Gay owned and run accommodation, and lodgings, bed and breakfast hotel and inn for the independent gay travel ler near Hersonissos, Crete, Greece
Last Updated 18/02/2009 © Villa Ralfa 2009
CRETE lies on the join of the tectonic plates which join Africa, Asia, and Europe and pressure caused by movement of the plates has lifted the edges to form the island, in many places the resulting sloping rock strata can be clearly seen! The island is limestone and the action of water has formed the gorges and valleys that you see leading from the mountain ranges to the sea.
Having been separated from any surrounding land masses since as long as I can remember there are many species, particularly plants, that are indigenous to Crete.
Climate has done much to shape the flora and fauna of the island so when guests ask me how I can live on an island as brown and sun-scorched when I come from green and pleasant England, I am happy to reply ‘You should see it in the winter!’
For those interested in natural history Crete has many things to offer, bird watchers would be particularly pleased during the autumn after we have had rain, and in spring when the island is home to many varieties of waders and other birds in migration. And of course we have several large birds of prey including a pair of owls currently nesting in our roof.
For the plant enthusiast (please don’t pick them!) there are many plants and herbs found only on Crete, these include the famous Diktamos or ‘Dittany of Crete’, as well as orchids and other plants, including several million olive trees (I spy with my little eye, something beginning with ‘O’)
On four legs, we have the native kri-kri goat which is indigenous to Crete, a wide variety of lizards including the Balkan Green, of which we have several fine specimens in the garden at Villa Ralfa, along with three other varieties (I am told), and also the Beach Marten a type of weasel which on occasions takes advantage of our pitched roof!
Also on wings we have a wide variety of butterflies and moths!
Photography is always a popular pursuit for visitors, mainly to record the memories of their holiday and on Crete there are endless photo opportunities from scenery to wildflowers to wildlife including the normal ‘chocolate’ box type of photography.
During winter, spring and autumn there is a clarity to the light which is missing during the winter months in Northern Europe and even during the depths of winter that dull gray half light, experienced in the mid afternoon, is absent, making Crete an ideal location for artists. Summer visitors may sometimes find the views marred by heat haze and dust (unless it is a windy day).
Astronomers will also find the skies free of light pollution so often found in other parts of Europe making Crete and ideal spot for a little star gazing!
Having been separated from any surrounding land masses since as long as I can remember there are many species, particularly plants, that are indigenous to Crete.
Climate has done much to shape the flora and fauna of the island so when guests ask me how I can live on an island as brown and sun-
For those interested in natural history Crete has many things to offer, bird watchers would be particularly pleased during the autumn after we have had rain, and in spring when the island is home to many varieties of waders and other birds in migration. And of course we have several large birds of prey including a pair of owls currently nesting in our roof.
For the plant enthusiast (please don’t pick them!) there are many plants and herbs found only on Crete, these include the famous Diktamos or ‘Dittany of Crete’, as well as orchids and other plants, including several million olive trees (I spy with my little eye, something beginning with ‘O’)
On four legs, we have the native kri-
Also on wings we have a wide variety of butterflies and moths!
Photography is always a popular pursuit for visitors, mainly to record the memories of their holiday and on Crete there are endless photo opportunities from scenery to wildflowers to wildlife including the normal ‘chocolate’ box type of photography.
During winter, spring and autumn there is a clarity to the light which is missing during the winter months in Northern Europe and even during the depths of winter that dull gray half light, experienced in the mid afternoon, is absent, making Crete an ideal location for artists. Summer visitors may sometimes find the views marred by heat haze and dust (unless it is a windy day).
Astronomers will also find the skies free of light pollution so often found in other parts of Europe making Crete and ideal spot for a little star gazing!