Greece – Nature
NATURAL TREASURES
Melissani Lake Cave – Kefalonia island
The cave of Melissani and its underground lake are situated on the island of Kefalonia, in the Ionian archipelago. Located near Sami, the cave’s underground lake, 20 meters below the surface. Melissani was the name of one of the nymphs. Nowadays, hundreds of visitors explore this unique geological formation by boat and revel in the beauty of the place.
Panta Vrexei Gorge – Evrytania province
Panta Vrexei Gorge is one of the most beautiful gorges of Evrytania. Literally meaning always raining, the gorge owns its name to an area where the icy waters that come from Krikelopotamos River at Kaliakouda Mountain and find their way out from the sources in the tops of the canyon creating beautiful waterfalls.
Petrino Dasos – Zagoria, Epirus
This is a stone forest karstic with limestone structures, located 1,500 meters above sea level, that look like rock slabs stacked on top of one another. This stunning field of rocks, rising around oak and maple trees, can be found on the way to the Oxia viewpoint.
Acheron River – Gliki, Epirus
In northwest Greece, lies the Acheron River, in an area of stunning beauty. Blessed with clear water, the river is located near the village of Gliki and, according to Greek mythology, it was one of the five rivers of Hades, the underworld. The river passes through picture-perfect gorges and rugged precipices, creating a magnificent landscape.
Diros Caves, Mani
The Diros Caves are located in a cove on the west coast of the Mani Peninsula, near Areopolis, and the entrance is a few meters above the sea and a beautiful stone beach. The main Vlychada cave is an impressive, subterranean chamber with white stalagmites and stalactites, sparkling crystals and striking curtains.
Meteora – Central Greece
Meteora is an extensive region located in central Greece, near the Pindos Mountains. It features a collection of gigantic rocks home to a series of medieval monasteries, some of which are still in operation. This UNESCO-listed region boasts spectacular sights, incredible nature, and a mystic atmosphere.
Blue Caves – Zakynthos
On the northern coastline of the Ionian island of Zakynthos, visitors can explore the Blue Caves, a series of underground waterways cut into the coast. While you may think that there is nothing unique about these sea caves, the fact that anything inside of them can take on a striking blue glow might seduce you; this fascinating feature is due to the light refracting against the rocks.
Polylimnio Waterfalls – Messinia
Located near the coastal town of Kalamata, the region of Polylimnio is a green paradise, home to a collection of no less than 15 refreshing lakes and waterfalls. As you explore the area, you will also stumble upon lush, verdant forests and narrow gorges- perfect for hiking!
Skiadi – Kimolos
Kimolos plays host to some spectacular geological formations, including Skiadi, the stone mushroom. This formation was created by a process called ablation, which involves the wind scratching away at dust at the bottom of the rock, eroding its bottom layers, which are softer than the top layers. This unique rock, reachable after a walk in the wilderness, dominates an inland valley on the island.
Hot Springs of Samothraki
Samothraki, a small island nestled between Greece and Turkey, has exquisite beauty which features impressive stone formations, rich fauna and flora and enticing waterfalls. If you wish to see hot springs, head to the aptly named town of Therma.
Sarakiniko Beach – Milos
This beach is one of the most beautiful beaches of Milos and surely the most photographed spot of the island. Its particular landscape is very impressive with long horizontal rocks bent over the sea; those rocks are eroded by time and salt water, and have small and huge hollows all over them. The entire landscape formed by the volcanic rocks doesn’t show any signs of vegetation and is coloured entirely in a bright white, which makes an interesting contrast with the deep blue and turquoise of the surrounding waters. This scenery gives one the impression of standing on the surface of the moon.
Samaria Gorge – Crete
This National Park and World Biosphere Reserve attracts lovers of the great outdoors. Visitors can explore this 16-kilometer-long (9.9 miles) gorge, which is open from May to October, all the way from the Omalos Plateau to the coast. The strenuous trek takes explorers through steep cliffs, streams of fresh water, and forests, which are home to local fauna such as the kri-kri goat. It is also possible to camp within the gorge in designated areas.
Gomati desert – Lemnos island
Located in the northern part of the Aegean Sea, Lemnos (or Limnos) is a magical place. Few people know that this island is home to Europe’s only desert in an area called Gomati (or Pachies Ammoudies). The seven-hectare area features sand dunes that constantly change shape according to the direction of the wind. The desert is also home to beautiful flora consisting of white lilies and draught-friendly vegetation.
Drakolimni lakes – Epirus
Dragon Lakes are the alpine lakes located on the mountains of Epirus and were created 10000 years ago due to the melting of the glaciers. On mount Timfi and at an altitude of 1500-2050 meters there are 11 small lakes. The biggest of them is the Dragon Lake of Timfi or Gamila at an altitude of 2050 meters northwest of the Gamila peak, which is the highest of Timfi. A special characteristic are the Triturus alpestris, a rare species of amphibian that looks like a small dragon.
