Crete- Our Region Our region belongs to the municipality of Archanes –Asterousia. It is rich in natural beauties,
history and culture. An elongated strip of land is starting from the northern part of the county , near the city cent of Heraklion , and reaches the south coast of the island , at the exit for the Libyan Sea .
A municipality with an extremely diverse terrain , thanks to the two mountain ranges , the Jiouchtas and Asterous fertile plains , which in antiquity were the scene of great civilizations , and the hilly bouts , torrents and ravines are forming ideal environments for rare species of fauna and flora .
Asterousia
Gypaetus barbatus Τhe Αsterousia is a relatively low mountain range that extends south of Heraklion, between the plains of Messara and the Libyan Sea. The highest peak has an altitude of 1231 m and is called Kofinas.
The area of Asterousia is included in Natura 2000 network, as the area has ecological and archaeological importance. In Asterousia you meet the endangered bearded vulture “Gypaetus Barbatus”. Other important predators encountered in the region are” Gyps fulvus” vulture, the golden eagle “Aquila chrysaetos” and the peregrine falcon “Falco peregrinus”.
Written by Eleni, Year 5
Aquila chrysaetos
Jiouchtas
Felis silvestris The mysteriou wildcat of Crete is an endem subspecie of the European wildcat.
On the eastern side of the mountain range is located th unknown but important palm forest of Agios Nikitas.
Jiouchtas is a mountain on the north side of our municipality, which in Minoan times was sacred. Important archaeological sites with significant findings have been discovered on this. Due to its rough terrain the mountain consists a wildlife sanctuary. Its vegetation is bushy.
Over 40 species of birds have been observed, among them are rare and endangered species such as Falconi and vulture Gyps Fulvus. Jiouchtas has been listed for international bird biotopes. Written by Christina, year 5
Trees in Crete
Cypress exists in many areas of Crete and elsewhere. It is quite resistant to high temperatures and drought.To tree blooms in April. Leaves, wood and fruit are used for therapeutic purposes . It has resistance to strong winds, so it is used to make natural hedges. Danae, year 5
Prinos (Quercus coccifera) or yew tree is sort of like the oak . It is scientifically known also as " oak kokkoforos ." In Crete you can find it in all mountain areas and rocky and dry soils and it is one of the most common trees. It is resistant to the specific weather conditions of Crete. Indeed , the beautiful forest of Rouvas is the largest cluster of prinos trees in Europe . In Crete there are several varieties of Prinos. Fillip, year 5
The cedars of Crete (species Juniperus macrocarpa and Juniperus phoenicea) form so of the most important ecosystems on Crete, the ced forest on the dunes of southe Crete. The ecological importa of the dunes are huge for the biodiversity and the existenc rare animals and plants. Maria, year 5
Beaches
Beautiful but yet not so famous beaches in the south of our municipality.
Flora of Crete
The flora of the island, directly linked to climate and geomorphology, is of particular interest. In Crete there are 2, species of native plants of which 302 are endemic.
In the rural landscape of Crete dominate vineyards, olive groves and orchards, while in hilly scrubland prevail main herbs and native plants and flowers, some of which are unfortunately greatly threatened.
The olive groves
The olive tree is known from ancient times and it probably comes from the eastern Mediterranean. The Greeks w the first people who cultivated it in the European Mediterranean area. As mentioned by Pliny in 580 before Chris neither Tunis nor Spain knew the olive tree and its cultivation . The olive fruit is very essential for the Mediterran diet. It is edible and it gives the precious olive oil.
In Crete, the olive tree seems to be found the most ideal conditions for its prosperity. It prefers the mild Mediterranean climate, loves moisture, but can also survive in extreme drought. It loves the mild Mediterranean winter and takes the intense light of the Mediterranean into itself. On fertile soils, although it is performing better but also on poor, dry, rocky soils like those of Crete, it can take root and bear fruit. Giannis, year 5
Steps of theolive oil production
The vineyards
Twenty percent (20%) of the Greek wine production comes from Crete. The vineyard in Crete has a surface approx 50.000 hectares and the wine production amounts to 950.000 hectolitres. Seventy percent (70%) of the wine
production of Crete comes from the Peza area and Arhanes, which belong to our municipality.
In Crete there are 4 areas "d' Appelation d' Origine" and these are: Peza (for dry white and red wines), Arhanes (fo red dry wines), Dafnes (for dry and sweet red wines) and Sitia (for dry and sweet red wines). Kelly, year 5
Herbs
Lavdania (cistus creticus)
Thymari (Coridothymus capitatus)
Ladania is a medicinal, aromatic plant, endemic to the Greek area and especially το Crete. Its natural position is in dry, rocky places.
It is an extremely resistant shrub, emits a very pleasant aroma and you can meet it in the southern regions of Europe. Thyme in Crete is very popular and thyme honey of exceptional quality .The beverage thyme can be used to treat coughs and bronchitis.
Emmanouella, year 5
Vasilis, year 5
Malotira (Sideritis syriaca). I antiquity the word “sideritis” referred generally to the abil of healing wounds inflicted b metal objects. The word “malotira” derives from the period of the Venetian rule in Crete. The leaves of malotira used for the relief of stomach disorders, as a diuretic, and against the colds. Manolis, ye
Faskomilo (Salvia fruticosa) It is one of the most common herbs of Crete, with an excellent fragrance. It blooms in May and June, producing purple-blue flowers. It has been known since the antiquity for its toning properties. In cooking it is used as a spice in various dishes, especially with meat. Voula, year 5
Matzourana (Origanum microphyllum) Plant of the Mediterranean countries. The leaves are used as a spice in meat and fish. The essential oil from its leaves is used as an antiseptic and has uses in perfumes. It is known from the ancient times used as a medicine against stomach and intestinal discomfort.
Diktamos (Origanum dictamn
It is an endemic herb of Crete also called "erontas" or "stomatohorto". It has been known since the ancient time and has been used as a haemostatic and wound-hea agent. Its healing properties mentioned also by Hippocrat Giorgos, year 5
Eva,year5
Wild grasses
Radiki
Galatsida
Stamnagathi
The dandelion mountain with the bitter taste and the blue flowers is sought after for its medicinal and dietry properties. It is beneficial for the liver and gall bladder. A glass of the decoction combats insomnia.
Reichardia picroides
It took its name from the Cre who used it as a stopper for t pitchers, and is one of the mo popular herbs gourmets. In essence it is a dandelion that both native to coastal, and mountainous areas. In recen years it is grown and exporte
Fanis
The spurge before bloom is fresh and juicy so it can be eaten raw, giving the characteristic odor in other salads. With many academic studies have documented detoxifying and the antioxidant
action of the plant. Manolis
Gorges Astrakiono-Kounaviano gorges The route in the gorges is rich in natural, morphological, aesthetic, historical and cultural features. It is a landscape of outstanding natural beauty, with springs, ponds, rivers, small waterfalls and lush vegetation. Before the Second World War in the gorge operated 10 water mills, while the locals were fishing eels and crabs, some still exist. Manos, year 5
Outdoor activities The varied terrain of the island, the majestic mountains, countless gorges, caves, or the- sometimes wild, sometimes gently - Cretan nature, countless miles of coastline, rare ecosystems and various microclimates that grow on the island, all generate the ideal conditions for extreme sports, nature activities and unique experiences.
high prices per kilo. Marina
Olive harvest
Biking and paragliding
Bungee jumping (Aradena) and skiing(Psiloritis)
Trekking