I enjoyed the sheer delight the leaders had in showing us the beautiful locations and what they had to offer, from the tiniest plant to the largest eagle. I came on this tour with an interest in botany but left with a new interest in birding. Hearing a nightingale, seeing bee eaters and a huge flock of purple herons were all highlights for me, but there were plenty of other wonderful occasions, too numerous to mention. The group shared their vast amount of knowledge, and the leaders were encouraging and patient with all of us. We visited a wide range of locations with varied habitats, all very well researched in advance. The food and accommodation were top class and our every need was met.
T.C. Worcestershire, Apr 22
Tour Itinerary and Reports
- Itinerary
- Tour report - April 2023
- Tour report - March 2023
- Tour report - April 2022
- Tour report - April 2022
- Tour report - March 2022
- Tour report - April 2019
- Tour report - April 2019
- Tour report - March 2019
- Tour report - April 2018
- Tour report - April 2018
- Tour report - March 2018
- Tour report - April 2017
- Tour report - April 2017
- Tour report - March 2017
- Tour report - April 2016
- Tour report - April 2016
- Tour report - April 2016
- Tour report - April 2015
- Tour report - April 2015
- Tour report - April 2015
- Tour report - April 2014
- Tour report - April 2014
- Tour report - April 2013
- Tour report - April 2013
- Tour report - April 2013
- Tour report - April 2012
- Tour report - April 2012
- Tour report - April 2011
- Tour report - April 2011
- Tour report - April 2011
- Tour report - April 2010
- Tour report - April 2010
- Tour report - April 2009
- Tour report - April 2009
- Tour report - April 2009
- Tour report - April 2009
- Tour report - April 2008
- Tour report - April 2008
- Tour report - April 2008
- Tour report - January 1970
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Crete in Spring
Tour Code: GRC02An 8-day holiday in search of the spring flowers and migrating birds on the island of Crete.
£1,895 (Inc flights)
£1,695
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
- Itinerary
- Tour report - April 2023
- Tour report - March 2023
- Tour report - April 2022
- Tour report - April 2022
- Tour report - January 1970
- Tour report - March 2022
- Tour report - April 2015
- Tour report - April 2015
- Tour report - April 2014
- Tour report - April 2019
- Tour report - April 2011
- Tour report - April 2017
- Tour report - March 2019
- Tour report - March 2017
- Tour report - April 2016
- Tour report - April 2013
- Tour report - April 2019
- Tour report - April 2013
- Tour report - April 2018
- Tour report - April 2016
- Tour report - April 2010
- Tour report - April 2009
- Tour report - April 2011
- Tour report - April 2017
- Tour report - April 2014
- Tour report - April 2013
- Tour report - April 2012
- Tour report - April 2012
- Tour report - March 2018
- Tour report - April 2011
- Tour report - April 2018
- Tour report - April 2008
- Tour report - April 2008
- Tour report - April 2009
- Tour report - April 2009
- Tour report - April 2016
- Tour report - April 2008
- Tour report - April 2010
- Tour report - April 2015
- Tour report - April 2009
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Quick Enquiry
Summary
Crete boasts one of the most diverse floras in Europe, with over 1,600 species of flowering plant, 139 of which are endemic. The island also lies on a major bird migration route. Our spring tours to Crete begin in Plakias on the southern coast, from where we explore the dramatic Imbros Gorge and orchid-rich hills around the village of Spili. We then conclude with three nights in western Crete based in the old capital of Chania. Bird and botany highlights are many, but include Collared Flycatcher, Lammergeier, Snake's-head Iris and Drooping Star of Bethlehem.
Please note our latest departure will see many of the orchids past their best, so please remember this when making a booking.
- Gentle-paced 2-centre holiday focusing on birds & flowers
- Lammergeier, Little Crake & Ruppell's Warbler
- Over 40 species of orchid, including the endemic Cretan Bee Orchid
- Minoan archaeology at Phaestos
- Dramatic scenery of the Samaria Gorge & Omalos Plateau
- Direct flights from the UK
- Sample local Cretan cuisine
- Expert guidance by Naturetrek botanist & ornithologist
Grading
Grade A/B. Day walks only.
