Botanical Park of Crete
Entrance fee €4 Free for children under 12 Opening hours:8.00am - 8.00pm, April - October
This one of the newest and best attractions in Crete and suitable for visitors of all ages. The Botanical Park is close to Chania, set in the foothills of the spectacular White Mountains on the scenic road leading to Omolos (starting point for the Samaria Gorge) A cross between a scenic hike and an interesting nature trail, the Botanical Park offers visitors a great day out away from the beach. The 1 to 2 hour trek takes you through some of the most spectacular scenery, alive with butterflies and a variety of wild birds. The many and varied plants, herbs and trees thrive in two hundred square kilometres of beautufully planted terraces on the hillside.
Botanical Park Path
Follow the path down into the valley and you will see fruit trees, shrubs and wonderful aromatic herbs from all over the world. Each day is different at the Botanical Park, as the exhibits grow, flower and fruit, attracting different wildlife at different times of the season.
We visited in early May and then again in mid June and found the Park had already taken on a different form. We'll be returning later on in the summer to see the progress and changing nature of the plants and trees. Whatever time of year you visit you're assured of colour, fragrance and variety. Well-signposted paths take you through the different sections of the Botanical Park, which consist of tropical trees, fruit trees, citrus groves, herbs and vineyards.
There is a lake at the bottom of the park which is home to ducks, geese and other water birds. When we were there a sow had just given birth to a troop of babies and we stood watching the little piglets for quite a while. There's also a new amphitheatre on the site.
Phoenix from the Ashes
The Botanical Park itself was the brainchild of four brothers who saw their livelihood, land, olive groves and orange trees destroyed by a devastating wild fire in October 2004. The damage was severe and they lost over sixty thousand olive trees, some reputed to have been 400 hundred years old, were destroyed leaving the whole village ruined both financially and ecologically.
But, like the magical and mystical Phoenix bird of Greek Mythology, the Botanical Park of Crete grew from the ashes of that devastating fire. The brothers set about creating a park to highlight and exhibit the many indigenous plants, herbs and trees found in Crete, together with other tropical and sub tropical varieties from around the world.
Amongst the colourful, thriving, vibrant exhibits of the now well established Botanical Gardens you'll come across the odd burnt out, charred husk of an ancient olive tree, standing as a reminder of the origins of the Park.
Entrance to the Botanical Park is a mere €4, and is unbelievable good value. Children under 12 go free. You even get a free bottle of spring water and the loan of a walking stick and umbrella to take with you on the trek. The trail is suitable for all reasonably fit and active people (my Mother did it in her 80s) with good mobility. We recommend that to get the very best from the Botanical Park, take it slowly so you can really appreciate the 150 or so species of fruit trees, herbs, pharmaceutical and ornamental plants that line the walk.
There are plenty of resting stops throughout, none better than the very scenic small lake with ducks and geese gliding through the cool water. Needless to say, it is better to avoid the midday sun in Crete in the summer months, so either go early in the morning or in the late afternoon.
The Botanical Park Restaurant is open throughout the day and has stunning panoramic views of the botanical gardens and the breathtaking scenery. Don't miss the opportunity to sample some traditional Cretan Diet food and drink while you are visiting. The menu consists of very reasonably priced, home grown, traditionally prepared, tasty and nutritious dishes. Try the Dakos – doubled baked bread, topped with tomato, cheese and oregano. Or the Marathopites – fennel and onion pies with a Xerole salad, consisting of seasonal greens with cheese and a honey dressing. All the food is local, seasonal and organic. Try a freshly squeezed orange juice from the botanical gardens orange grove, or a traditional Cretan mountain tea. Why not go mad and have some delicious local Cretan wine! The restaurant itself is modern, spacious, and beautifully decorated and and offers both indoor and al fresco dining.
The toilets are spotlessly clean too!
15th km, National road of Hania, Fournes, Omalos,
Crete Mobile phone.: 6976860573
email: info@botanical-park.gr
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