NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
Eastern Crete and especially the area of the Geopark of Sitia is one of the most important and special environmental areas of Crete. Its geographical position at the eastern end of the island, which allowed the exchange of species from Asia Minor, combined with the intensely dry and hot climate of the area, has created a mosaic of habitats and ecosystems, some of which, such as the palm forest of Vai, are unique in the Mediterranean region.
ECOSYSTEMS – HABITATS
In eastern Crete, shrublands predominate, either in the form of low and dense fryganic vegetation (with a strong presence of aromatic plant species), or taller and sparse shrubs, depending on the location. The fauna is represented by most invertebrate and vertebrate Cretan species, but without the presence of many features found in the west of the island. Examples of characteristic absences include the common lizard of western Crete (Podarcis cretensis), the wild lizard (Capra aegagrus cretica), which is restricted only to the White Mountains, and many insect species for which Psiloritis and the Lassithi mountains are the eastern limits of their range.
Large forest ecosystems or clusters of trees do not occur in the area, except for the Phoenix theophrasti (Phoenix theophrasti), which dominates the Vai palm forest, and small concentrations of Quercus coccifera, Platanus orientalis and Ceratonia siliqua, usually in gorges and ravines.
The habitats observed in the area and recorded in the NATURA 2000 network sites are concentrations of juniper (Juniperus phoenicea) in coastal sand dunes such as in the area of Golden Sand in Vai and Katsounaki beach in Xerocampos, bushy vegetation and toadstools that dominate throughout the park area, the Mediterranean ecosystems of steppe-like physiognomy with agroforestry in the mountainous zone, the rocky habitats on steep slopes and gorges, the streams (‘Mediterranean rivers’) with periodic flows, Theophrastus palm groves, wetland systems and small Mediterranean lakes that are periodically flooded and, finally, agricultural land and crops, mainly vineyards and olive groves.
Among the most important habitats in the area are the small wetlands and seasonal wetlands, mainly due to the contrasts created by the very dry climate in the east.
These wetlands are formed in small river deltas and banks, around small lakes, in ephemeral salt lakes, in torrents, estuaries and lagoons. Among the most important wetlands in the area are the seasonal, salt marshes of Chiona in Palikastro and Alatsolimni in Xirokambos, the brackish wetland systems in Kouremenos and Karoumes Beach, the wetland system in Vai, the estuary of the stream in Kato Zakros, the permanent small lakes (telemas) of Maridati with brackish water and Ziros with fresh water, the unique wetland of the Skafidaras rice pond at the exit of the gorge of Agioi Panton, as well as the small, artificial water collections in the mountainous zone. Most of these wetlands are important islands of biodiversity, very critical for migratory species and therefore protected by international conventions and national legislation.
Two important streams with high water flows during most of the year are located in the area. These are the Choklakia and Zakros streams, which originate from the sources of Flegas and Zakros respectively and form streams that flow to the beaches of Karoumes and Kato Zakros, feeding the respective wetlands. Smaller springs are also found in other areas, such as in Skalia, where they create a small seasonal depression, in Voyla of Chandra and elsewhere.
Equally important habitats, however, are the coastal areas and rocky shores, which are home to numerous seabirds, migratory and coastal species. For most migratory birds wintering in Africa, Crete is a gateway. On their passage to and from Africa, the birds cross two inhospitable zones, the Libyan Sea and the Sahara Desert, covering 1,800-2,500 km in 50 hours. A total of 136 species are typical transhumant species for the island. Some come in the spring as they return from tropical Africa to the northern countries, where they nest and breed. These flocks then stop in Crete to rest.
One of the most important migratory birds of the area is the black-winged blackbird or boatman (Falco eleonorae).