Crete is the largest of the Greek Islands, being 258 kilometres long and 56 kilometres wide. To its south, across the Libyan Sea, lie the shores of North Africa; to the north lie the islands of the Cyclades and Dodecanese. Crete itself is dominated by four mountain chains which are largely limestone in content and stretch, like the backbone of a great sea monster, from its eastern to its western shores, rising at their highest point to 2,450 metres. From these heights, clear mountain streams empty into the Aegean Sea to the north. To the south the streams have cut deep gorges before entering the Libyan Sea, and many dry out under the intense heat of the summer sun.
Crete’s northern coast has been cultivated for thousands of years. Here, olives, grapes, melons, peaches, oranges and cereals are grown, and the ubiquitous sheep and goats are still pastured as in Biblical times. The island’s climate, position, and variety of both altitude and terrain have created its outstanding — indeed world-renowned — flora. Not only are there over 1,600 species of flowering plant, of which at least 139 are endemic, but the display of colour along each roadside verge is breathtaking. The intense reds of poppies; the delicate pink of Silene colorata blending so well with the pale purple of Sea Stock; the red, yellow and white of Ranunculus asiaticus; the pink of gladioli in the fields, and everywhere the pale yellow of Crown Daisies make Crete a most colourful island in spring.
Our visit to Crete will also coincide with the northward migration of birds visiting Europe for the summer. Greek islands are their stepping stones, and indeed the final destination of many of the most colourful species. We will watch for herons and birds of prey as they fly in off the sea, for ‘falls’ of passerine migrants in coastal maquis and olive groves, and for waders feeding in the tiny marshy fields. At this season the coastal scrub can hold Icterine, Subalpine, Eastern Bonelli’s and Olivaceous Warblers, Collared and Pied Flycatchers, and Black-eared and Isabelline Wheatears. Overhead, Swifts and Bee-eaters hawk for insects. Crete also has its own eastern Mediterranean specialities; amongst them, the elegant Rüppell’s Warbler, and the Eleonora’s Falcon which can be seen flying at dusk along most shorelines in late spring. In the mountains, a good population of Griffon Vultures can be found, together with the rarer Bonelli’s and Golden Eagles, and Lammergeier.
With the recurring theme of occupation followed by heroic battles for liberation, Crete’s history is unusually rich, and we do not plan to ignore it. The Romans, Venetians, Turks and Nazis have all tried to suppress these quiet, cheerful people. All have failed, leaving only the relics of their occupation behind them. Most fascinating of all Crete’s settlers were the fun-loving Minoans, the remains of whose palaces and villages lie scattered throughout the island.
During our 8-day stay we will be based for the first four days in the picturesque seaside town of Plakias on the south coast. This will allow us the opportunity to explore the dramatic gorges of Imbros, Kotsiphos and Kourtilotiki and the hills around the little town of Spili, famous for its orchids, tulips and other wonderful flora. Other explorations will include the Minoan Palace of Phaestos which, with its view of plain and mountain, has the most awe-inspiring location of all Minoan sites. It also provides an excellent hilltop bird migration viewpoint and flower-rich slopes with possible Monkey Orchid and Eastern Serapias. We will visit the Late Minoan Cemetery at Armeni with its cool Valonia Oak woodland and the atmospheric monastery at Moni Prevelli. From there we will explore the back roads of the verdant Amari Valley, famous for its apple, cherry and almond orchards, and Byzantine churches.
Western Crete is perhaps less well known, but is greener than the east and has some dramatic scenery. On one day we will head to the top of the spectacular Samaria Gorge, where we will keep our eyes skyward for Lammergeier, but walking on the Omalos Plateau we shall be torn between birds and the amazing display of iris, tulips and anemones. We return to Chania via the reed-fringed reservoir at Ayia to look for Great Reed Warblers and Little Crake. On another day we will visit the peaceful Akrotiri Peninsula and spend time searching the extensive olive groves around the monastery of Agia Triada for migrant flycatchers, warblers and Golden Orioles. By now under the island’s spell, we must return to London, well satisfied with the colour, history and natural history of Crete.
