The peninsula of Akrotiri rises to the northeast of Chania and acts as a barrier that protects Souda Bay from heavy north winds. On the north coast, sandy beaches provide excellent swimming, and the northeast has old monasteries to visit. The airport and military facilities dominate the centre and south of the peninsula. Many visitors come to Crete to see its rare wild flowers, and many different kinds may be found from January to April on the Akrotiri.