Nature of Greece - national parks and reserves for active recreation

Superb pool and views beyond the spectacular at the Royal Myconian Hotel in Mykonos

Greece is a country with one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. The terrain consists of rocks and mountains separated by densely populated valleys, as well as numerous islands, bays, grottoes, and straits. The highest peak of the country is the legendary Mount Olympus. According to myths, the gods and heroes of ancient Greece lived there. There is a national park at the foothills, which is one of the most picturesque in all of Greece. Hundreds of species of different animals live on its territory; its flora is also incredibly rich. The reserve is very popular among tourists. Therefore, the territory is equipped with signposts and camping areas for hikers.

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Samaria Gorge is the largest in Europe; its length is about 18 kilometers. It is located on the island of Crete that is one of the most picturesque islands in the country. There is the national park of the same name. The gorge was inhabited since ancient times. You can still find the ruins of the temples of Apollo and Artemis; in the 4th century BC, it housed the city of Tarra. The park has a rich flora and fauna. The forest is inhabited by a rare Kri-Kri goat, which can be found only in the mountains of Crete. Among the animals in the park, you can meet badgers, wild cat, marten, and various birds.

Barzani natural reserve is in the north of the country, close to the border with Albania. That’s a real ecological museum. The park artificially created a population of different species of wild animals. Today, serious measures are being taken to maintain a decent environment for their existence. There are such animals as the deer, the red deer, the Kri-Kri goat, and the European roe deer. Not far from this place, there is another national park, Pindus. According to legends, the Pindus were inhabited by the Muses of Apollo. Various species of coniferous trees grow and a large number of different birds live in the park. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

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Vikos-Aoos National Park is also located in the Pindus Mountains, but it has a different terrain. The park includes Vikos Canyon, Aoos Gorge, and Mount Timfi. The place is unique in its beauty and features of the landscape. The gorge is even included in the Guinness Book of Records as the deepest in the world. The glacial Dragon Lake is on the slopes of Mount Timfi. According to local legends, in prehistoric times, these lands were inhabited by dragons, who fought. They threw rocks and stones at each other. This is how the unique relief of the park was created. Besides a huge number of amazing animals and plants, you can meet unusual settlements in the mountainous region of Zagori.

The park, which differs from other reserves, is located on the island of Crete. Vai vegetation is represented by the famous Cretan date palms; they make up a forest with a total area of more than 200 hectares. This palm forest is one of the largest in Europe. The park has the famous palm beach, which is one of the local attractions. On the outskirts of Vai, you can see a medieval monastery built in the 15th century. On the island of Rhodes, you should definitely visit the Petaloudes nature reserve, which is also called the Butterfly Valley. During summer months, a huge number of butterflies gather in the park. They literally cover the entire landscape, creating an amazing dreamlike atmosphere.

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Sounion National Park is located in the south of Attica. There are a lot of historical sights. Since ancient times, local people believed Cape Sounion and its surroundings to be a sacred place. According to legends, Athena and Poseidon lived on that cape. In the park, scientists discovered a three-meter statue that was created before our era. However, the most grandiose construction is the temple of the god of the sea, Poseidon, built in the 5th century BC. The temple is partially destroyed. Nine of the sixteen columns and the remains of the frieze with images of mythical heroes, have been preserved to these days.

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Fantastic City Tours and Excursions in Greece

Reference information

Map of all parks

National and city parks of Greece
♥ National Park 'Ethniko Parko Anatolikis Makedonias kai Thrakis' . On the map Show on the map

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♥ National Park 'Ethniko Parko Limnis Kerkinis' . On the map Show on the map

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♥ National Park 'Ethniko Parko Oroseiras Rodopis' . On the map Show on the map

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♥ National Park 'Ethniko Parko Pindou' . On the map Show on the map

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♥ National Park 'Ethniko Parko Schinia Marathona' . On the map Show on the map

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♥ National Park 'Ethniko Parko Tzoumerkon-Peristeriou kai charadras Arachthou (Zoni III)' . On the map Show on the map

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♥ National Park 'Ethniko Parko Ygrotopon Amvrakikou' . On the map Show on the map

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♥ National Park 'Ethniko Parko limnothalasson Mesolongiou – Aitolikou' . On the map Show on the map

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♥ National Park 'Ethniko Parko ygrotopon ton limnon Koroneias - Volvis kai ton Makedonikon Tempon' . On the map Show on the map

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♥ National Park 'Ethniko parko dasous Dadias - Lefkimmis - Soufliou' . On the map Show on the map

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Famous places and sights of Greece

Melissani Cave

From the series “Fantastic and Colorful Caves Inside the Earth”

In Greece on the island of Kefalonia is a unique Melissani cave, one of the most romantic and beautiful in the world. In the cave is a lake of the same name, the main feature of the cave is a huge hole in the ceiling through which bright daylight penetrates the underground world. A beautiful legend about the nymph Melissini is connected with the cave and the lake. The nymph was secretly in love with the god Pan. And when he rejected her love, she lost the meaning of life and drowned in the cave lake.