Outline Itinerary
What's Included?
- Flights
- Accommodation:
This is a 2-centre holiday, using small family-run hotels in Plakias and Chania, where all rooms have private facilities.
- Food:
All food is included in the price.
Reviews
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Naturetrek’s Spring trip to Crete this April was very enjoyable. This was my first time in Greece and I had a great time. The expertise of the two leaders, Jenny and John, for birds and botany was thoroughly engaging. Their experience in knowing the best places to go made our visit interesting and relaxing. Some Cretan history and culture added to the variety. Great hotels and good food too. A good all-round holiday with the emphasis on natural history. I would go again!
F.W. Warwickshire, Apr 19 -
The tour leaders catered for a range of interests. Personally, I am interested in a wide range of natural history, landscape, history and culture. This trip had them all. This was my first visit to Crete, and I really enjoyed all aspects of it. It left me wanting more, and I hope to return.
F.W. - Warwickshire -
Both David Tattersfield and Peter Dunn were excellent at their particular specialities. David, especially, led the trip very well indeed, was an excellent communicator with information about Crete generally, consideration for everything, and deserves high praise.
M.K. Hampshire -
The birdwatching and botanising was excellent - truly remarkable finds, thanks to Tim Melling's leadership and acute observation and David's expertise and tenacity, exciting novices & proficient members of the group alike!
Mrs B. Hampshire -
Tim Melling is brilliant, indefatigable and fun. Tom Brereton was also persistent at tracking down small plants for determined amateurs! And always helpful and kind to this oldie who is inclined to forget names! I enjoyed the company and the format of the holiday very much.
Mr E. London -
I must mention the contribution of the leaders, Tim and Tom. They were both excellent - relaxed but professional, and endlessly good-humoured, patient, and enthusiastic. And knowledgeable of course! - its always fascinating to be out in the field with experienced naturalists.
H.B. Norfolk -
The tour was excellent and Jenny and John were knowledgeable, helpful friendly and very hardworking. We saw birds and plants we had never seen before.
L.F.N. Ireland -
David is a superb leader and very attentive to the requirements of the group. Always approachable and willing to go the extra distance to fulfil the wishes of the group paying particular attention to members as they require it. My knowledge of plant species was not great at the start but his enthusiasm was very infectious, and not just for plants, but those people interested in birds were also catered for in some depth. I thoroughly enjoyed my first Naturetrek holiday and will travel with you again sometime next year.
J.P. Suffolk -
It was both a pleasure and a privilege to have the company of David Tattersfield as tour leader. Nothing was too much trouble for him. Whilst we both love and appreciate birds and wildflowers we are far from expert and he was endlessly patient with our sometimes naive questions! We are greatly indebted to him for organising an anniversary cake at the end of one of many memorable meals in well chosen restaurants. It was a really nice touch.
M.W. Oxfordshire -
The itinerary worked well, as it's been honed over many years. Good variety of wildlife over a good range of sites. Archaeological interest too, and some historical sites. The tour leaders were excellent and really made the trip. The Alianthos Beach Hotel in Plakias was particularly good, with excellent buffet for breakfast and evening meal.
S.L. Shropshire -
It was quite overwhelming and such a joy. The days were filled with excursions to remote locations, where our knowledgeable and friendly leaders took us to out-of-the-way places, where we could see remarkable and lovely plants and birds. The temperature difference between the mountains and the coast was surprising, and so we went from the chill of the uplands to the warm coast, where we enjoyed excellent meals in the evening.
D.O. Bedfordshire -
Eight days were spent exploring the wilder areas of the island, divided between Plakias in the south and Chania in the north and staying in two very comfortable hotels. We were rewarded by wall to wall sunshine which made our expeditions and picnic lunches that much more enjoyable. One particularly memorable event was traversing the Imbros Gorge. With such a rich history it was only right that our leaders included visits to some of the most interesting archaeological sites, also to get a flavour of the Greek culture our evening meals took in a wide variety of local dishes.