PALM FOREST BYE
The Vai Palm Forest is one of the most important ecosystems and one of the best known and most visited landscapes of Crete, due to the fact that it is the only palm forest in Europe with the Phoenix theophrasti species. It is located in a depression of a basin that flows into the beautiful bay of Vai and spreads over an area of about 250 hectares. The palm forest of Vai is protected in multiple ways and at all possible levels by Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora. In particular, the Theophrastus palm (Phoenix theophrasti) is listed in Annex II and protected as a species, and the palm forest as a whole is considered a priority habitat under Annex I of the Directive. It is also classified as an Aesthetic Forest, a Special Protection Area for Birds and a Specially Protected Area under Protocol 4 of the Barcelona Convention. In addition to the palm tree, there are many shrubby species in the forest, the main ones being oleander (Nerium oleander), Pistacia lentiscus (Pistacia lentiscus) and, near the beach, laurel (Cistus creticus, Cistus salviifolius) and chicory (Erica manipuliflora). It is worth noting that the species Silene holtzmannii, which is also listed in Annex II of Directive 92/43/EEC, is also found in the area, as it is an endemic species of the Aegean.
CHLORIDA
Crete, with about 1800 species of plants, has a very rich flora for the size of the island, but also a very particular one, as shown by its high endemism rate (about 10%). The same factors that contribute to the formation of the island’s particular fauna (isolation, geological and cultural history, topography, size, etc.) have also contributed to the formation of its floral wealth. The mountain ranges of Crete are home to several dozen of these endemic species, sometimes in small pockets on their summits, sometimes in gorges, but often these species cover entire slopes of the Cretan mountains with their colour or their fragrance, creating unique landscapes in spring.
The World Geopark of Sitia is of particular floral interest. Among the hundreds of plant species it hosts, there are many endemic species that can be found throughout Crete, endemics of Crete and Kasos, as well as unique species known only from the southeastern Aegean. The whole area belongs to the Mediterranean Vegetation Zone, with the predominant vegetation being the Phrygian. There is little variation in vegetation, with a few exceptions in areas such as in and around the Vai Finikodas forest, and in some gorges with a strong presence of water, at least during the winter months (Zakros, Xirokampos, Chochlakia gorges). The presence of large areas of olive trees, vineyards and other tree crops is also important in terms of the flora.
The fir trees that cover many areas of the Geopark, both in the coastal and mountainous zones, are dominated by low, thorny and spherical shrubs such as asbestos (Sarcopoterium spinosum), thyme (Coridothymus capitatus), sea urchin (Genista acanthoclada), thymus (Satureja thymbra) and thistle (Euphorbia acanthothamnos). Along with these, there are also non-thorny shrubs such as heather (Erica manipuliflora), Ballota acetabulosa, sage (Salvia fruticosa) and olive (Cistus creticus, Cistus salviifolius). In smaller areas there are also taller shrubs that form the long shrubs and consist of skins (Pistacia lentiscus), asparagus (Calicotome villosa), wild olive trees (Olea europaea subsp. oleaster), Juniperus phoenicea, Quercus coccifera, Ceratonia siliqua, Nerium oleander and Euphorbia dendroides. In the gullies, also in the Zakros area, where water is abundant, there are plantains (Platanus orientalis), oleander (Nerium oleander) and wisteria (Vitex agnus castus).
The gorges of the area are a refuge for many important species of flora of the region. In particular, the gorge of Kato Zakros and the gorge of Chochlaki are home to a large number of plants and attract a large number of scholars and observers every year. Typical species hosted on the vertical limestone cliffs and in the bed of the streams are the rabbit’s foot (Aristolochia cretica), the dolphin (Delphinium staphisagria), Dianthus juniperinus, Euphorbia dendroides, Lecokia cretica, Ephedra cambylopoda, Nepeta melissifolia, Capparis spinosa, Dracunculus vulgaris, Campanula pelviformis and Campanula spatulata ssp. filicaulis), small-leaved cowslip (Phlomis lanata), oregano (Origanum onites), Tulipa saxatilis and many species of orchids.
In the coastal areas there are exclusively herbaceous plants, dominated by amaranths (Limonium graecum) and the endemic Limonium sitiacum, while on the beaches of Katsounaki and Argylos Xerocampos we can also find the sea lily (Pancratium maritimum).
