Selakano Forest

Selakano Forest is an area of wild beauty and one of the most important ecosystems on the island, included in the Natura 2000 network. A pine forest, hidden in a mountain valley, with an impressive access through a gorge and by a asphalt road carved on a rocky cliff overlooking the area of Malles village. From the village of Christos, 15 km north of Myrtos, and some 29 km from Ierapetra, the Selakano Valley and Forest runs on up the slopes below the summit of Afendi Christos and of the Spathi peak and the whole area is surrounded by the four highest peaks of the Lassithi range (To the north: Lazaros 2085m and Spathi 2148m and to the south/west: Afendis Christos 2141m and Psari Madara 2090m).

Composed mostly of the Calabrian pine (Pinus brutia), which is resistant to drought and tolerant of rocky soil, the Selakano ecosystem also includes various oaks, cypress, maple, plane and pear, and sage. Birds of prey (hawks and vultures) soar free over the steep slopes. In the area known as Melissokipos (the Bee-Garden) the bees are a dominant presence and reign over their kingdom. In the spring, the hives’ numbers swell as bee-keepers from almost all over Central Crete bring their swarms here, making the Selakano forest, regards the honey production, the most significant apicultural area on the island.

The forest and the wider area of the valley invites us and offers us multiple options for hiking. At least 7 to 8 different routes we can walk in this wonderful natural environment that is unique in Crete.

During the hiking routes you will encounter a great diversity of terrain, that alternates between steep slopes, small or bigger plateaus, ravines, extensive gorges (that of Selakano itself is well worth a visit), springs, streams and forest glades. The E4 European long-distance path passes through the forest of Selakano too.

From the east, a route starting in the village of Prina, only 19 km from Agios Nikolaos, will take you through the villages of Malles and Roussoxila, a small settlement with few houses just 2 km east of Selakano. This is a long route (18 km) but can be completed faster on bikes.

Other E4 routes that cross through the forest can also be completed from the plateau of Katharo. The mountain region between Katharo Plateau and Selakano is a wild and untamed part of Crete island with no permanent residents during the wintertime because of the high altitude (1150m). The land of Katharo plateau is community-owned, and cultivation is only allowed to residents that must pay back a percentage of their earnings to Kritsa, a nearby village.