J.D. Wiltshire -
Lovely, small group of people with varying degrees of expertise in plant and bird recognition (me being at the lower end of the scale) and two enthusiastic and committed leaders who made the whole experience superb. Two centres, so plenty of variety and different opportunities to see what western Crete has to offer. I'd do it again tomorrow.
E.V.W. Hampshire -
A guided Naturetrek holiday which enabled us to explore the best of the wonderful variety and stunning beauty of Crete's nature - its birds, flowers (especially wild orchids and bulbs), scenery, landscapes and archaeological sites. There was plenty of time to explore and take photos, with lovely walks, including all the way down Imbros Gorge. The meals were fantastic... Transport throughout was in 2 comfortable minibuses, the guides were so friendly, accommodating and knowledgeable, enabling us to get the maximum enjoyment and fulfilment from every aspect of the holiday, exploring hidden places and seeing birds and wild flowers which we would never have found by ourselves. The group size (16) was ideal. We just had to turn up on time - and everything was sorted out for us.
M.B. Devon -
This combination of leaders works particularly well. We had glorious weather and plentiful botany to see and enjoy. The Omalos plateau was a joy with its tulips and anemones and a wonderful way to end the trip. We had full days and a very satisfactorily tiring ones! It's good to be tired at the end of a day well-spent!I liked to combination of half-board and Plakias and bed and breakfast at Chania.
J.S. Cornwall -
The most wonderful holiday made extra good by the excellent guides. A new interest kindled in birdwatching and learning how to use my camera properly!
J.W. Hampshire -
Good variety of content - plants, birds, culture, history, landscape. Excellent guides - extremely knowledgeable and went out of their way to ensure everyone's enjoyment and comfort. Excellent group dynamics!
Mr & Mrs L. Borders -
I really enjoyed Crete, and saw more orchids than I expected. I looked at the ground rather than birds, but still enjoyed seeing the birds. Plus good weather.
G.B. West Sussex -
Excellent tour leaders. Good balance of flowers and birds. Weather perfect for orchids, anemones and other flowers.
E.H. Suffolk -
Our leaders were great, knowledgeable and enthusiastic and were so good with newcomers who had little experience of botany (me!). Really enjoyed the cultural sites and the walking. A lovely balance and a fab bunch of people.
R.W. London -
The knowledge and experience of both tour leaders, we learnt and saw so much. The size of the group was perfect and we were fortunate to have a group that worked well together and we had a lot of fun.
S.W. London -
Came home feeling that I had learnt a lot about Crete. All the 'highlights' of the itinerary were covered!
J.J. Worcestershire -
Mixture of flora, birds and archaeology. I liked the variety and learnt a lot. Both John and Jenny really worked hard to make sure that we were all involved and saw what we wanted to see - a big thank you to them.
A.W. Cheshire -
The tour leaders' knowledge of both the area and their specialisations was very impressive. While I've visited western Crete a couple of times some twenty years ago, there's nothing like being taken to places by people who know what to look for and where to look for it. The hotels were both good, and Hotel Horizon is a particularly good find, with lovely rooms (it was wonderful waking to the sound of the sea and sparrows).
D.S. London
Dates & Prices
2025
Tour Leader: Bruce Middleton
Bruce Middleton lives in Hampshire and is a botanist, ecologist, wildlife artist, wildlife photographer and a honey bee keeper. He has worked for a range of voluntary organisations such as: British Trust for Volunteers and the British Trust for Ornithology. Bruce has had over 25 years in landscape and species conservation management working for West Sussex County Council, Sussex Downs Conservation Board, South Downs Joint Committee and the South Downs National Park Authority. He is currently a freelance wildlife Consultant and surveyor. He has an all-round interest in natural history who loves botanising all over the British Isles and Europe.
