Top 10 Natura 2000 Greek islands
Explore the islands’ precious ecosystems
It is well known that the Greek islands have amazing nature, incredible landscapes and stunning beaches. Many islands are also home to important ecosystems that are not only extremely beautiful but also under the protection of the European Natura 2000 network.
If you are a nature lover and fan of ecotourism, the Greek islands' Natura areas are perfect destinations for you to discover. Grab your backpack and binoculars, and get ready for hiking, birdwatching and other adventures in some of Greece’s most precious habitats, all perfect for sustainable holidays:
- The wetlands of Lesbos
- Western Milos, Antimilos and Polyaigos
- The Elafonissi isle and coastline in Crete
- The Laganas Bay in Zante
- The Mount Fengari (Saos) and the coastline of Samothrace
- The National Marine Park of Alonissos
- Eastern Astypalea and surrounding islets
- Southwestern Ikaria
- The Aliki and Chortarolimni lakes in Lemnos
- Northern Chios and the islands of Oinousses
+ Tips for visiting Natura areas safely
The Mediterranean monk seal: a protected species in some Natura Greek islands
1. The wetlands of Lesbos
The Kalloni Gulf in Lesbos is a Natura Special Area of Conservation (SPA). It hosts a cohesive ecosystem of 25 wetlands, mostly coastal, including saltmarshes, small rivers and streams, reed beds, a pine forest, and olive groves. The marshes of Ntipi-Larsos, the wetland of Polichnitos and the wetlands in the Vatera region are among the island’s most important ones.
The wetlands make a home and reproduction place for more than 250 bird species, which is why they are a birdwatching attraction. There, you will meet shelducks, redshanks, avocets, kingfishers, pink flamingos, black storks, swans etc. In the area, there is also a great variety of rare flora species, such as orchids and spontaneous vegetation.
+The petrified forest of Lesbos
In the island’s west part, the Lesbos Petrified Forest is another Natura 2000 area. This large park with 20 million-years-old petrified tree trunks and impressive volcanic geosites, is accessible to visitors via specially constructed trails.
Green landscape and stream in Lesbos wetland
2. Western Milos, Antimilos and Polyaigos
The west part of Milos and the islets of Antimilos and Polyaigos are important Special Protection Areas (SPAs) for birds, while Milos and Antimilos are also home to the endemic Milos viper. Therefore, they remain untouched by tourism development.
This Natura 2000 area is home to a large colony of Eleonora's falcons, as well as many shags and the Bonelli's eagle. The area is also used as a resting and feeding station for migrants, such as herons, waders and passerines, while the Achivadolimni lagoon hosts wintering populations of wildfowl. Milos is also one of the few islands in the Cyclades that support breeding pairs of the little grebe and the mallard.
+ Kimolos and marine area
A big part of Kimolos and the marine area between Kimolos and Polyaigos also make up a Natura area. They are home to large birds of prey, such as eagles and falcons, as well as the Milos viper and the Monk seal (Monachus monachus).
3. The Elafonisi isle and coastline in Crete
Across Crete, you can find 53 Natura areas, which is indicative not only of the island’s rich biodiversity but also of its outstanding beauty. In the island’s west, the protected Elafonisi isle with the famous pink-sand beach makes up one of Crete’s most impressive landscapes.
On the sand dunes of Elafonisi, Juniper groves grow gloriously, as well as other rare endemic plant species. The isle’s flora also includes sand-loving vegetation, phrygana and maquis. Take a close look at the isle’s rocks to spot the small wall lizard, an endemic species of lizard in Crete.
Stunning beach landscape with pink sand and turquoise waters in Elafonissi
4. The Laganas Bay in Zante
This Natura site includes Laganas Bay and the islets of Marathonisi and Pelouzo on the south coasts of Zante (Zakynthos). The sandy beaches of the Laganas area are of crucial biological importance for the Caretta caretta species: it is where the turtle nests and lays its eggs.
The bay’s marine site also has significant habitats, with Posidonia meadows, reefs, etc. Moreover, the Laganas area is also home to other important endemic birds, such as owls, falcons, and gulls, and other important species, such as dolphins and rare lizards.
5. The Mount Fengari (Saos) and the coastline of Samothrace
In the North Aegean, the wild Samothrace is a Natura 2000 area almost in its entirety. The island has remained untouched by tourism development, therefore its large variety of bird species, such as birds of prey, is very sensitive to human presence.
Mount Fengari (or Saos) is a unique green landscape with oak forests, oriental planes, waterfalls and ponds (vathres) that are popular with campers. Its vegetation consists of endemic and rare species, forming important habitats. The underwater habitat of the coastline includes extensive seagrass meadows and reefs 50 meters deep.