NATIVE FLORA
As far as endemic species are concerned, two endangered species of silicon are spreading in the area. The sandy beaches of Kouremenos are home to populations of the endemic subspecies of eastern Crete Silene ammophila subsp. ammophila, while the islet of Vai Bay is the southernmost limit of distribution of the Holzmann’s silinia (Silene holzmannii), endemic to the south-eastern Aegean. Cape Sidero is also home to two narrow endemic species: Anthemis filicaulis and Asperula crassula, whose global population is restricted to this cape! Bellevalia sitiaca is also endemic to the eastern part of the prefecture of Lassithi and grows on rocky sites at low altitudes, while the coastal cliffs of the area are home to two other endemic species of Casos and the north-eastern tip of Crete: Limonium sitiacum and Carlina sitiensis. Also important is the presence of Carlina diae. Native to Crete, it has a limited distribution and a specialized but generally inaccessible habitat. Cave Sideros, Diosades, Moni Toplou Gorge
Also important species for the area are Viola scorpiuroides and Allium longanum, two African species of great importance for Europe, since their distribution is limited to Crete and Kythera, and Centaurea aegialophila, an Eastern Mediterranean species also of great importance for Europe, since its range is limited only to the NE region of Crete, mainly in the coastal zone of Plakopoules and Chiona, as well as in Kasos and Karpathos.
The Theophrastus Phoenix (Phoenix theophrasti) is classified as vulnerable in the IUCN Red List and is protected by Greek legislation. Its subpopulations are currently found in a few areas of Crete, with the most important and most numerous one in Vai, where it forms the famous palm forest.
Other important endemic flora species that can be found in the area are Campanula creutzburgii, Cirsium creticum , Crepis cretica, Cyclamen creticum, Galium graecum, Nepeta melissifolia, Petromarula pinnata, Symphytum creticum, Tulipa cretica, Ophrys sitiaca, Orchis sitiaca. On vertical rocks in the area there are also perennial grasses such as Origanum calcaratum, endemic to the south-eastern Aegean with a unique distribution in Crete between the villages of Roussas Εκκληsia and Kryoneri, Thymbra calostachya, which is endemic to the province of Sitia, and Ebenus cretica, which is endemic to Crete. The limestone rocks are also dominated by wild carnation (Dianthus juniperinus) and caper (Capparis spinosa).
PANIDA
The degree of isolation, the geological history, the mountainous terrain and the size of the island have contributed to the formation of a special fauna in Crete. The island is home to several thousand species of animals, with very high endemism rates in the various animal groups. Most of these are invertebrates (insects, spiders, isopods, myriapods, snails, etc.), such as the 130 different species of land snails, half of which live only in Crete, while many families of beetles, spiders, etc. are also highly endemic.
Due to its particular geographical position, the area of Sitia hosts a large number of the characteristic animals of the island, especially migratory birds. Twenty of the species of birds observed in the area (migratory, epidemic) are listed in the Red Book of Endangered Vertebrates of Greece.
Birds that can be observed by the visitor in the coastal areas are the white-fronted chickadee (Egretta garzetta), the artemis (Colonectris diomedea), the sea crow (Phalacrocorax aristotelis), the water vole (Hydrobates pelaficus), the reed bunting (Circus aeruginosus), the goosander (Larus audouinii) and the red-necked gull (Lanius senator). Among the birds of prey and scavengers, the most characteristic are the black-backed goshawk (Falco eleonorae), the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), the kestrel (Buteo buteo), the kestrel (Falco naumanni), the vulture (Gyps fulvus) and the vulture (Gypaetus barbatus). The vulture occasionally occurs in the area and is one of the most important species on the island, as the Cretan population is the only one breeding in the Balkans.
MUROPETRITIS or BARBAKI
The Black-headed Hawk or Eleonora’s Hawk (Falco eleonorae, “Varvaki” in An. Crete) is one of the most important migratory bird species hosted by Greece, since almost 85% of the world’s population breeds in the Aegean Sea and Crete. In all the Mediterranean islands, its populations are declining. Only in the steep cliffs of the Aegean and Cretan drylands (Cape Sidero, Elasa, Dionysades) is there a slight increase in the population. In autumn, the black-headed starling leaves Crete to follow the migratory birds on their migration to East Africa and spends the winter in Madagascar. Until the end of July, it feeds mainly on large insects (butterflies, dragonflies, cicadas and beetles), while from August to October, its diet turns exclusively to migratory birds, when they use the black-legged flycatcher’s nesting areas for passage southwards.
