflies and moths are also plentiful. In early summer our garden plays host to Common
Blues, Brimstones, Red Admirals, Large whites, and Tortoiseshells, later in the season we
also have the spectacular Swallowtails. Moth season comes at the end of Summer when
the large Humming Bird Moth can be seen partaking of nectar from the bougainvilleas
Birds there are in abundance during the migration periods, April/May and October/November.
Villa Ralfa is located near the lagoon at Kato Gouves and the Aposelemis River, both of
which are known for their birdlife. Not far away at Milatos and Lassithi you can find the
Goldon Condor (vulture), the newer lake at Thrapsano also attracts a variety of waders.
Field trips to Crete in 2004 recorded 89 different birds over a 7 day period in the
area between Xania and Gouves!
Opportunites for photographers and painters are many on Crete, not only for recording the
wildlife but also the spectacular mountain scenery. During the winter months the slightly
longer daylight hours and the absence of the dull dreary, gray afternoon light so common
in northern Europe is dispelled by bright clear sunshine, and periods of heavy rain are
relieved by clear blue skies!
Stargazers will also find much to please them, as light pollution is lower and even from our
balcony, a pair of binoculars can reveal more stars visible than from most of the UK!
