The Karoumes marsh is located in the bay of the same name, 2.7 kilometers east of Chochlakies in the Municipality of Sitia. It is one of the most isolated wetlands in Crete and can be reached either by sea or by hiking through the Chochlakies gorge. It covers an area of approximately 62 acres. In its northern part, where the Chochlakies stream flows out, the vegetation is mainly shrubland with dominant species being Oleander (Nerium oleander) and Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus), along with some phrygana species (mainly Thyme and Sarcopoterium spinosum). The southern part is flat, sandy-clay, with vegetation consisting of rushes (Juncus acutus). In early spring, when this part still has water, it is usually teeming with tadpoles of the Green Toad (Bufo viridis). The dominant species of the riparian vegetation of the wetland are Oleander.
At various points in the wetland, there are wells and in the surrounding area, there are abandoned structures (walls, terraces, and buildings from the Minoan era). The wetland is included in the Presidential Decree list for island wetlands (Y432KRI008, Government Gazette 229/AAP/2012) and is also protected under the Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development Plan of the Municipal District of Itanos of the Municipality of Sitia (Government Gazette 498/AAP/2009). Additionally, it is located within the boundaries of the Karoumes archaeological area (Government Gazette 1803/B/1999).
The Karoumes Marsh (Code: KRI008) is a natural wetland within the bay of the same name and is one of the most isolated in all of Crete. Perhaps for this very reason, it has remained unspoiled and shows no signs of human pressure. We can reach it only by sea or by crossing the impressive Chochlakies gorge.
Wetland Name: Karoumes Marsh
Wetland Code: Y432KRI008
Wetland Type: Coastal
Area: 36.00 hectares
The geosite description is a result 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).
