Wildflowers of Crete

Wildflowers and nature walks are at the heart of this holiday, as well as incredible history. From your base in the lovely seaside resort of Agia Marina, head into the Omalos Upland Plain, Crete’s orange-growing region that boasts spectacular scenery, quaint farms and an abundance of wildflowers including daphnes, tulips and peonies. You’ll also visit the Samaria Gorge, home to a further 450 types of plants. You might opt to join an excursion to the magnificent Minoan Palace ruins at Knossos, before we head to Heraklion to admire the Old Town’s Venetian walls and the ancient fortress. Discover more wildflowers during a botanical ramble around the Akrotiri Pennisula, and then it’s off to Chania to discover Greek coffee. The Minoan cemetery of Armenoi displays a mass of spring flowers, and the hilltop city state of Aptera is home to a variety of ancient ruins sat amidst the beautiful flower-strewn landscape.

• • Santa Marina Plaza
  • 4-star Santa Marina Plaza in Agia Marina which lies just steps from an idyllic Blue Flag beach. Facilities include a restaurant, bar and pool. Guest rooms feature en suite facilities, tea/coffee making facilities, air conditioning, wi-fi, TV and hairdryer.