Chania Botanical garden is definitely a must destination during your holidays in Crete. An oasis of silence with special flora and fauna that is waiting to welcome you in a massive land. The Botanical Park and Gardens of Crete is 17km south of Chania, at the wonderful village of Fournes. Just a few minutes away from the town, the garden will leave you speechless with the diversity of the landscape. Moreover, you will discover wealth of local flowers, fruit trees and herbs from the island as well as from around the world. Below you will find all the information you need for a day to the gardens of Crete.
To begin with, the Botanical Park is a 20-hectare park that was created by the ashes of a terrible misfortune that hit the area in 2004. A fatal fire burnt the whole area including the villager’s properties. However, a local family gave birth to the place in order to preserve the area and promote open air activities, such as hiking. So, located at the foothill of the White Mountains, on the way to Omalos Plateau, the Chania Botanical Garden is in a typical Cretan landscape. It is ideal for everyone and for all ages, combining activities and enjoyments that only Crete can offer!
Picture by: Botanical Gardens of Crete
Chania Botanical Garden – nature’s wonder
An educational and entertainment park, unique in its kind in Crete that includes more than 150 species of fruit trees. Moreover, it contains dozens of herbs, medicinal and ornamental plants while also animals in the lush natural environment. Enjoy a walk and wander through the paths slowly and leisurely making stops at the available rest points. The local flora and fauna as well as the tropical species from around the world will enchant you, as they change dramatically the scenery in every step. The path lasts approximately two hours into nature and leads you to various sections of the Botanical Park.
A lake at the lower part completes the landscape including protection to ducks and other rare species. In addition, depending on the time of the year you will have the chance to enjoy different kind of flowers, herbs and trees. The only thing for sure is that you will be impressed by the colors and the beauty of the place.
Discover the Mediterranean herbs of the island!
There is a huge variety of endemic Cretan and Mediterranean herbs that reveal their aromas during your walk. These are typical herbs from the land of Crete and used for medicinal purposes and for Cretan cuisine, such as thyme, mint, oregano or rosemary. Furthermore, you can also see the old olive trees and other species that grow in Crete, like the mountain tee malotira and diktamo. It is known that Crete hosts one of the most varied ecosystems in Europe.
Picture by: portokalis
Vineyards are also one of the gardens you will see at Chania Botanical Gardens. The island of Crete is famous for its local drinks, like red wine and tsikoudia. There are nearly 12 native grape varieties that produce high quality wines. Moreover, the variety of fruit trees are many, starting from a common apple tree to species like prickly pear, mulberry, peach and more. Crete is such a fertile land due to its climate and the great mild temperatures all year.
The tropical fruits of the Botanical Garden
Thanks to the perfect climate of Crete, several tropical fruits flourish on the island! Especially on the southern part you will find many avocados, kiwis and bananas. Among the plants you will discover berries, grapes and lots of beautiful flowers, as well as coffee plants and cotton. Along with the plants, the fauna is also unbelievable. You will find turkeys and peacocks throughout the way by the time you start walking. Also, many species of birds like geese, ducks and the local wild goat, Kri Kri. The highlight of the visit is the butterfly garden, with impressive butterflies flying all over the place.
Picture by: Tadej Stepisnik
At the end, have a lunch at the restaurant of the Park surrounded by the dramatic Cretan scenery. It offers panoramic views of the lush dense vegetation from its big balcony. The restaurant serves local traditional cuisine with organic fresh products from the garden. And if you would like to take some Cretan flavors back to your country, you can buy some local products from the shop.
What’s the best time to visit it?
Spring is the ideal season to visit the Botanical Park and Gardens of Crete. It is that time of the year when everything blooms and their aromas are intoxicating. There are specially trekking paths with description of the species along with useful information. The garden during that time of the year is probably the most magical places you will see in Crete. However, during summer months, the best time to visit it is early in the morning. Avoid the strong heat and take a bottle with water with you. Any time of the year you visit it, you will be impressed by the landscape.
Picture by: Tadej Stepisnik
How to get there
If you’re planning a visit and wondering how to get there, here’s some helpful information:
By Car: If you have rent a car, the easiest way to get to the Botanical Gardens & Park of Crete is by driving. The park is located about 18km from the city of Chania and about 45km from Rethymnon. You can easily find directions using Google Maps or another GPS navigation system.
By Bus: If you don’t have a car, you can still reach the park by taking a bus from Chania or Rethymnon. The bus ride can take up to an hour, so plan your schedule accordingly.
Private transfer with Zen Group. Getting to the Botanical Gardens with Zen Group is a convenient and stress-free option for those looking to explore this stunning attraction. With a modern fleet of vehicles and professional drivers, we offer a high-quality transfer service. So, you will ensure a comfortable and enjoyable ride. Simply book your transfer online or by phone, provide your pickup location and the date and time of your visit. Zen Group will take care of the rest.
Your driver will pick you up from your designated location and drive you to the park, answering any questions you may have along the way. Once you arrive, your driver will drop you off at the entrance, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the botanical gardens and park.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Chania Botanical Garden is the ideal alternative proposal for a perfect escape from the city’s buzz and the overcrowded beaches. Educational yet entertaining, you will learn new information about the flora and fauna of Crete and you will walk through exotic gardens. Do not hesitate to contact us for your private transport in every destination in Crete. Plan your trip ahead of time, and you’ll be able to fully enjoy this magnificent park in all its glory.
