Location: Fournes
The Botanical Park of Chania is one of the most impressive attractions in Crete thanks to its wide variety of plants, herbs and animals. It is located in the Cretan White Mountains (Omalos), 20km away from the noisy Town, and occupies an area of 20 hectares with plants that originate from three completely different climates; Mediterranean, Tropical, and Temperature. The Park somehow revived the area after a big fire that had broken out in 2004 and which destroyed every kind of plant. Now, the Botanical Park is full of Mediterranean trees, vineyards, and aromatic herbs that enchant the visitor.
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Spring is the ideal season for visiting this Park because the majority of flowers and trees has blossomed and you can observe the differences of all species. There are specially-designed trekking paths all over the Park and labels in each plant, herb, or tree with descriptions of the species along with useful information. While strolling around the cherry trees, the tropical or the citrus garden, you will encounter a beautiful artificial lake where various wild birds, ducks, butterflies, peacocks, and farm animals, such as donkeys or wild goats, live. An excursion to the Park is highly educational and entertaining for both children and their parents as they learn much new information on the flora and fauna of the Cretan climate.
A stone amphitheater was also built next to the gardens and the olive orchards in order to host some events, like traditional dance nights and weddings too. Beyond gardens and animals, a good reason to visit the Botanical Park is its Restaurant that offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the lush dense vegetation from its big balcony. The Restaurant’s menu is “à la carte” and also based on the Mediterranean Cuisine, while herbs, fruits, and seeds from the gardens are used in the recipes. If you would like to bring some Cretan flavors back to your country when you return from your trip, you can buy some local products (such as rusk, raki, and virgin Greek oil) from the Park’s shop.
