FAQ

The Botanical Garden of Crete is located in Chania Crete, at the 18th km of Fournes- Lakkoi- Omalos National road  and at the foothills of the White Mountains, just 25 minutes away from Chania city center.

Yes, many picturesque villages of Chania are located nearby. Some of these are: Fournes, Skines, Meskla, Karanou, Lakkoi, Orthouni, Alikianos, Vatolakkos, and others. We recommend sitting in the local cafes and taverns to enjoy the genuine Cretan hospitality.

The hike in the Botanical Garden lasts 1.5 to 2 hours. Our paths are characterized as an experiential walk and not as a hike. Of these paths, 1200 meters are downhill and the remaining 1200 meters are uphill.

The initiative was sparked by a catastrophic fire in 2003   in the area. The Garden was completed and officially opened to the public in 2010.

Visitors can combine a trip to the Omalos plateau, the Manousakis winery, as well as hiking in the "Meskla" area – Sarakina Gorge and the Kidoni Gorge in Karanou. The entrance to the Samaria Gorge is ideal for visiting and photography.

Yes, it is suitable for everyone, but elderly people, individuals with health issues, and overweight persons might find it tiring, as our paths are located on a slope and follow a circular - serpentine course.

Some parts of the trail are steep and may require carrying the stroller through uphill or uneven terrain.
For your comfort and safety, we do not recommend using a stroller inside the Garden.
It would be best to leave it at the entrance.

You can visit the park by car, taxi, or bus. The bus from the Chania intercity  central bus station (KTEL) departs daily from the station in the center of Chania at 9:30 am and returns at 2:30 pm. There are also other buses going towards the Omalos area that you can use.

The garden's restaurant uses local ingredients from the area, highlighting and preserving traditional recipes while also composing new culinary proposals with a focus on local products.

Yes. We serve desserts, coffee, snacks, and local teas.

Full access to our gardens, access to all common areas and parking.

Our path is not accessible for wheelchair users, as it extends on a slope.

Food and drinks are not allowed.

To preserve the natural environment and the animals that live freely within it, dogs are not allowed inside the Botanical Garden.

Photography is allowed and encouraged.

Guided tours can be arranged upon  request.

Yes, and it is free.

 Ρestaurant- Cafe,: Visitors can enjoy local cuisine and refreshments in a setting that celebrates the natural beauty surrounding them.

Α shop offering traditional Cretan products : Here, guests can purchase local products that represent the heritage and traditions of Crete.

An amphitheater with a seating capacity for 250 people: This space is utilized for various events, educational programs, and presentations, thereby enriching the cultural and educational offerings of the garden.

Yes. Please contact us for more informations

Our amphitheater is open to the public and events can be held there by contacting us. It has a capacity of 250 people.

There are many wild birds that you can admire in our gardens, as well as wild animals that you may encounter during your visit.

No. The Botanical  Garden of Crete is open to the public from early March to late November.

Yes. We serve vegetarian food as well at our restaurant.

There is no best season for a visit. Nature is wonderful throughout the entire operating period of our gardens.

You can see fallow deer (Dama dama from Rhodes), the Cretan ibex ( Cretan Aegagrus), donkeys, and many birds such as geese, chickens, waterfowls, peacocks, and others.

Yes. More than 60% of our garden area is shaded due to the dense vegetation.

You can smell the flowers, but it is prohibited to pick them. Understandably, picking the fruits is not allowed. However, in our restaurant, we always offer fruits to our visitors.

We host fruit trees, herbs, spices, and medicinal plants. The garden is divided into 5 sections: the garden of tropical trees, the garden of fruit trees, the garden with Mediterranean plants - herbs and aromatic plants, the garden with cherry trees, the garden with citrus fruits and vineyards.

Of course.

Nο, we dont provide this possibility yet.

Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to visit, although the most popular time for our gardens is around noon.

Our philosophy is to promote what our land produces. We offer jams, spoon sweets, olive oil, wine, honey, vinegar, herbs, soaps, books, and more.