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The island of Chrissi, or “Chryssea” as it was known in antiquity, is named after the beautiful golden sand that covers most of its area. It also goes by the name of Gaidouronissi (“donkey island”), a paraphrase of Gadaronissi, which means island of the Gadarenes (a biblical people who inhabited the city of Gadara, located southeast of the Sea of Galilee in Jordan).
A most idyllic location, Chrissi rightly belongs to the Natura 2000 network of protected areas and is designated as an area of exceptional natural beauty. It has also been designated as a wildlife refuge. Jewel of the Libyan Sea, Chrissi lies 8 nautical miles south of the city of Ierapetra. It extends approximately 5km in length and its maximum width does not exceed 1.5km. Its sandy coasts28 are bathed by shallow, turquoise waters. Its most distinctive feature is the millions of tiny seashells that cover its exotic beaches and give them a characteristic pink shimmer. Some of its most famous beaches include Belegrina27 (or Chrissi Akti = golden coast) Hatzivolakas, Avlaki, Kentra, Kataprosopo, Vlychada, Vougiou Mati30 and Frangou Mnima (situated close to one of the island’s two salt pans). Belegrina offers tourist amenities and is crowded during the summer months, while Hatzivolakas, Avlaki, Kentra and Kataprosopo are more secluded. Despite its small size, Chrissi is home to a remarkably rich biodiversity. More than 100 species of plants (a significant portion of the Cretan flora) are found on the island and on neighboring Mikronisi. Many of these are protected by national and international treaties, such as the endemic flower Silene ammophila ssp. ammophila, which is protected by Presidential Decree 67/1981 and is identified by the IUCN’s European Red List as a “threatened species.” Also, the rare colchicum species Colchicum cousturieri Greuter (or C. cupanii ssp. cupanii), protected by the Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats and by Presidential
Decree 67/1981, is noted in the European Red List as “vulnerable.”
The sand dunes in the center of the island harbor one of the most important natural habitats (Council Directive 92/43/EEC), a lush juniper forest of Juniperus oxycedrus ssp. macrocarpa stretching across the landscape. Many trees are as old as 200 years and stand as tall as 10m, with a trunk diameter of 1m. The forest also includes the species Juniperus macrocarpa and Juniperus phoenicea. The tree roots can attain total lengths of tens of meters, and, along with the foliage that reaches all the way to the ground, help to retain and protect the sand. Because of the strong winds that blow year-round, the trees often grow parallel to the ground, offering a unique sight. Other forms of vegetation found on the island include sand-loving species, such as shrubs, thyme, heath, and rock roses, as well as certain bulbous plants, such as the sea onion. The island’s fauna is also diverse and comprises insects of the order Coleoptera (beetles), lizards of the species Cyrtodactylus kotschyi and Podarcis erhardii werneriana29, the cat snake (Telescopus fallax), and the rodent species Mus musculus and Rattus rattus alexandrinus. Marine biodiversity includes mostly gastropods, scaphopods and elasmobranchs. In the past, loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) and the monk seal (Monachus monachus) used to be spotted in the area, but intense human presence has driven them away. Avian fauna mainly consists of migratory bird species, which use the island as a rest stop. Geology and paleontology enthusiasts will have the opportunity to admire some impressive geological formations. The island’s striking red, green and black rocks are the result of undersea volcanic eruptions that occurred millions of years ago. Οn the northern beaches, bivalve fossils have been discovered in volcanic rocks dated before the island had emerged from the sea and brought them to light.
Chrissi is under constant threat from human-induced environmental degradation. The most common threats include: logging; sand dune and juniper forest degradation from tourist activities; tourist amenities (bars, parasols, sunbeds); littering; sand and shell removal by visitors; introduction of foreign species (hares, partridges, sheep and goats); grazing; and, poaching. As a result, and in the framework of Natura 2000, the following activities are strictly prohibited: overnight camping; lighting of any kind of fire; entry into the juniper forest; removal of sand, rocks, seashells and any kind of flora or fauna; littering and any form of pollution; traveling outside the specially designated trails; use of motorized vehicles (ATVs, etc.); and, smoking in the forested areas.

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Ten special plants of Crete
This is a selection of 10 flowers that are endemic (found only on Crete), near-endemic or notable species. Many of these 10 flowers are listed in the Greek Red Data Book, which means they are considered a priority for conservation effort.

Anchusa cespitosa
This is a rare endemic which is only found in the mountainous Lefka Ori in western Crete. The stemless, vibrant blue flowers are unmistakable, blooming from April to July in soil pockets, dolines, and rocky slopes. In older plants the flowers form a ring at the freshly growing edge of the mat. |

| Biarum davisii ssp davisii
This must be one of the strangest little flowers, which can fancifully be likened to a little alien sitting, as it does, in gravel and among rocks. It is a member of the same family as the arum, and its creamy/pink spathe surrounds the hidden flowers. Listed as rare in the Greek Red Data Book, it is probably more widespread than previously believed and can form large colonies. This fascinating endemic is in flower from October through November.

C ampanula cretica (Symphyandra cretica)Cretan Bellflower
This large and often showy endemic campanula is only found in western Crete, where it blooms in profusion on roadside and steep rocky banks and shady cliffs. It is localized and listed in the Greek Red Data Book of endangered species. Colours range from white, through pink to blue and its flowers can be appreciated from June through to September. |  |

Crocus sieberi ssp sieberi
Sieber’s crocus
This superb endemic crocus is difficult to find, even when its growing site is known. It blooms just as the snow melts and is therefore unpredictable. On Crete it is the only spring flowering crocus: however, in cold years it has been recorded in flower as late as June. Its tepals are white on the outside and suffused with purple to violet/black on the outside.

Paeonia clusii ssp clusii Clusius’s peony
This must be one of the most beautiful plants on Crete. It is an endemic of woodland, scrub, garrigue and rocky places and flowers between March and May. Its large, cup-shaped flowers have a wonderful scent and so, sadly, it is often gathered for indoor arrangement. Its colours range from white through the pinks to a most delightful raspberries and cream ripple effect, but those with an intense deep pink are the most stunning. P. clusii also has to contend with goats, which seem to find its leaves irresistible.

| Scilla nana (Chionodoxa nana)
Glory of the Snow
Another spring flowering endemic that is difficult to catch in bloom. Like C. sieberi it grows in snow melt. However, it is much more easily spotted because of its intense sky blue flowers. This plant is grown in the UK and elsewhere as a garden or rockery plant because of its very attractive blooms. It is another flower which appears in the Greek Red Data Book.

Silene succulenta ssp succulenta
Although not an endemic, S. succulenta is extremely rare on Crete and can be found only on outlying islands, such as Elafonisi, where this photograph was taken. Because of its habitat in increasingly popular tourist locations, it is listed as ‘rare’ and, while not the most beautiful of plants, efforts should be made to conserve and protect it for the future. Elafonisi is designated as a Natura 2000 site, but sadly on many recent visits little respect is being shown to areas that have been cordoned off. |

| Viscum album ssp creticum
Cretan mistletoe
It is surprising to think that mistletoe grows here on Crete, but this endemic parasite can be found in three locations in eastern Crete, where it grows on pine trees. Locals use guns to shoot the plant from the trees as it grows high and often overhanging steep, rocky banks.

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Flowers of Crete is a not for profit organisation interested in the conservation of the flora of the Greek island of Crete. Featuring photographs by Julia Jones the site includes information about the local area, flower walks and links to other local organisations.