Scientists believe that the cave was formed about 20000 years ago, due to the erosion of rocks. During one of the earthquakes, the upper part of the cave collapsed, giving way to daylight. It stains the crystal clear waters of the cave lake in bright azure color and makes the walls of the … Read all

Elafonissi Beach

From the series “Top 15 Most Romantic Beaches on Earth”

In search of the most romantic beach of Greece you should go to the island of Crete, near the coast of which is a miniature island of Elafonisi. It is on its territory that the eponymous beach is located. It is among the most romantic beaches of the country. Elafonisi is perfectly visible from the coast of Crete. It is not necessary to hire a boat to get to the island. The beach here is so shallow that you can wade from one island to another.

Among the main features of the unique beach we should mention the purest sand of a pleasant pink shade, that received its non-standard colour due to the smallest fragments of shells. With the pink sand covering the coastal zone of the island, a tragic legend is associated. In April 1824, at the height of the war with Turkey, several hundred local … Read all

All unique sightseeing Greece

Cultural sights in regions of Greece

Athens

Plaka district is surely the most beautiful and interesting from the historical point of view. All historical buildings located here have been restored carefully, so now they appear in front of amazed tourists in all their glory. At a glance the district may seem a little confusing and simple to get lost in it, but orienting in it is really simple. Each street will lead travelers either to Syntagma Square, or to the Acropolis. Syntagma Area is also an important object for all excursions. The … Read more

Naxos

The nearest suburbs of the city locate the monastery of the Saint John Chrysostom as well as an ancient church. These landmarks are considered to be the most significant religious objects of the city. The permanent symbol of the city is the Bazeos Castle of the 17th century which in the course of its long history has changed its status for many times. Till the beginning of the 19th century the castle served as a place of monks, then the castle stood a certain period of its life totally … Read more

Chania

Powerful fortifications were built in 1929. Now the part of fortress’ halls holds a priceless collection of artifacts of the Maritime Museum of Crete. Schiavo bastion is considered to be the main attraction of the Evreika district; next to it there are several picturesque old streets too. The Splanzia is center of curious landmark objects. On its territory there is an arsenal of 15th century, as well as some ancient religious buildings; the most beautiful among them are considered the … Read more

Rethymno

After a tour tourists have an opportunity to visit one of the observation platforms and enjoy a fantastic vibrant view of the city. The most famous fortifying construction of the city is the Fortezza castle. Built in 1573 the castle has been preserved till nowadays in part only. Its territory hosts an age-old church and several observation platforms. The Archeological museum of Rethymno is one of the most significant cultural sites of the city. It was established in 1991, the museum collection … Read more

Mykonos City

A part of the monastery is reequipped into a museum which collection is concentrated on ethnic crafts. Concerning remarkable cultural establishments of the island the Aegean Maritime Museum is best worth noticing. The place of its location is a beautiful building of the end of the 19th century, ample halls of which keep several large collections. A significant part of the museum is devoted to the library which has collected more than five thousands of the rarest books. Among other showpieces … Read more

Thessaloniki

Despite its hard luck the church has managed to preserve its inimitable inner decoration and splendor. Its walls keep numerous artifacts among which tourists will observe the relics of Saint Demetrius, patron saint of the city. The White Tower is another remarkable landmark of the city known far beyond the country boundaries. It is a remaining part of the fortifying construction which has by miracle been preserved after the Greco-Turkish War. The construction of the tower took place in 1430. For … Read more

Agios Nikolaos

Vacationers are also encouraged to participate in entertaining excursions to the beautiful Spinalonga Island. Not long ago only fishermen lived on the island and there were absolutely no buildings besides their modest dwellings. Today this is a huge museum under the open sky. Every tour guide will tell you a lot of interesting legends about the beautiful island. Gulf of Mirabello is considered the main natural attraction of that place. The beauty of the gulf will impress simply any traveler. … Read more

Kos

The ruins of Mycenaean buildings, 17 fully restored columns, prehistoric burial, Roman baths and residential buildings - these are just a few interesting objects that can be seen in this area. The greatest interest tourists show to mosaics depicting complex patterns and mythological scenes. Scientists managed to recover even the Casa Romana - a Roman house, built in the Pompeian style. This large-scale building includes 26 rooms with beautiful marble and hand-painted decoration. It is also … Read more

Nature of Greece - national parks and reserves for active recreation

Fantastic City Tours and Excursions in Greece

Famous places and sights of Greece

Melissani Cave

Elafonissi Beach

Photogallery of Greece

Cultural sights in regions of Greece

Greece: Map of sightseeing in regions