Nature & Wildlife Areas in Crete

THE 10 BEST Crete Nature & Wildlife Areas

Nature & Wildlife Areas in Crete

Types of Attractions
Nature & Parks
Nature & Parks
Traveller rating
Good for
27 places sorted by traveller favourites
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.

What travellers are saying

  • Nicola B
    Muttenz, Switzerland211 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The friendly owner has a lot of knowledge about reptiles. But of course, the animals itself are the highlight and that you are allowed to hold them if you like
    Written 12 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sweeton C
    Canada102 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lovely, peaceful walk, a bit muddy in places. We went in February on a Friday and there was lots of room to park up by the road. I would recommend driving down the lane to the Venetian Bridge as it is a steep hike back up and not a bad drive down. There is parking for a few cars down there.
    The walk itself is well marked and well worn. There are little bridges over the creek but some of the path was flooded so good hiking boots are a must.
    We found it took longer than indicated and although we walked down for about 1.45hr we never reached the waterfall as we knew the hike back up would take even longer. Even so, it was very pretty and lots of little waterfalls along the way.
    Written 12 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Nancy K
    Poulsbo, WA193 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We hiked this canyon/waterfall yesterday. There are several different trails - going to various viewpoints or water access. A number of people were swimming/floating in the water. Some lovely waterfall/grotto views along the way. Fairly easy walking. Stairs are somewhat steep, but doable. The water starts from an underground spring, it seems.
    Written 3 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • frugalkittie
    Vancouver10 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great little farm near main road with donkeys, some other farm animals and cats, dogs. It was a wonderful visit if you’re in the area or to combine with ruins visit or Matala nearby.
    Written 9 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • NekoCat
    Franklin, MA641 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lots of interesting things to see along this gorge hike; decaying mills and structures, old aqueducts, bridges, small churches and streams that lead the way. The hike is actually very lush and tropical with climbing vines/wild vegetation which provide plenty of shade. It took us about one hour to walk one-way to the end (did not walk further to Cantina).

    Unfortunately there was a looming thunderstorm and with the numerous “landslide” warnings along the trail, we turned around at the end and walked back uphill, which was obviously more challenging.

    In some parts the trail is eroded and would suggest not hiking this after heavy rain. This is such a beautiful trail and somewhat a shame to see the state of it. Hopefully some improvements are in its future.

    Also to note, there was practically no one else hiking and a great place to get away from the crowds.
    Written 15 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Simon S
    27 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great hike ! Done in less than 2hours (both ways). be prepared to get wet shoes, even in july. go early in the morning to avoid heat and groups.
    Written 25 July 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Laura B
    Manchester, United Kingdom30 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We spent a fabulous morning at the nature park. Amazing views, lovely volunteers and lots of interesting information about Crete and the local area. The children loved it too!
    Written 24 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Erika K
    92 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This hike was on our wishlist but we are not fit enough to do 500+ m elevation gain, so we opted for a "lighter" version.

    The start is at the Votomos lake, next to the taverna, winding up, and then walking on side of the mountain besides (and crossing) the gorge. It's very well marked, there are black arrow signs set up and white/red cercles painted on rocks all the way. At some point (after the climb through the laurel forest and arriving to the other side of the gorge) we turned back by following a track to the left (instead of continuing the climb up to the right). After a while this went past the big church we saw from the other side of the gorge, then became an asphalt road that we followed until the parking of Eleonas Country village where we used a shortcut up to the left to arrive back to the lake. All in all, 6,75km, 270m level difference. There are lots of wild herbs and flowers during the hike, great scenery, fabulous views and we met like 2 people during the whole hike.
    Written 15 May 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Enel T
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The view was wonderful, but would be nice if there was also some kind of small hiking road, but maybe we didn't find it.
    Written 25 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Bogovic84
    Baildon, UK96 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I was apprehensive about going here. I love everything these organisations do but I knew I would end up feeling sad and wishing I could take a puppy away!
    That said we went and it was a lovely experience, we mainly stroked the puppies as my kids are still working on their confidence around dogs. This really helped as the pups were so playful.
    Obviously it’s a little smelly and loud but it’s worth a little trip. The aquarium is next door so we tied the the two activities together.
    Written 10 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Tea&Cake
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We did an 8am guided walk on Rethymno beach. The volunteers were very knowledgeable and spoke excellent English and we learnt a lot about the turtles. We were very lucky to see two baby turtles. These should have made it to the sea during the night so another member of the Archelon team came to take care of them. Definitely worth it.
    Written 16 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Pejalien
    16 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A really unique and happy experience. We travelled from the north, so on the way we could also enjoy spectacular views, the place is run by an amazing couple, and even though the description says equine sanctuary, they also have cats and dogs. A few of the horses are a bit shy, but all the other animals are super friendly and enjoy attention and contact. It is also very interesting to listen to the stories about the animals and about the place. Totally totally recommend, if you like animals, it is a must visit spot
    Written 22 September 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • AntoniosMan
    Cardiff, UK105 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A landmark that must be visited by every visitor in the area. The view is breathtaking and unique. We will visit the park again.
    Written 11 September 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Lilz97
    Chelmsford, UK21 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    An incredible hike, around 10 miles if you do the full loop from Stylos. We thoroughly enjoyed the first 6/7 miles until we reached the gorge. Though it is beautiful, it was full of water. We both wore trainers which actually worked well as the climbing down was tricky. WARNING - we did have to swim at one point, the river bed was also wet pretty much all the way down which meant we had to walk through the water most of the way down the gorge. Certainly an adventure!
    Written 5 February 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • UliA.
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    You have to visit the shelter of Takis and see the beautiful dogs and cats and their dramatic recuperations after they been found and got treatment and most importantly a home. If possible adopt a sweetie there, or at least donate to secure this place which saves many animals life’s. It’s a must visit for animal lovers.
    Written 19 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Crete








These are the best places for adrenaline seekers looking for nature & wildlife areas in Crete:See more nature & wildlife areas for adrenaline seekers in Crete on Tripadvisor