Area

Nature

Just 9 km west of Chania, in the area of Agia, lies a serene oasis that is part of the NATURA 2000 ecological network. This artificial lake spans 450 stremmas (45 hectares) near the Fasa Valley, one of the wettest regions in Crete.

Originally a swamp fed by a tributary of the Keritis River, the lake was transformed after the construction of the Small Hydroelectric Power Plant (SHPP) Agia and its pipeline. Today, visitors can enjoy:

The scenic walking path around the lake
Rich local flora and fauna
A peaceful setting perfect for relaxation and nature walks

This area combines renewable energy infrastructure with ecological preservation, creating a unique blend of human engineering and natural beauty.

Flora

The Agia Wetland is an important ecological site characterized by rich plant biodiversity that supports a wide range of wildlife, especially bird species. More than 130 plant species have been recorded in the area, forming diverse habitats that enhance the wetland’s ecological value. Aquatic and riparian plant communities develop around the lake, creating ideal conditions for feeding, nesting, and wintering. Among the dominant plant species are plane trees (notably the Mediterranean species such as Platanus orientalis), reeds (Phragmites species), which form dense stands along the shoreline, willows (Salix species), and various other woody plants and shrubs.

These plant clusters provide essential breeding, shelter, and resting sites for birds. The combination of open water, reed beds, and tree cover creates a mosaic of habitats that supports significant bird populations throughout the year, particularly during migration and wintering periods.

Fauna

The artificial lake of Agia is a vital riparian wetland, acting both as a stopover for migratory birds heading to Africa and a wintering site for species from northern Europe. The diversity of habitats around the lake supports a wide range of fauna:

Birds

Migratory waders and waterbirds frequent the lake for resting or wintering, including:

Western Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus)
Booted Eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus)
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
Gadwall (Anas strepera)
Little Crake (Porzana parva)
Ferruginous Duck (Aythya nyroca)

Amphibians

Green Toad
Tree Frog
Cretan Frog
Bullfrog

Reptiles

Balkan Terrapin (Mauremys rivulata)
Red-eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans)
Turkish Gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus)
Dice Snake (Natrix tessellata)

Mammals

Eastern European Hedgehog (Erinaceus roumanicus)
European Hare (Lepus europaeus)
Wood Mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus)
Weasel (Mustela nivalis)
Beech Marten (Martes foina)

Fish and Introduced Species

The aquatic ecosystem hosts native fish, eels, and some introduced species like mosquitofish and goldfish, which have become part of the wetland’s food web.

Source: Archive of A. Vazakas – M. Mandalakis

Geomorphology

Agia is a large natural wetland. The area is located in a natural basin that gushes water from its soil. This water comes mainly from springs, which are fed by the aquifer of the wider area and the White Mountains.

The artificial lake of Agia is located on the natural flow of the tributary "Xekolomenos", which originates to the east of it and constitutes an important part of the hydrological basin of the Keritis River. It gathers a multitude of springs whose excellent quality water comes from underground karst aquifers of the White Mountains. Chania is watered by these springs as they provide clean water, in contrast to river water, through which a large amount of transported materials is transported.