Discover Nature in Greece
Greece is a very mountainous country, and is unparalleled in terms of its natural surroundings. It is one of the Europe’s most rocky countries, yet combined with the 14,000km of coastline, is one of the most beautiful and unique destinations for ecotourism in the entire world.
The mountains and natural landscapes create the perfect setting for alternative adventures and a variety of outdoor activities where you can feel the true power of the land and the value of life.
Combine this unique natural setting with the wildlife, fauna and flora that can be found everywhere and you have the most beautiful of settings for your holidays in stunning destinations all over the mainland the Greek islands.
From the dominating mountain regions of Epirus, Thessaly and the Peloponnese, to the majestic coastlines of islands such as Rhodes, Crete and Evia, there is so much natural beauty to discover all over Greece.
Greece is home to approximately 50,000 species of animal and wildlife, with around 700 of them being protected due to their importance in the role of the natural environment, as well as being very rare. There are also just under 1000 different types of plants also protected in the country.
There are many forests in Greece which have been designated as natural monuments, and include the very beautiful Petrified forest of Lesvos, the beech forest of Pella and the dense forests of the Rodopi mountains. You can also pay a visit to some of the impressive national parks scattered all around the country such as those on Mount Olympus and Mount Parnassos.
The scenery you can enjoy in some of the forests and parks throughout the year is simply stunning, with spring and autumn being exceptionally beautiful, with an array of colours and aromas.
If you are fan of bird watching then you will have the chance to enjoy this at various locations throughout the country, as well as at some of the beautiful deltas, such as the Delta Evros in north-east Greece where you can see a stunning range of birds including flamingoes by taking one of the organized boat trips out onto the waters.
Butterflies are another winged species that thrives in Greece, and there are more than 200 recognized species, with around 50 of them only being found in the country. The Butterfly Valley on the Dodecanese island of Rhodes is a stunning nature reserve where you can enjoy a great walk around and be surrounded by the beautiful colours of the residents.
The natural geology of Greece plays a huge role in its ability to host ecotourism, and caves are a very important aspect of these. In Greece there are over 6000 recognized caves, with around 3000 of these being located on the island of Crete.
Whatever type of outdoor activities you enjoy that bring you closer to nature and the land, you will find lots of great options. From sailing and diving in the beautiful blue waters of the Aegean and Ionian seas, to trekking the impressive mountain ranges or visiting some of the stunning caves, there will be something for everyone.
There are a number of organizations that can arrange eco-holidays for you, and can create packages of activities to suit your specific requirements. Greece has so much to offer as an ecotourism destination, and is a country that has so much more beauty if you just scratch the surface a little, and look beyond the classic Greek images of sandy beaches and archaeological sites.