Route: Crete Botanical Garden
Area: Crete
Date of walk: 24th April 2026
Walkers: Andrew and Gilly
Distance: 1.5 miles
Ascent: 300 feet
Weather: Rain, light at first and then heavy
Rain was forecast today and reluctantly we postponed our plans for a proper walk and decided on a garden visit. The obvious choice was the Crete Botanical Garden
The garden was born as the result of a catastrophic fire in 2003, when a vast area of land was destroyed and one hundred thousand ancient olive trees were burned. In the words of the landowner and founder of the garden “Looking at the scorched land, my only thought was to regrow our trees and flowers, to bring life back to our land”
The garden covers around 200 acres and a one way path snakes its way among fruit trees, herbs, spices and ornamental plants from all over the world. April is a good time to visit, as many of the plants which would not yet be in flower in the UK are at their peak, including geranium, wisteria and roses
As we made our way along the paths (some quite steep) the rain, which had been light at first, gradually became heavier and we had to take shelter at one point. Photo opportunities were limited, and it’s a shame that the surrounding mountainous countryside was mostly shrouded in low cloud. Despite the conditions, we greatly enjoyed our visit to the Botanical Garden of Crete
Click here for a floral map of the garden – a route map isn’t necessary as there’s only one way around the garden, and a garden plan is given to visitors on arrival
Scroll down – or click on any photo to enlarge it and you can then view as a slideshow
On the way to the botancial garden we made a short detour to see the famous olive tree of Vouves. One of the oldest olive trees in the world (estimates vary between 2,000 and 4,000 years old), it still produces olives today
Entrance to Crete Botanical Garden, where the burned out shells of two ancient olive trees bear witness to the 2003 wildfire which destroyed thousands of trees aged from 100-5,000 years old. The garden is reborn from the ashes
We set off along the path, which is one way. There are numerous ups and downs as the route weaves around gullies in the hills
Light rain and dull light marred the views over the surrounding hills
The feathery fronds of a palm tree
Brunfelsia pauciflora, commonly known as the "Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow" plant
Coral Tree
We continue around the garden as the rain becomes heavier
Jerusalem Sage, which we'd seen on most of our walks in Crete
A Manuka bush, commonly known as a New Zealand tea tree...
I think these are osteospermum, or African daisies
Bird of Paradise Flower, the national flower of Madeira, which we'd seen on many of our walks there
Calycanthus, or sweetshrub
The path descends down a gully (the garden isn't suitable for wheelchair users or anyone with limited mobility)
We pass under a bamboo arch
After sheltering from a heavy downpour, we carry on through an orange grove
A peacock, one of several in the garden
One of many quirky design features - wine bottles set into a wall
Wisteria in full bloom
We make our way to the exit. We could have wished for better weather, but we'd enjoyed our time here