Every year, millions of birds travel from wintering grounds to breeding grounds and vice versa. Typically, these birds breed in the temperate or Arctic zone of the Northern Hemisphere and spend the rest of the year in warmer areas of the Southern Hemisphere. A total of 136 species are typical migrants for the island. Some come in the spring as they return from tropical Africa to the northern countries, where they nest and breed. These flocks, which cross the Mediterranean on their journey to and from Africa, stop in Crete to rest. The small coastal wetlands, scattered all over the island, and more recently the artificial reservoirs, are their favourite stops. So much so, in fact, that many overwinter in them.
Regarding mammals, 14 species have been recorded in the Park area, four of which are cetaceans, such as the strictly protected bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and Mediterranean seal (Monachus monachus), as well as the bottlenose dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) and the common dolphin (Delphinus delphis).
The most characteristic terrestrial mammals are the hare (Lepus europaeus), the weasel (Mustela nivalis), the skunk (Martes foina bunites), the badger (Meles meles), and the shrew (Acomys minous), while the Pipistrellus savii, a strictly protected species, is found in the caves.
Many of the eight reptile species and two of the three amphibian species in the area are included in Directive 92/43/EEC and the Bern International Convention. All three amphibian species of Crete are found in the area: the green toad (Bufo viridis), the tree frog (Hyla arborea kretensis), a subspecies endemic to Crete, and the Cretan endemic frog (Pelophylax cretensis).
One of the most important reptiles of the area is the river turtle (Mauremis caspica), the only species of water turtle in Crete that can be observed in streams in the palm forest of Vai, in the gorge at Toplou monastery and mainly in Kato Zakros. The sea turtle Caretta caretta also breeds on the sandy beaches of the palm forest of Vai, Kouremenos and Xerocampos. Very important species for the area are the lizards Podarcis cretensis, which is the only endemic species of lizard on the island, and the lizard (Chalcides ocellatus), which is distributed in Italy, Greece and North Africa and is mistakenly considered poisonous in Crete.
As for the snakes in the area, none are dangerous to humans. The tree snake (Hierophis gemonensis) and the house snake (Zamenis situla), the most beautiful snake in Greece, are completely harmless to humans, while the honeysnake (Telescopus fallax) is the only snake on the island with venom, but it is very weak and is secreted from the back teeth of the mouth, which makes it virtually harmless.
PROTECTED AREAS
The natural environment of the Geopark is therefore of particular ecological interest and value, with 6 areas included in the Natura 2000 network.
The ‘Zakros Mountains’ area with code GR4320016 SPA (ZEΠ Special Protection Area) for avifauna and is also classified as a Landscape of Special Natural Beauty. It is also included in the List of Important Areas for Birds of Greece compiled by the Hellenic Rational Society. The above area is also considered important especially for the vulture (Gypaetus barbatus), the vulture (Gyps fulvus) and the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos). The spring of Zakros, the Gorge of the Dead, the cave of the Pelekites and the rare flora and fauna of the area, as well as the many paths, attract many nature lovers and walkers.
The Natura 2000 site extends south of the village of Zakros and extends to the area of Xerocampos, including the entire mountain range of the area. The vegetation consists mainly of toadstools (dominated by the asphodel Sarcopoterium spinosum), while longleaf vegetation is very rare, mainly in valleys and gullies. Although the area generally receives little rainfall, there are notable springs and streams, which in turn create special ecosystems that are rare in eastern Crete. Ridges with plane trees (Platanus orientalis), oleander (Nerium oleander) and wisteria (Vitex agnus-castus) make up these habitats.
