Bird Watching at Country Hotel Velani

Crete is a great place for bird watching. This is due not only to its special bird of prey, the griffon vulture and other vulture varieties, but also to its importance as a staging-post for migrating birds that pass through the island. The hotel offers a breathtaking view of Aposelemis Lake and the Langada valley. Through the valley runs the Aposelemis River ending in a large man-made lake. Birds that visit our hotel grounds are the hoopoe, wagtails, wood pigeons, crows, swallows and many more. Just behind the hotel lies a Natura 2000 – protected area for birds and wildlife. Walking there at sunset enables you to spot many different kinds of owls which, amazingly, make no sound while in flight, but at night begin making their characteristic cry that echoes over the whole valley. Country Hotel Velani organizes bird watching day tours with the Greek guide Haris. Traveling with a local guide enriches your experience, as he introduces you to the art of bird watching. An expert on the area and the island, he knows where to find different birds according to the season.