Botanical Gardens Of Crete
Botanical Gardens Of Crete
4.5
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
About
Walking in the Botanical park & Gardens of Crete offes spiritual tranquility and visual pleasure in addition to knowledge on plants and their material . Nearly 20 hectares of land are waiting to welcome you, 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. The newest and one of the most interesting sites of the Prefecture of Chania lies only 18 kilometers outside the city, on the feet of the White Mountains. It is ideal for visitors of all ages, combining enjoyments that only Crete can offer!
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  • CH_globalview
    The Hague, The Netherlands232 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A lovely walk through beautiful Cretan gardens
    A surprising stop. A very well laid out and pleasant walk through a botanic garden on the side of a hill. 2.5km rocky paths take you through different zones with clearly labeled plants. Lots of different trees and herbs. Easy to engage with and the birdsong and calls of peacocks (of which there are many) make it a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere. Quite steep in places and although waking sticks were available it would not be easy to do with people who struggle with walking. Not suitable for wheelchairs or push chairs to do the whole route. The restaurant has a stunning view and menu looked amazing.
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 1 May 2023
  • mariaformosa
    Maidstone, United Kingdom124 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Steep but beautiful
    Beautiful place very nice restaurant. If you have any walking issues maybe not for you as the paths are up and down a mountain side. Nice just to go to the restaurant and eat good local food and enjoy the amazing view.
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 30 May 2023
  • ElizabethGeraldton
    Geraldton, Australia276 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Absolutely brilliant. A must visit
    I've just been to the most amazing Botanical Gardens and Park by bus inland from Chania. The return bus ride was good. It was incredible. It's very steep and hilly but worth it. It's mainly in the shade. The park is unique as it covers plants, herbs, and fruit trees. The restaurant at the end is a wonderful reward. All the produce is from the park.
    Visited June 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 4 June 2023
  • Alex M
    6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    An absolute delight
    Excellent labour of love 2.5km botanical gardens trail set into the hillside with a huge variety of plants from across the globe. The restaurant at the top is excellent with superb views. At least a dozen peacocks live amongst the foliage along with many other birds, butterflies and tiny lizards. Friendly staff. Wear proper shoes, take water, and take your time on the trail. Expect the trail to last around 2 hours. We went around 10am in July. Lots of cover is provided by the trees throughout the trail. A delight.
    Visited July 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 14 July 2023
  • Moskvichka12
    Moscow, Russia571 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Best place in the whole of Crete!
    I just adore this park and come here every time I'm in Crete, even if I'm in a completely different region. This was the latest in the year that I've visitied, and it was exciting to see so many trees in fruit. It's a 2 and a half km walk, and it is definitely steep. They recommend 2 hours, but that must be for people who have no interest and just walk non-stop. I read the signs, tooks loads of photos, admired the views, fed the deer, found lizaeds... so I needed about 3 hours to get round. The local bus is perfect, because it gives you over 4 hours there - time to see everything and also get a homemade lemonade in the restaurant. :-) The story behind the park is touching, the development every year is striking, and I recommend this park wholeheartedly. The best day of my holiday!!
    Visited June 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 31 July 2023
  • christarry85
    14 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lovely walk
    Good road to the gardens, don't be put off by the hairpin chicanes, the road was wide enough. We didn't eat at the restaurant but it appeared to be very pleasant. Gift shop with lots of choice. It is steep in places so keep that in mind for fitness levels, we were in flip flops though and didn't struggle. There are steps if you have a buggy etc... Also, take water with you. Great variety of plants with information available, pleasant to walk around. Took us about 2 hours at a very leisurely pace. There are peacocks roaming and there were a few deer/donkeys at the bottom. We dropped a star as their enclosures were very small, they may have larger pastures that we didn't see. All in all it's definitely worth the drive, there is also a taverna on the way which we highly recommend. Great food and the best orange juice we've ever had!
    Visited August 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 12 August 2023
  • Michael B
    Cottingham, United Kingdom15 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lovely place for a hot day
    Beautiful gardens with plenty of variety of plants, herbs and fruits. Lizards, birds and butterfly’s all over the place. Plenty of shade so would be good on a hot day. Fairly up and down over the 2.5km track. We wore trainers and were fine but walking shoes would probably be better. Also take some water as we were gasping when we finished. Lovely views from back up top at the cafe.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 15 September 2023
  • Hannah
    18 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wedding party
    I had my wedding here last Thursday after the wedding planner suggested holding it here. There were only the six of us including myself and my husband. It was amazing! The ceremony was held in a stone stage like area overlooking the gardens and we then had a really intimate dinner under a tree with candles and lanterns and music and it was the most amazing evening of my life. The reviews aren’t kidding about the food, it was the nicest food I’ve had whilst in Crete so the chefs need to pat themselves on the back. And the local sparkling wine was too easy to drink and I’m not even a wine drinker. We went on a walk around the gardens for our photos and it’s simply stunning, the peacocks wandering around and the views of the surrounding hills and valleys and the beautiful plants made it perfect. I wish we had longer there. The restaurant had closed to customers when it was time for the wedding meal and so we had our own waiter Yannis (I hope I’ve spelt your name right) who was just the nicest man you could ever meet and was amazing running up and down the steps with all of our dishes and drinks, we will forever be grateful to him for making the evening as good as it was and we all agreed that he is an asset to the gardens. Huge Thank you to all of the amazing team there!
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 19 September 2023
  • Hans
    Kwadendamme, The Netherlands2,917 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great place to be
    Beware when arriving round 11 ( like us) in the morning parking space is an issue. At 3 pm there was plenty of space. The grounds walking distance is about 2,5 km and takes you between 1.5 and 2.5 hour. The is a restaurant where you can have something to eat.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 19 September 2023
  • eyoung
    Halifax Regional Municipality, Canada6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Worth the trip! More enjoyable than I imagined!
    The gardens are well laid out for a leisurely 2.5km walk with some steeper areas and lots of rest areas. Plants, herbs and trees are well identified. Love the use of natural and unique decor along the route. Wonderful restaurant at the end with great food to reward you for making the hike.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 1 October 2023
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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles1,454 reviews
Excellent
1,061
Very good
319
Average
54
Poor
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Terrible
4