Wild goats enjoying fresh water from a pond in Mount Fengari
6. The National Marine Park of Alonissos
In the North Sporades, the National Marine Park of Alonissos is the first marine park in Greece and one of the largest protected marine areas in Europe. The Natura-protected park is home to many endemic, rare and endangered species of flora and fauna, including the Mediterranean monk seal, which finds shelter and breeds in the park’s numerous caves. There is also a monk seal rehabilitation center operating on the site.
The marine site is also important for species breeding on coastal cliffs and for migratory waders, raptors and passerines. Its smaller islands (Piperi, Skantzoura, etc.) hold rare plant species, such as pine forests and kermes oaks, and are an important seagull and Eleonora’s falcon reserve. The small island of Gioura is home to an isolated Capra aegagrus dorcas wild goat population.
Tip: for more eco-friendly Greek islands like Alonissos, check out our dedicated article here.
7. Eastern Astypalea and surrounding islets
The eastern side of Astypalea, including its marvelous Chora town, and a complex of 12 uninhabited islets, such as Kounoupi, Ofidoussa and Koutsomytis, are part of the Natura 2000 network. The area’s partly submerged sea caves, like Dracospilia, are an ideal shelter for the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus), while the marine site also hosts Bottlenose dolphins and other mammals, as well as the green sea turtle.
The area includes numerous small bays, sea-cliff vegetation, intermittent streams, and mastic shrubs! Underwater, there is a large area of Posidonia seagrass meadows and reefs.
Tip: Astypalea is a perfect destination for sustainable holidays in the Dodecanese! Check out more must-visit locations in our detailed guide.
The stunning beach and waters of the Kounoupi islet, home to important species
8. Southwestern Ikaria
Ikaria has impressive natural sites and landscapes. The southwest part of Ikaria is a Natura 2000 Special Protection Area (SPA) and a Site of Community Importance (SCI).
The area is important for breeding raptors and passage migrants, such as the Bonelli's eagle, the Peregrine falcon and the Lanner falcon. It also hosts a wide variety of reptiles and amphibians, such as the Ikaria rock lizard and the beautiful Euplagia quadripunctaria tiger-colored butterfly. As for its vegetation, this side of Ikaria holds rare plant species, such as the Silene holzmannii.
9. The Aliki and Chortarolimni lakes in Lemnos
The Aliki Lake is a salty lagoon, located in northeastern Lemnos, east of the Agios Alexandros settlement. Along with the neighboring brackish Chortarolimni Lake, they are the most important wetlands on the island, protected by the Natura network.
Around 10,000 birds use these lakes as a stop when they migrate further south, or spend the winter there, while in Aliki you can find a significant population of flamingos in the spring. The site also hosts suitable habitats for pond turtles and dragonflies and damselflies (of the Odonata species), some of the most ancient and beautiful insects on earth. As for the area’s vegetation, stands out the stunning Sea daffodil flower.
10. Northern Chios and the islands of Oinousses
This Natura 2000 site includes the Pelineon Mountain area in northern Chios, and the neighboring Oinousses, a complex of 9 small islands. It hosts a wide variety of habitat types, with many endemic and rare plant species. Some of its remarkable contents are the extensive area with evergreen shrubs and phrygana, the dense pine forest, the inland water bodies and wide valleys, and the extensive aquatic area with Posidonia beds and reefs.
The area is an important breeding site for the very rare cinereous bunting bird. Moreover, long-legged buzzards, short-toed eagles, lanner and peregrine falcons nest there in significant numbers. Northern Chios and Oinousses also host numerous reptiles and are a passage for a great number of migratory birds every year.
The hills of Pelineon Mountain, rounded by wide valleys
+ Tips on how to visit Natura 2000 areas safely
Here are 5 useful tips for protecting the precious natural ecosystems and yourself when visiting the Greek islands’ Natura sites:
- Be respectful of wildlife. You should avoid touching or feeding animals in the wild. Since these areas are virgin, the animals are more sensitive to human intervention. Interaction with humans might make them more reliant on people as a food source, which could lead to attacks.
- If you decide to take a guided wildlife tour, e.g. a birdwatching tour, make sure that the operators are professional and apply all the appropriate animal ethics standards. Wild animals should not be bothered in their natural habitat for the entertainment of tourists.
- If possible, use public transportation to reach the sites, and walk or cycle to move around. Motor vehicles are likely to scare animals away or cause damage to the area’s flora.
- Make sure the weather conditions are right for your trip. Some Natura sites, e.g. the Aliki Lake in Lemnos, might not be suitable for a visit on a rainy day.
- Leave no trace behind! Don’t litter, don’t light fires, don’t waste water, avoid plastic, and travel light. The more it feels like you never stepped foot in the area, the more respectful your visit!
The virgin Polyaigos, the largest uninhabited island in the Aegean Sea
Feeling ready to connect with nature and explore the ecological treasures of the Greek islands? Choose your island or island-hopping combo, pack your safari equipment and sail away with ferry tickets online on Ferryhopper without any hidden fees!
