GREECE: SUSTAINABLE TOURISM IN THE CRADLE OF EUROPE

With a varied geography, ideal Mediterranean climate and its many beautiful islands, Greece is the perfect place for ecotourists around the world. First up, there are the archaeological sites that people travel from far and wide to see. On the Greek mainland a tourist could visit the ancient theatre of Dionysus, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Arch of Hadrian, the Temple of Zeus and of course, the Acropolis in Athens.

The northwest part of Greece is mostly known for its forested mountains and deep winding rivers, which have some of the oldest and exquisite bridges standing over them. One such breathtaking place is Zagoria, located in Epirus, which is famous for its 45 villages, consisting of stone houses and surrounded by mountains full of pine and oak trees. Greece’s geographic diversity is not just beautiful, but also a haven for wildlife. Around 50,000 species of animal make their home here and approximately 700 animal species and over 900 plant species have protected status.

 

Central Greece is an unspoiled heaven, which is once again famous for its pine forests, and the high mountains they stand on. Some of the most impressive gorges can be found in this region and it is ideal for treks. The National Park of Messolonghi and Etoliko Lagoons is located at the southwest tip of Sterea Ellada where the Gulf of Patras meets the Ionian Sea.

 

 

Spend time admiring the flamingos and the other wildlife species that visit or live here wander among the wooden huts that fringe the lagoons and explore Etoliko, a small, picturesque island connected to the mainland by two bridges. Another attractive feature is the caves in Greece, with their own separate ecosystem. They range from underwater to subterranean caves and can be found in huge numbers both on the mainland as well as on the numerous islands like Crete, the largest island in Greece with the wonderful weather, the beautiful beaches and the wealthy history.

 

The impressive variety of plants, numbering to over 6,000 species and their sub species, contribute immensely to the European botanical field and make Greece a haven for flora. Also, over 450 species of birds, more than half of them endemic, can be found in Greece that can be watched in one of its many bird observatories. Prespa Lakes, one of the most important wetlands in Europe, are home to hundreds of impressive bird species, like the Dalmatian pelican, cormorant and heron.

Let’s not forget that the ancient Greeks were fascinated by butterflies and even named them after their word for souls, «psyche».