The Palm Forest of Agios Nikitas

The palm forest of Agios Nikitas, also known as the palm forest of Agios Antonios, is a small natural palm forest on the south coast of Heraklion, in the Asterousia region of Crete. It is the third largest palm forest on the island, after the palm forests of Vai and Preveli. This particular palm forest is the only place on the island where the Cretan palm, Phoenix theophrastii, grows at a considerable distance from the sea.

The forest is located near the beach of Agios Nikitas. A spring nearby, Kefalovrisi, provides the palms with water, as the region is generally dry and arid. It is believed that the forest was created by Saracen pirates, who, as they went to the spring to get water, ate the dates they had with them and threw away the seeds, which then created the palm forest.

Flora

The forest consists of palm trees belonging to the species Phoenix theophrastii, also known as the Cretan palm or Theophrastus’ palm. This species is endemic to the eastern Mediterranean and is found mainly in Crete, specifically in Vai, Preveli, and Asterousia.

Management and Protection

The palm forest of Agios Nikitas is a common environmental good. Due to the rarity of this particular palm species, the forest is largely fenced by the Forest Service. In this way, they have managed to protect it both from the animals that graze freely in the area and from the residents of the surrounding villages, who every year on the eve of Palm Sunday used to cut down some trees in order to get the “bayi” (palm branches), which they then sold to the churches to make the crosses that are distributed to the faithful. This measure seems to have paid off, as the palm trees have been rejuvenated in recent years.

Additional Information

To reach the palm forest from Agios Nikitas, you need to head east and go up to the small whitewashed church of Agios Antonios, which has a wonderful view of the sea. The palm forest is formed in the ravine that passes just below the church. The ravine is supplied by water from the spring Kefalovrisi, located a few meters above. The palm trees, which belong to the endemic species of Theophrastus, have been victims of fires from time to time.

Key Points

• Dimensions: Small
• Location: Near Agios Nikitas, Asterousia region, south coast of Heraklion, Crete.
• Current Status: Protected by the Forest Service.