Description - What to expect

Embark on an exceptional bird-watching tour in Crete, catering to both amateur and experienced birdwatchers, with a special emphasis on Cretan Natural History. Crete’s natural heritage includes some of the most prominent Natura 2000 sites for observing certain species of avifauna. Gifted by its turbulent geological history and largely affected by the long-lasting human management (> 100,000 years) of its natural resources, the largest Greek island supports thriving populations of certain bird species at the top of the food chain (raptors & scavengers), while others are extinct elsewhere. The overall diversity of bird species in Crete is furthermore increased by the island’s critical position as an interim resort within the geography of bird migration between Europe, Asia & Africa. The combination of traditional practices and the current scientific monitoring by the University of Crete has delivered an overall number of about 190 bird species (Residents, Breeding, Wintering, or Vagrants).

Crete itself features remarkably dynamic populations for certain species:

Lammergeier (Gypaetus barbatus): a scavenger, specialized in swallowing bones, neck & bell. Longest European wings, obvious tuft underneath beak & rhomboid tail, under extinction in islands worldwide
> 9 couples, up to 30 individuals, the biggest insular population worldwide, together with the island of Corsica (France)
Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus): scavenger - nature’s cleaner, non-feathered neck, limited flying abilities, mostly gliding, takes advantage of thermals
> 500 couples, more than 1.100 individuals
Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos): skilful Predator, killing prey with talons after ambush, extremely cautious with human presence, capable of lifting young lambs and land turtles, powerful flying, wings in V shape during flight, brush-shaped tail
> 20 active territories, more than 35 individuals
Being aware of the importance of this legacy for the next generations of residents & visitors of Crete, we propose special tours for amateur & more experienced birdwatchers or just for sensitive travelers with a focus on Cretan Natural History.

1. Asterousia Mountains
South Heraklion
Discovering the elements of the perfect shelter

Asterousia Mountains are the most prominent range to the south of Heraklion prefecture, although they are not ranked amongst the highest ones. Their uniqueness is stressed by their proximity to an extended valley, which they do border from the Libyan Sea, to the south of Crete. Asterousia range comprises a number of characteristics that make it an excellent place for the well-being & sustainability of an increasing population of big raptors and scavengers.

Itinerary
Initially, we pay a visit to a couple of crucial birdwatching spots of the Natura 2000 Asterousia region. The guided tour emphasizes aspects of the natural and human-made environment and the factors that determine the sustainability of avifauna in the region. We will also learn how to distinguish the most important species by the criteria of shape, size, and behaviour. We will walk over parts of the E4 European Path, over ancient pilgrimage pathways leading to the shoreline and other traditional paths used by shepherds. Then, we drive southwards to some of the most beautiful beaches of Southern Crete (Libyan Sea).

General Info

Region: Heraklion Prefecture, Central Crete
Mountain Range: Asterousia, a set of Natura 2000 sites
Path signaling: generally good | Path length: 5 Km
Max. Altitude: 1.110 m. | Difficulty level: moderate

2. Gorge of Platania
Amari Province, Psiloritis Mountain (Rethymnon)
Zigzagging uphill through predator’s colonies, impressive landforms, and cultural elements of mainland Crete

In the southwestern foothills of the massif of Psiloritis lies the Gorge of Platania, offering a special tour. The marked path, bordered by a vulture colony, climbs the hillside in a weaving, zigzagging manner, crossing a scenery of unique landforms at the western boundaries of Psiloritis Geopark. The elevation of escalation is at the same time an entrance to the unknown world of birds of prey over the historical provinces of Amari and St. Basil, where the presence of even more rare big sedentary birds (predators and scavengers) has been recorded. Ideal place for bird watching raptors.

Itinerary

From the western foot of Psiloritis Geopark we climb the gorge of Platania in a moderate tempo, paying attention to all the aspects of this natural paradise. Besides short breaks for bird watching, we take a big break for a meal in nature under the shadow of the Kermes Oak trees.

General Info

Region: Rethymnon Prefecture, Western Crete
Mountain: Psiloritis Geopark | Meeting point: Platania
Path-signaling: well-marked, but easy to get confused without guidance
Path condition: generally good | Path length: 6 Km
Max. altitude: 850 m. | Elevation gain: 430 m. | Difficulty level: moderate

3. Ornon & Thripti Range
East Crete, Region of Lassithi
A mountain tale on both human settlements and the island’s avian raptors & scavengers

The mountainous complex of Thripti & Orno slopes forms the fourth range in Crete based on height, total area, abiotic factors, landscape value and biodiversity in flora and fauna. During the previous decades, its largely unexplored inland has remained untouched by mass tourism, whereas nearby coastal areas witnessed intensive forms of tourist development focused on building, tourist/entertainment infrastructure, etc. Ideal place for bird watching, hiking in amazing pathways and experiencing the civilization process in Crete during the Geometric & Archaic Period.

Itinerary

From Kavousi village, we visit the archaeological park of Geometric settlements, post-Byzantine frescoed churches, and the monumental Olive Tree. Then we hike to the birdwatching sites through traditional paths. Besides short breaks for bird watching, we take one major break for a meal in nature under the shadow of the plane and oak trees.

General Info

Region: Lassithi Prefecture, Eastern Crete
Mountain range: West Sitia Mountains | Meeting point: Kavousi village
Path-signaling: well-marked, but easy to get confused without guidance
Path condition: generally good | Path length: 6 Km
Max. altitude: 850 m. | Elevation gain: 500 m. | Difficulty level: moderate