Botanical Park - West Crete

The Botanical Park of Crete grew from the ashes of that devastating fire in the year 2003. The park is located 19 km southwards of Chania City near the village Meskla at the ridge of the White Mountains.
In the year 2003 the Village Skordalou and the surrounding region had burnt almost to the ground caused from an electricity pole wire. A sudden hot wind storm from Africa caused an electricity pole wire to break. The damage was disastrous: sixty thousand olive trees over 400 hundred years old had been burnt. The village had been ruined financially and ecologically. A family, owners of a Land of 150-200 square kilometres thought that all that burnt land could become a botanical park for trekking, education and recreation. All family members of the family Marinakis welcomed this idea.

The Botanical Park consist of nearly 20 hectares full of fruit trees from all over the world, herbs, medicinal and ornamental plants in a park different from others, where the land’s formation and the region’s microclimate make it a paradise for hundreds of plants and animals! In the midst of this colorful and vivid landscape stands a burnt centennial olive tree, a memorial and a reference to the dismal fires of 2003, the park’s history and origin. Know it is impossible to imagine that this park is the same land which burnt to the ground in the fires of 2004. Enjoy your walk through a lush natural environment while wandering slowly and leisurely. A Land rich in water with watercourses where you can explore 150 species of fruit trees and dozens of herbs. The scenery is composed of rare samples of the local flora and fauna, as well as tropical and subtropical species from all over the world. Follow the paths of natural bueaty, this adventure lasts nearly tow hours. It is an adventure in all 4 seasons. Depending on the time of the year, you will have the opportunity to enjoy flowers, plants and trees through all phases of their life-cycle, parallel to the various species of wild flora and fauna which they attract each season. Any time of the year you visit the Botanical Park, you will be impressed by the colors, fragrances and variety of species. Don´t miss to taste the traditional meals of the restaurant made with their own organic products. Operating Hours:
Twenty-tree of March to November every day: Entrance is allowed starting at 9 am , all through the day , with the last entrance allowed no later than one hour before sunset.
Admission:
Adults 6 Euro, Children accompanied by parents under 6 years are free. Children form 6 to 12 years 4 Euro