The northeastern edge of the Geopark, Cape Sidero, is included in the NATURA 2000 network under the name “Northeastern edge of Crete: Dionysades, Elasa and Sidero Peninsula”, with the code designation GR 4320006 SCI TCS (Sites of Community Importance) and GR4320009 SPA ZEΠ (Special Protection Area). The area has many natural and semi-natural terrestrial habitat types of the lower altitudinal zone of Crete, as well as a significant number of coastal wetlands. It has a very rich flora, which includes about 550 plants, of which 16 are endemic to Crete, 14 are endemic to Crete and the island complex of Kasos-Karpathos, 21 are endemic to Crete and the Aegean, 2 are narrowly endemic, 2 are almost narrowly endemic and 2 species are included in Directive 92/43/EEC. The avifauna includes about 170 species, of which 4 are classified as globally threatened and 60 species with an unfavourable conservation status in Europe. There are also 14 species of mammals, three of which are cetaceans, eight species of reptiles and two species of amphibians. Many of these are included in the 92/43/EEC Directive and the Bern Convention.
The soil is particularly geologically and soil diversity, as 12 different geological formations occur in the area.
One of the largest colonies of the Black-winged Petrel (Falco eleonoraea) is hosted on the Dionysades islands and the steep coast of the cape and the island of Elasa. Fourteen species of mammals have also been recorded, three of which are cetaceans, eight species of reptiles and two species of amphibians. Many of these are included in the 92/43/EEC Directive and the Bern International Convention. The landscape has retained a remarkable degree of naturalness despite the pressures exerted on it, mainly by agriculture and livestock farming and, more recently, by tourism.
Monastery of Kapsas (Kapsas Gorge and surrounding area) GR4320004 SCI (SCI Sites of Community Importance)
The area is located in the south-eastern part of Sitia. It includes a small gorge (3 km) known by the name of Moni Kapsas, or Pervolakia. Kapsas Monastery was founded in the 15th century and played a role during the last period of Turkish rule in the 19th century when the abbot was Gerontogiannis, a controversial personality about whom there are many legends, and who was declared a saint.
The habitats of the area include: Interior cliffs, escarpments, riverine landscapes and topsoil in good condition. The area is of great aesthetic value. It is also of great interest for its flora as some endemic species are rare.
The area contains 14 endemic and narrowly endemic plants. The geomorphology is also of great interest. Calcareous rocks of the Gabro-Tripoli series with numerous caves form the bedrock of the hills around the monastery of Kapsa and the north-south oriented fault gorge to the west of the monastery. In the bed of the gorge, which is dry for most of the year, the vegetation is the classic Cretan riparian vegetation and includes oleander Nerium oleander and Vitex agnuscastus.
The plant Tordylium hirtocarpum is protected by Greek legislation (Presidential Decree 67/81), Silene pinetorum is protected by Greek legislation (Presidential Decree 67/81) and is included in the Red List of Data (1993) in the category of endangered plants and is classified as rare, Brassica cretica ssp. cretica is a pot plant and a very rare plant. Other important flora species observed mainly in the canyon and on the vertical rocks are Anthemis tomentela, Campanula pelvifomis, Centavrea argentea, the plum or archon wood Ebenos creticum, Erysium creticum, Hypericum amblycalyx, Nepeta melissifolia, Phlomis lanata, Scutellaria sieberi, Stachys spinosa, Thymbra calostachya.
In the vertical rocks with the many caves many raptors and other bird species nest and find shelter.
Near the Monastery of Kapsas is the settlement of Goudouras. The name Goudouras is due to the plant Hypericum triquetrifolium ‘Agoudouros’, the ‘Erythraeum’ of antiquity, which once abounded and was used to sweep the threshing floors or as a substrate for drying grapes and figs.
Koufonissi, surrounding islands GR4320017 SCI (SCI Site of Community Importance) and Kavali islands GR4320015 SPA (SPA Special Protection Area)
The area includes the island of Koufonissi and the small islands of Stroggili, Makrouli and Marmaro in the north and Trachilos in the south. Koufonissi is a small island, one of the southernmost islands in Europe, along with Chrysi and Gavdos. This landscape is one of the rarest in Europe with the conditions prevailing in it having shaped the species of flora and fauna endemic to it. Characteristic vegetation is observed with the typical presence of perennial grasses, Lygeum spartum, and Crassifolium Erodium.
The marine part of the site is very representative and well preserved and consists of sea caves, reefs and meadows of Posidonia oceanica, a sea angiosperm native to the Mediterranean.
