Environment

Asterousia occupies 367 square kilometers of land, as well as the wider coastline and sea zone of the Southern Sea of Crete.

There are 1,800 plant species in Asterousia, 180 of which are steno-endemic. Moreover, 14 different types of habitats that are of great importance to the European Community have been recorded. A number of species of flora and fauna have also been discovered there, which are protected by National – Community legislation, as well as more than 192 species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, such as the sea turtle, the Mediterranean seal, and various species of dolphins.

Additionally, Asterousia have areas of extraordinary natural beauty. These are protected regions with special wildlife protection zones, palm forests (in Agios Nikitas), ridges, gorges, caves, climbing slopes, enchanting beaches, and trails.

Of exceptional importance, however, is the timeless presence of the human communities, which coexist in harmony with the natural environment and maintain the intangible natural and cultural heritage of the area to this day.