The Gious Kambos is located on the northwestern slopes of Mount Kedros, between the Amari Valley and Spili, about 31 km southeast of Rethymno. The name Gious Kambos means "the plain of Eos," from Eos, the goddess of dawn in Greek mythology. Access to Gious Kambos is via roads from the villages of Gerakari, Patsos, Spili, or Kissos. If you come here, it's worth taking a stroll through the other villages of Amari and the Agios Vasileios province, observing nature and the traditional settlements, visiting the Potamos Dam, climbing Mount Kedros, and discovering the lace-like coasts of Agia Galini. However, what makes this small and humble plateau so significant, like few other places in Crete, is its immense ecological importance. Here, thousands of endemic tulips of the species Tulipa doerfleri create a crimson carpet in spring. This species has been declared protected by presidential decree since 1981, as it is found worldwide only in the plain of Eos. Here also grow many rare orchids that attract dozens of biologists from all over Europe every year. Over five species of orchids can coexist in a square meter in this important habitat of Rethymno.
At the source of Agios Giannis with its majestic plane trees and the refreshing spring water that flows from the rocks, visitors can relax and cool off. Drought-resistant vegetables are cultivated on the plateau, known for their taste and sought after for their nutritional value. The waters of the plateau feed the Gorges of Agia Fotia, Kissos, and the stream of Spili.
The geosite description is a result of the deliverable of the research project Joint Innovative Activities for Outdoor Tourism-JoinOut. The project entitled "Partnership of Innovative Rural Tourism Actions" and distinctive title: "JoInOuT", is implemented within the framework of the Action "Cooperative Innovation Formations/SCC" - 2nd Call: Businesses" and is financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and by National Resources in the context of the Operational Program "Competitiveness, Entrepreneurship and Innovation (EPANEK)" of the NSRF 2014-2020" (Project code: ΓΓ2CL-0359457).
