FAQ
Below is shown a list of the most commonly asked questions about our Botanical Park and Gardens of Crete. For more information or inquiries, feel free to contact us at any time.
1 – Where the park is located?
Our Botanical Park and Gardens of Crete is located in Chania Crete, on the 18th km of Fournes- Lakkoi- Omalos National road, and on the foothills of the White Mountains of Crete. It is only 25 minutes away from Chania city center.
2- Are there any villages and taverns nearby?
Yes, Many picturesque villages of Chania are in close distance. To name a few: Fournes, Skines, Meskla, Karanou, Lakkoi, Orthouni, Alikianos, Vatolakkos and more. We suggest that you sit in taverns and coffee shops to enjoy Cretan delicacies. `
3- How long will it take to stroll around the park?
Botanical Park can be toured easily in 1.5 – 2 hours. Our trail is characterized as an experiential walk. 1200 meters have descent, and 1200 meters are ascending.
4- When and how did the Botanical gardens of Crete start?
A catastrophic fire was the reason back in 2003 . We began our operations in 2010.
5- With which side quests shall I combine the visit to the Botanical Park and Gardens of Crete?
Guests can make a stopover to the Omalos Plateau area, to the Manousakis Winery, as well as hiking into the “Meskla” – Sarakina Gorge area and Kidoni Gorge at Karanou. The Samaria Gorge entrance for photographs and sightseeing is also a nice side journey.
6-Is Botanical Park & Gardens of Crete suitable for everyone?
Botanical Park and Gardens of Crete is suitable for everyone. Although elderly, persons with inabilities and overweight persons may find it strenuous. This is due to the fact that our trail is located on a slope and in a circular dizzy pattern.
7-Are the Botanical Gardens of Crete pushchair accessible?
It is doable, however, you may find it difficult pushing the pushchair on the ascending and descending trail of our gardens.
8-How can I come to the park?
You can visit our park in a car, taxi or bus. The supraregional bus starts every day from the central bus station in Chania center at 9:30 and departs at 2:30. There are also many buses that go to the Omalos area that can be also taken.
9) Is there a restaurant in the Botanical Gardens of Crete and what is its etiquette?
We have a restaurant in which we serve local fresh products, maintaining and preserving local Cretan specialties and new meal suggestions through local products.
10) Is there a coffee shop?
Yes. We serve sweets, coffee, delicacies, and local tea.
11- What is included in the entrance ticket price?
Full access to our gardens, use of all common areas and parking.
12- Is Botanical Park and Gardens of Crete wheelchair accessible?
Our sloppy trail is not accessible via wheelchair in order to preserve the natural beauty of Crete.
13- Can I bring my own food and beverages?
Food and beverages are not allowed.
14- Can I bring my dog to your gardens?
In order to preserve the natural habitat and the free animals that stroll our park and gardens, dogs are not allowed inside our park.
15- Is photography permitted on Botanical Park and Gardens of Crete?
Photography is absolutely permitted and promoted.
16– Can I take a guided tour of your gardens in Crete?
Guided tours are available upon request.
17- Is smoking permitted in your park?
Smoking is prohibited on the paths of our park.
18- Is there room to park my car?
Yes, free of charge.
19- What are the facilities on site?
We have a restaurant- Cafe, a shop with traditional Cretan products and an amphitheater with a capacity of 250 persons.
20- We are a large group visiting. Can we hike in the park?
Yes. Please contact us for more.
21- I have something special in mind using the Amphitheatre. Can I use it for my event?
Our amphitheater is open to the public and events can be also arranged by contacting us. Its capacity is up to 250 persons.
22- I am a bird lover and wild animal observer. Are there any birds or wild animals?
There are many wild birds that can be found in our Gardens, as well as wild animals you may come across during your visit.
23- Are you open all year round?
We open from the beginning of March till the end of November.
24- Do you serve vegan food in the Restaurant?
Yes. Vegan food is also served in our restaurant.
25- What is the best season to come for a visit?
There is no ideal time for a visit. Nature is impeccably beautiful during the whole duration of our operation.
26- Which farm animals can I admire in the gardens?
You can find deers, the European fallow deer, Cretan Aegagrus as well as chickens, hens, moorhens, peacocks, donkeys and more.
27- Is there any shade in the park?
Yes. More than 60% of our gardens are shaded due to the vast vegetation.
28- Am I allowed to taste the fruits and smell the flowers in the Botanical Park and Gardens of Crete?
You can smell the flowers, although you are not allowed to cut any. For obvious reasons, fruit cutting is prohibited. We always treat our guests in our restaurant with fruits from our gardens.
29- What types of plants do you currently have?
We host fruit-bearing trees, Spices and pharmaceutical plants. The garden comprises of 5 sections: The tropical fruit trees garden/ the fruit-bearing trees garden, The Mediterranean/ spices/ herbs garden, the cherry trees garden, and the citrus- trees garden.
30- Can I pay with a Credit card?
Yes.
31- Can we take some seeds or plants from the gardens?
Nο, we dont provide this possibility yet.
32- What is the best time to stroll the gardens?
Early morning and late afternoon are best, although the most visited time for our gardens is during midday.
33- What items can i buy from Botanical Park?
Our philosophy is to promote our homeland’s products. We offer you marmelades, traditional sweets, olive oil, wine, honey, vinegar, herbs, soaps, books, and more.