From a botanical point of view, the flora and vegetation is of great interest, since it is characterized by the continuing vegetation of North Africa, since many plants are endemic only to this small island and have been lost from the rest of Crete. There are endemic plants such as Colchicum cousturieri which is protected by the Bern Convention and Greek legislation and is included in the Red Book of Endangered Species. It is also included in Annex IV of Directive 92/43/EEC, Zygophyllum album, Helianthemum stipulatum and Astragalus peregrinus ssp. peregrinous and Erodium crassifolium and in the Red List of Threatened Species whose distribution is restricted to these islands. The biodiversity of the marine habitats is also very important. It is an excellent fishing and nesting ground for the Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachous and a nesting site for the sea turtle Caretta caretta.
The Kavali islands opposite Xerocampos are a cluster of three small islands with steep cliffs and scanty vegetation but of particular importance for the birdlife of the area as the Eleonora’s hawk or Black-headed Falcon Falco eleonorae nests on these cliffs.
HYDROTOPICS
The wetlands of Sitia Geopark are relatively small in size and scattered, but they are a good example of a network of island wetlands. Within the Geopark there are twelve natural and five artificial wetland areas and they are mainly located in the eastern coastal zone.
The natural wetlands range in size from two to 225 hectares and are either complex wetland systems (such as the Vai wetland, in Kouremenos and Karoumes), or estuaries, seasonal freshwater or saltwater estuaries.
All natural wetlands in the Municipality of Sitia are protected according to the Law for the Conservation of Biodiversity and other provisions (Law 3937/2011). In June 2012 – Government Gazette 229 , by presidential decree we have the approval of the list of small island wetlands and determination of conditions and restrictions for the protection and promotion of small coastal wetlands included in it. 6 wetlands of Sitia are included in this PDO.
The value of wetland areas
- Sitia’s wetlands are many small and vulnerable
- Due to their number and location they are of great importance for migratory birds
- They play a key role in the survival of aquatic animal and plant populations and endemic species
- They are very valuable as natural resources
- They are suitable areas for the development of alternative, low-impact forms of tourism
- They offer opportunities for recreation and environmental education and scientific research
- They stabilise the coastline by protecting it from erosion
- They act as a hydraulic barrier by preventing additional seawater intrusion (waterlogging) into the underground aquifer
The wetland of Kouremenos
The wetland of Kouremenos is located on the homonymous beach of Kouremenos in Palaikastro in the municipality of Sitia, code KR1004 WWF Greece.
It is about 2 km away from Palaikastro and occupies an area of about 40 acres.
It is a natural coastal wetland with a seasonal presence of brackish water, but in a marshy condition all year round and this is justified as it is located at approximately the same level as the sea.
The wetland is protected because it is located in a special conservation zone and within the boundaries of the Natura area code GR4320006. It is also protected as a landscape of outstanding natural beauty and is included in the Presidential Decree for the protection of small island wetlands in Greece (code: Y432KR1004).
Characteristic of these habitats is the intense evaporation during the summer months, resulting in salinity exceeding that of the sea, and the presence of alophytic vegetation dominated by Salicornia europea and Arthrocnemum macrostachyum (Armyrithra).
In the same area there is also the mouth of the ‘Kalogeropotamos’ river (Ramsar code F), which originates in the mountains of the municipality of Sitia and flows into the sea, forming an important wetland that preserves its waters all year round.
Wetland of Bimbikos (Kouremenou)
In the same area a few meters north of the wetland of Kouremenos there is a smaller but also natural and seasonal wetland of great aesthetic and environmental value.
It is located on the edge of the beach and the white sand that surrounds it often determines its boundaries according to the appetites of the elements. The area it occupies is 2.4 hectares with brackish water that roars during the summer.
Chiona Wetland
It is a great wetland – lake of great natural beauty, which is about 1.5 km from Palekastro. The area it occupies is 23.6 hectares.
It is located behind the homonymous beach of Chiona or Lenika as the area is normally called.
A sandy front separates the flooded area from the beach and the sea, trapping the water in the pond during the winter months.
The lake, which forms from October to May, has a sandy substrate that receives fresh water from surface runoff and the water table, while salt water enters the wetland via the winter wave through a communication channel in the south-eastern part of the lake. It is rich in fauna and attracts a large number of birds, usually migratory.
