All You Need Are Comfortable Shoes, Binoculars, and a Good Camera

Dams may be built to water the settlements, but they end up watering the soul of the nature lover, too. They provide shelter for native and migratory birds, and they are perfect for a few quiet hours of birdwatching, walking, and taking in the peaceful Cretan countryside. If you’re in Heraklion and in the mood for a short escape, these dams are worth checking out:

Faneromeni Dam – A haven for eco-tourists. The scenery is stunning and the birdlife rich. It’s the kind of place where time slows down.

Armanogeia Dam – A known stopover for migratory birds, ideal for birdwatching and nature walks.

Ini Dam – A special spot where nature and culture blend. Artistic events are sometimes hosted here, adding a unique twist to the landscape.

Amourgelles Dam – A key eco-tourism destination with lush vegetation and a wide variety of fauna.

Partira Dam – Quiet, inland, and perfect for a peaceful day of exploration.

Aposelemis Dam – The landscape here is striking, especially when the water level drops and the sunken village of Sfedili slowly re-emerges from beneath the surface.

Photo: Trichas,A. / Natural History Museum of Crete – University of Crete