The best way for anyone to get to know the world is on foot. The island of Crete is a perfect example; since the roads do not reach many of the isolated beaches, the beautiful forests, the bare peaks of its mountains, the ancient settlements, or the “mitata” and the “koumous” (stone built shelters in the mountains used by shepherds for cheese making and as refuges). In the land of gorges ancient trails lead our footsteps into the heart of a virgin natural landscape which offers an abundance of stunning views and scents of the countryside to the traveler. The Madara (a word also meaning summer pastureland), as the local people call the mountain range, is a true observation deck with incredible views over the Cretan and Libyan Seas.
The famous caves of Chania number more than a thousand, containing unique remains from ancient times and beautiful chambers with stalactites and stalagmites. The Cretan wild goat makes its home in the cave strewn mountains. Rare birds of prey, such as the golden eagle and the bearded vulture, can be seen soaring above these peaks. Here is where the Cretan herb dittany (Origanum dictamnus) grows. It is unique to the island and has been known for its medicinal properties since ancient times.