Tour Leader: Nathan Long
Nathan's passion for wildlife began during childhood, inspired by his naturalist grandparents. With a special interest in ornithology, he studied photography at university carving out a career as a photographer, with his work published in the International Bird Photographer of the Year competition. Combining his love for conservation, travel, and engaging people with nature, Nathan spent several years in New Zealand as a tour guide where he introduced tourists to the country's natural wonders, exploring some of the most scenic and remote parts of the South Island. Eventually returning to the UK, Nathan utilized his ornithological expertise at the British Trust for Ornithology. Now based in Cambridge, Nathan works as the Corporate Partnerships Manager for The Wildlife Trust for Beds, Cambs and Northants and is proud to support the charity’s conservation work.
Nathan's love of nature and travel has taken him around the globe. He has encountered Thorny Devils and Lyrebirds in Australia, Mountain Gorillas and Shoebills in Uganda, Yellow-eyed Penguins and Kiwis in New Zealand, and Mayan Ant Thrushes and Boa Constrictors in Mexico. A highlight of his travels was swimming with Humpback Whales in Tonga. A keen scuba diver, Nathan seizes any opportunity to also explore underwater life, including diving with Thresher Sharks in the Philippines, Manta Rays in the Maldives, and schools of Barracuda in Borneo.
Tour Leader: Nathan Long
Nathan's passion for wildlife began during childhood, inspired by his naturalist grandparents. With a special interest in ornithology, he studied photography at university carving out a career as a photographer, with his work published in the International Bird Photographer of the Year competition. Combining his love for conservation, travel, and engaging people with nature, Nathan spent several years in New Zealand as a tour guide where he introduced tourists to the country's natural wonders, exploring some of the most scenic and remote parts of the South Island. Eventually returning to the UK, Nathan utilized his ornithological expertise at the British Trust for Ornithology. Now based in Cambridge, Nathan works as the Corporate Partnerships Manager for The Wildlife Trust for Beds, Cambs and Northants and is proud to support the charity’s conservation work.
Nathan's love of nature and travel has taken him around the globe. He has encountered Thorny Devils and Lyrebirds in Australia, Mountain Gorillas and Shoebills in Uganda, Yellow-eyed Penguins and Kiwis in New Zealand, and Mayan Ant Thrushes and Boa Constrictors in Mexico. A highlight of his travels was swimming with Humpback Whales in Tonga. A keen scuba diver, Nathan seizes any opportunity to also explore underwater life, including diving with Thresher Sharks in the Philippines, Manta Rays in the Maldives, and schools of Barracuda in Borneo.
2026
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There are few more pleasing sights in the natural world than a meadow filled with wildflowers. Seeing plants in their native habitat is always exciting and our flower tours offer you an incredible choice, from dazzling tropical blooms and the thrill of finding elusive orchids or delicate alpines, to seeing island endemics or British flora. Our tours range from week-long holidays focusing on the ‘Alpine flowers of the Swiss Alps’, the ‘Italian Dolomites’ and the ‘Alpine Flowers of Slovenia’s Julian Alps’, to orchid-hunting on Italy’s Gargano Peninsula and searching for the Autumn Plants of Greece’s Peloponnese. We also visit more remote areas of the world in search of plant-life, from the Tien Shan Mountains of Kazakhstan where we look for wild tulips, to the rainforests and spiny deserts of Madagascar where over 80% of the flora is endemic.
Many of us want to know more about the plants we see around us. Whether inspired by an appreciation of the aesthetic appeal of flowers, or a more focused desire to identify individual species, everyone with an interest in botany will derive pleasure from joining one of Naturetrek’s flower tours.
Why choose Naturetrek’s botanical holidays?
- All our botanical holidays are led by expert botanist guides
- All levels of interest and expertise are catered for, from hobby gardeners and complete beginners to keen botanists who wish to explore a new area with the help of a knowledgeable leader
- We keep the overall focus on flora, though expert guidance is also given on other wildlife
What can I expect on a typical Naturetrek botanical holiday?