The area, apart from the protection regime that applies to the rest of the wetlands, is also protected by archaeology because it is located within the boundaries of the archaeological zone A in the archaeological area of Paleokastro, and also by a Presidential Decree for the protection of small island wetlands in Greece.
Wetland Maridati
It is a small wetland in a landscape of unparalleled natural beauty.
It is a natural coastal wetland with an area of 1.6 hectares and is located about 3.2 km northeast of Palaikastro.
This small wetland, which maintains its waters all year round, has existed since ancient times and according to reports it occupied a larger area. It is also reported that there were mullets and eels fished by local residents. Its waters are brackish because the lake that is formed is located a few metres from the sea, which is often enriched by winter waves. The main volume, however, comes from an underground spring and from the mouth of the stream in the ‘Maridati’ bay.
The vegetation in the riparian zone is composed of Juncus acutus (bogs), Arundo donax (reeds), Arthrocnemum macrostachyum, Typha domiciensis (fish), etc.
Wetland Vai
The Vai Palm Forest is located in the Municipality of Sitia, 6.4 km north of Paleokastro.
It has also been recorded as a wetland by the Greek Biotope/Wetland Centre (EKBY) under the code GR432405000 and the name “Vai marsh”. It is a natural, seasonal coastal wetland that ends in a wonderful sandy beach. The wetland as well as the whole area of the Vai palm forest is subject to a large area of approximately 248 hectares with a palm forest, freshwater springs and a small wetland area in the eastern part near the sandy beach. The water comes from the catchment area of the palm forest valley, which at its end forms ponds and marshes, with very important value for birdlife and a unique resting place for migratory bird passages. The Vai Palm Forest is a green oasis in an arid and arid-thermal area, but with significant biodiversity and a refuge for wildlife.
In addition to its strict protection status, because it is located in the heart of the Natura 2000 site, the palm forest is also classified as a special protection zone, a landscape of outstanding natural beauty and an aesthetic forest.
Wetland Alatsolimni
Alatsolimni is located in the area of Xirokambos, 1.2 km east – northeast of the settlement. It belongs administratively to the Municipality of Sitia.
It is also registered as a wetland by the EKBY under the code GR432406000 and the name ‘Xirokampos Lagoon, Zirou’. It is a seasonal salt lake surrounded by alophytic vegetation with an area of 119.8 ha. During the summer months, the Alatsolimni dries up and reveals a large area covered with salt. It is located just behind the beach with its fine sandy beach and its waters come from the sea with winter waves flooding it, from the catchment area (from precipitation) and rainwater.
Around the perimeter of the lake there is mainly alophytic vegetation with Arthrocnemum macrostachyum, Juncus acutus, Thymalaea hirsuta and Crithmum maritimum. It is an important wetland for the birds that frequent the area, especially during the migration and breeding season.
Marsh of Karumon
It is one of the few wetlands in excellent condition in Crete, with no signs of anthropogenic impacts. Coastal natural wetland system consisting of the estuary and seasonally flooded wetlands. Area.
Kato Zakros Rice Estuary
The wetland is located within the boundaries of the Special Protection Area ‘Zakros Mountains’ (code GR4320016) and the Wildlife Sanctuary. Typical estuary of a small seasonal flowing dirt stream that maintains stagnant brackish water during the summer months.
Pyrgioliki Zirou
Natural inland wetland. Permanent freshwater marsh. Area: 3 ha The wetland is home to the Cretan Frog Pelophylax cretensis and many migratory birds. Cinder Shrike – Ardea cinerea, White-throated Shrike – Egretta garzetta, Fishcock Plegadis falcinellus, Cryptic Shrike – Ardeola ralloides, Yellow-bellied Shrike – Motacilla flava feldegg, Purple Shrike – Ardea purpurea, etc.
Rice outcrop Spadefoot
Characterised as a small island wetland. Important habitat for the barred water turtle Mauremys rivulata, a common species of land turtle found in all wetlands on the island up to 800m elevation. It is also known as the river turtle, the bar-necked turtle and the black turtle.