WYENOT9
Swindon, UK8 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Couples
Feels further than it is. Hilly.

Nice day out. We used the local bus from near out hotel but there only 1 each way each day. Somewhat controls your time.

Not spectacular but enjoyable.
Written 22 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

WYENOT9
Swindon, UK8 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Couples
Great day out. Highly recommended. Don't take the short cut unless you have too.

The gardens themselves Great. It was quiet when we walked round. By the time you get to the lakeside it has become something special. Be aware the short 2.5km walk is very hilly and feels more like 8km. There are free walking sticks as you start and at times I wished I'd taken one.

We sat on "the Throne" about 3/4 the way round had the sandwiches we had taken and enjoyed the view.

OK not a full day out as back by 3;30pm. We caught the only bus to the garden at 9:35 in the morning, we were staying staying 4km west of Chania. And the return bus at 2:30. You don't need that long but they are the only buses if you don't have a car and they are cheap. Great views en route too.
Written 22 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

lizvella46
Island of Malta, Malta42 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Couples
The walk down and up the mountain through all those different trees, shrubs, greenery etc was so enjoyable and interesting. The lake at the bottom was lovely. Take a walking stick offered at the start of the walk. That helped going down and up the path, especially where it was slippery or steep.

I believe going at Spring time would see more trees with fruits and flowering plants.

The views from the restaurant at the top was amazing.
Written 21 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Pálfi Bence
42 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Couples
It was the best activity out of the city during my trip to Chania. This place is like paradise, with a fantastic view, beautiful plants and a really good restaurant.
Written 18 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

eyoung
Halifax Regional Municipality, Canada6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Couples
The gardens are well laid out for a leisurely 2.5km walk with some steeper areas and lots of rest areas. Plants, herbs and trees are well identified. Love the use of natural and unique decor along the route. Wonderful restaurant at the end with great food to reward you for making the hike.
Written 1 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Departure544926
3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Couples
Fabulous place great walk round although limited choice at restaurant advertise you get water for walk never happened staff not very engaging with public
Written 21 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Hans
Kwadendamme, The Netherlands2,917 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Couples
Beware when arriving round 11 ( like us) in the morning parking space is an issue. At 3 pm there was plenty of space. The grounds walking distance is about 2,5 km and takes you between 1.5 and 2.5 hour. The is a restaurant where you can have something to eat.
Written 19 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Hannah
18 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Family
I had my wedding here last Thursday after the wedding planner suggested holding it here. There were only the six of us including myself and my husband. It was amazing! The ceremony was held in a stone stage like area overlooking the gardens and we then had a really intimate dinner under a tree with candles and lanterns and music and it was the most amazing evening of my life. The reviews aren’t kidding about the food, it was the nicest food I’ve had whilst in Crete so the chefs need to pat themselves on the back. And the local sparkling wine was too easy to drink and I’m not even a wine drinker. We went on a walk around the gardens for our photos and it’s simply stunning, the peacocks wandering around and the views of the surrounding hills and valleys and the beautiful plants made it perfect. I wish we had longer there. The restaurant had closed to customers when it was time for the wedding meal and so we had our own waiter Yannis (I hope I’ve spelt your name right) who was just the nicest man you could ever meet and was amazing running up and down the steps with all of our dishes and drinks, we will forever be grateful to him for making the evening as good as it was and we all agreed that he is an asset to the gardens. Huge Thank you to all of the amazing team there!
Written 19 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Michael B
Cottingham, UK15 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Couples
Beautiful gardens with plenty of variety of plants, herbs and fruits. Lizards, birds and butterfly’s all over the place.

Plenty of shade so would be good on a hot day. Fairly up and down over the 2.5km track. We wore trainers and were fine but walking shoes would probably be better. Also take some water as we were gasping when we finished.

Lovely views from back up top at the cafe.
Written 15 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sharon J
Portland, OR13 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Couples
I highly recommend visiting both the garden and the restaurant. Be aware the garden is unique in being a bit of a hike, we were 3 people between 65 75 and did just fine. They offer walking sticks which were helpful.
Written 9 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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BOTANICAL GARDENS OF CRETE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Botanical Gardens Of Crete