- Travel with a group of like-minded people
- Stay at a comfortable hotel or lodge, close to an area of outstanding botanical interest
- Enjoy a series of leisurely day excursions with ample time to appreciate the local flora
In addition to our dedicated flower tours, we also offer holidays with a wider theme to encompass birds, butterflies and other aspects of natural history as well as the flora. Our spring tours to 'Crete' and ‘The Island of Cyprus’ are both timed to allow us to enjoy the botanical highlights as well as the spring bird migration, whilst ‘Croatia and Slovenia – Spring in Istria’ also allows time to enjoy a little of the local culture. ‘Romania – the Wildlife of Transylvania’ combines an appreciation of the flora of the Carpathian Mountains with birding, butterflying and a trip to look for Brown Bears from a purpose built hide, and our holidays in both the ‘French Pyrenees’ and the ‘Spanish Pyrenees’ combine birds, butterflies and botany throughout the week.
Our specialist recommends...
David Tattersfield - Tour Leader
Birding Tours Led by Expert Naturalists
The majority of our wildlife tours focus primarily on birds, allowing us to offer a huge choice of bird holidays. On most of our birdwatching tours we aim to see a wide variety of species, while taking time to enjoy other wildlife as well as cultural highlights and architecture.
Naturetrek Birdwatching Tours
We have one of the largest selections of professionally organised, small group birdwatching holidays around the world and all of our birdwatching tours are accompanied by at least one professional ornithologist leader with detailed knowledge of the area.
The majority of our bird tours have a relaxed, flexible approach which allows more time for photography, detailed wildlife exploration, leisure time and the region’s people, culture, history and architecture, while allowing the group to see a wide range of bird species.
Here is a small selection of our many bird holidays:
- Southern Morocco – an exploration of the birdlife in Morocco’s southern deserts, oases and mountains
- The Camargue in Spring – a short break to enjoy the spring birds of the Rhône Delta and Camargue wetland
- Wallcreepers & Cranes in Northern Spain – a 2-centre holiday focusing on Lammergeier, Wallcreepers, raptors, Cranes, bustards, sandgrouse and more!
- Madeira & Desertas Islands – A Seabird Extravaganza! – a short break focusing on special breeding seabirds, including a night on the remote Destertas Islands
- Peru – Macaws & Machu Picchu – searches for boobies, macaws and Inca Terns
- Spain & Morocco: Birding on Two Continents! – watch the spectacular spring bird migration from both sides of the Straits of Gibraltar
Our Bargain Birdwatching Selection
Our Bargain Bird Tours are intensive birdwatching holidays suitable for the serious birder. They are led by expert English-speaking local guides (and not accompanied from the UK by a tour leader). You can expect a higher-paced tour and to spend long hours in the field.
Our specialist recommends...
Byron Palacios - Tour Leader
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Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?
For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.
EnquireTour Reports
- Tour report - April 2023
- Tour report - March 2023
- Tour report - April 2022
- Tour report - April 2022
- Tour report - March 2022
- Tour report - April 2019
- Tour report - April 2019
- Tour report - March 2019
- Tour report - April 2018
- Tour report - April 2018
- Tour report - March 2018
- Tour report - April 2017
- Tour report - April 2017
- Tour report - March 2017
- Tour report - April 2016
- Tour report - April 2016
- Tour report - April 2016
- Tour report - April 2015
- Tour report - April 2015
- Tour report - April 2015
- Tour report - April 2014
- Tour report - April 2014
- Tour report - April 2013
- Tour report - April 2013
- Tour report - April 2013
- Tour report - April 2012
- Tour report - April 2012
- Tour report - April 2011
- Tour report - April 2011
- Tour report - April 2011
- Tour report - April 2010
- Tour report - April 2010
- Tour report - April 2009
- Tour report - April 2009
- Tour report - April 2009
- Tour report - April 2009
- Tour report - April 2008
- Tour report - April 2008
- Tour report - April 2008
- Tour report - January 1970
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Why Naturetrek?
At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:
- The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
- Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
- Outstanding value and exceptional customer service
Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!