Flora

Greece is a botanical paradise with over 6,000 plant species, about 1,000 of which are endemic (found nowhere else in the world). The diversity arises from the extreme topography — from sea level to 2,900 m, from the rainy Ionian Islands to the dry Aegean.

• Olive trees: Over 120 million olive trees shape the landscape — on Crete, some are over 3,000 years old (the oldest in Vouves is estimated to be 4,000 years old and still bears fruit!).
• Wildflowers: In spring (March-May), Greece bursts into color — poppies, anemones, orchids (over 200 orchid species!), asphodels. Crete alone has over 170 endemic plants.
• Herbs: Wild thyme, oregano, rosemary, sage — the hills literally smell fragrant. Greek mountain tea (Sideritis, "Tsai tou vounou") grows wild in the mountains and is considered a cure-all.
• Mastic: The resin of the mastic tree grows ONLY on Chios — an EU-protected product, used in chewing gum, liqueur, cosmetics, and cuisine. The mastic villages in southern Chios are UNESCO candidates.
• Phrygana: The typical Greek maquis — low, aromatic bushes, dwarf palms, thorny shrubs. It looks barren but is one of the richest ecosystems in Europe.