7. Marine Terraces
Along the entire length of the coastline around Kato Zakros bay, successive flat surfaces appear on the slopes of the mountains at different altitudes that reach up to 300 meters. These surfaces are indications of sea level in ancient times and are created by the erosion of waves. The different altitudes of these marine terraces reveal the gradual elevation of Crete which is particularly evident in this area. Fossils of dwarf hippopotamuses and deer that lived at least 21,000 years ago in the broader area have been found on the lowest terraces, which is about 20 meters above sea level.
8. Katsounaki Sand Dunes
Sand dunes are typical coastal landforms consisting of Aeolian sand deposits, called dunes. They include low sand dunes which extend significantly along the coastal zone of Katsounaki beach, north of Xerokambos. The characteristic “Sand Lilly” grows in the dunes.
9. Psili Ammos Sand Dunes
On Psili Ammos beach to the south of Vai, once can see the characteristic dunes, which are, Aeolian coastal sand deposits, which create low sand dunes extending over the entirety of the beach’s coastal zone.
10. Xerokambos Salt Marsh (Alatsolimni)
The Xerokambos salt marsh is on the southeastern side of the hamlet by the same name and is a large seawater lake, which in the summer evaporates, leaving sea salt deposits behind, thus called “Alatsolimni” (salt lake).
11. Chiona Salt Marsh
On the coastal zone of Chiona beach in Palekastro there is a minor salt marsh, which composes a small seawater lake behind the beach, with significant aquatic ecosystems.
12. Agia Irene Coastal Caves
On the beach of Agia Irene, in the southernmost point of the region, caves can be seen in the rocky coastal cliffs, which were created by surface water and coastal erosion (waves), back when they were at sea level. These caves are impressive landforms and stand witness to the fluctuation of sea level during the recent geological past.
