Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Mt P
Mt Parrnith
al Parrk(
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)
Very popular wooded parkland north of
Athens; home to the red deer.
NNattiional Ma
itha Na
a Nattiional P
f Alonniisos(
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)
Covers six islands and 22 islets in
the Sporades and is home to monk seals, dolphins and rare birdlife.
Parrnassos Na
al Marriine P
e Park o
rk of Alo
s Nattiional P
al Parrk(
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)
Towering limestone and scenic views down to
Delphi.
Prrespa L
a Laakes(
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)
One of Europe's oldest lakes, steeped in wildlife and tran-
quillity.
SSamarria G
ia Gorrge(
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)
Spectacular gorge in Crete and a refuge for thekri-kri
(Cretan goat).
Cape So
e Souuniion(
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)
A cape with panoramic views and home to the Temple
of Poseidon.
Viikos--Aoös Na
s Nattiional P
al Parrk(
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)
Excellent hiking with caves, canyons and
dense forest.
Bay o
y of L
f Laganas(
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)
An Ionian refuge for loggerhead turtles.
IIti Na
al Parrk(
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)
Tranquil stretches of forest, meadows and pools.
Home to eagles, deer and boar.
i Nattiional P
Wildflowers
Greece is endowed with a variety of flora unrivaled elsewhere in Europe. The wild-
flowers are spectacular, with more than 6000 species, some of which occur nowhere else,
and more than 100 varieties of orchid. They continue to thrive because most of the land
is inadequate for intensive agriculture and has therefore escaped the ravages of chemical
fertilisers.
The regions with the most wildflowers are the Lefka Ori Mountains in Crete and the
Mani area of the Peloponnese. Trees begin to blossom as early as the end of February in
warmer areas and the wildflowers start to appear in March. During spring the hillsides
are carpeted with flowers, which seem to sprout even from the rocks. By summer the
flowers have disappeared from everywhere but the northern mountainous regions. Au-
tumn brings a new period of blossoming.
Herbs grow wild throughout much of Greece and you'll see locals out picking fresh
herbs for their kitchen. Locally grown herbs are also increasingly sold as souvenirs and
are generally organic.
