Greece is famous for its lavish natural environment, unique beauties and variegated landscape, resulting from the interplay of numerous factors, such as the geographical location of the country, the range of climatic conditions, the existence of huge massifs, the coastlines extending to thousands of kilometers, and isolated wetlands/ecosystems hosting an interesting diversity of flora and fauna.
Truly, the fauna of Greece is of particular importance featuring 1000 endemic species (encountered only in Greece). In addition, the flora endemic to Greece is richer than any other country in Europe. The type of climate prevailing in Greece favors the growth of an exciting variety of trees and shrub/bush ranging from the typical Mediterranean growth encountered in the northern coasts of Greece and insular regions (olive groves, fruit/citrus/cypress trees, pine forests, and beech/oak trees) found in the large expanses of mainland Greece and on mountainous regions. Adjacent to rivers and wetlands we come across forests of poplar, willow and pine trees as well as aquatic growth. At higher altitudes, on mountainous regions, thrive alpine meadows. Finally, the Greek countryside is teeming with beautiful wild flowers and herbs (anemonae, daffodils, cyclamen, crocuses, poppies, thyme, coriander, etc.), as well as medicinal plants (mallow, lavender, and the famous mandragora).
The diversity of Greek forests is unique and barely matched by other countries in the world, in relation to the total area of Greece. In the northern regions of the country we encounter temperate forests while in the southern regions thrive tropical palm trees. The variety of Greek forests is the result of the intense relief of the country that is strategically situated at the crossroad of three continents. Perhaps, the fact that the Greek peninsula was not covered by ice during the last Ice Age contributed also to its biodiversity. This caused the migration of northern European plant species to the Greek peninsula where they cross-bred with local varieties and adjusted perfectly to local climatic conditions. The National Parks – protected land areas of exceptional beauty – cover an area totaling 68,732 hectares. The wetland of Prespa, the largest in Greece, is unique in terms of its avifauna and endemic vegetation; the same is true for Mt. Parnetha in Attica, Mt. Parnassus in Voiotia, Mt. Oite in Fthiotis, Mt. Olympus, Vikos-Aoos in Ioannina, and the National Park of Pindos inhabited by a rare species of bears (mainly in the region of “Zesti Koilada” / Valia Calda) as well as in Rodopi. These are some of the biotopes one can find in Greece. Greek forests are ecosystems that host a kaleidoscope of fauna (birds, insects, reptiles and mammals [e.g. the wild cat, jackal, wolf, badger]) and endemic flora (e.g. the pine tree (Abies cephalonica) and Zelkova abelicia endemic to Cefalonia, and Picea abies, and beech trees (Fagus sylvatica) encountered elsewhere in Europe but having Greece as their southern border region.
Greek fauna is also rich, albeit less rich in comparison to prehistoric times, as attested by fossil finds. Excavations at sites of archaeological and paleontological significance in Greece revealed fossilized evidence supporting the claim that Greece was once the habitat of mammoth elephants, lions, tigers, etc. Currently, the fauna of Greece numbers 116 mammal and 422 bird species with significant fish fauna as well. From the bulk of 579 species in the Mediterranean, 447 have been recorded in the Greek seas, including the Mediterranean seal Monachus monachus and sea turtle Caretta Caretta threatened with extinction (the same is true for the wild cat of Crete and Peloponnese). The Aegean Sea is frequented by 9 species of dolphins (out of 32 species recorded worldwide) and whales.
The relief of Greece is a mosaic of mountains covering 60% of the land and rendering Greece the third most mountainous country in Europe after Norway and Albania. Despite the plethora of mountains and hills, the view of the sea is hardly obstructed either from hills-sides or mountain tops. The distance from a hinterland location to the nearest beach is maximum 100 km. This land-sea proximity and continuous interplay of natural elements created conditions favourable for the development of particular ecosystems. It also inspired myths and a set of beliefs characteristic of popular tradition. Once Greece was the birthplace of gods and heroes who gradually gave their place to human inspiration and ingenuity. The rich biodiversity of mountainous ecosystems, with their precious natural resources, provide sustenance to large numbers of animal populations. Conservation and wise management of such ecosystems and resources has long been recognized and legislation enacted for their protection and wise use. Olympus, the adobe of gods, is the highest mountain in Greece (alt. 2,915). Sharing similar altitude and legendary significance are Mt. Psiloreitis and the White Mountains (Crete), Taygetos (Peloponnese), Smolikas and Grammos (Macedonia), Tymphe (Gamila), Athamanika and Pindos (Epirus).
The massifs in Greece are not particularly high, with none reaching over 3,000 m. in altitude. Nevertheless, all mountain ranges, from Rodopi (Greek-Bulgarian borders) to Crete, are no less than 2,000 m. in altitude. For some of these mountains, however, the impression is otherwise as deep gorges plunge deep at their foot. This is true for Mt. Difry of Euboia, a pyramid-like massif with smooth hillsides running in straight line down to the coastline of the Aegean Sea.
The mountainous relief of the country is enhanced by the all encompassing sea and mosaic of hundreds of islands flanking the Greek peninsula. Through the centuries Greece has been identified with the Mediterranean Sea, as the land is surrounded by waters from the Ionian Sea, to the Aegean, and Lybian Sea), creating also such minor seas as the Thracean, Ikarion, Myrtoo, Cretan and Karpathean. Major and minor Seas in Greece are dotting with over 6,000 isles and rocks of all sizes and shapes. The features of the Greek coastlines are unique, so much so as to form a class in themselves in the science of geomorphology.
Artificial and natural lakes, river deltas and estuaries, lagoons/ saltmarshes, waterfalls and swamps constitute the canvas of scores of invaluable wetlands in Greece.
Mountains in the area of Agrinio flank the largest lake in Greece, the majestic «sea» of Trichonis. Other major lakes are: Volvi, Vegoritis, Kerkini, the lake at Kastoria and Pamviotis at Ioannina. Of no less significance, owing to its curative springs, is the lake of Vouliagmeni at Attica, while the lagoon of Messolongi with its “pilades” – fishing huts propped in shallow waters – renders the area exceptionally beautiful and fortunate on account of the wetland system it represents. Other equally interesting lakes are: lake Voulkania (at Vonitsa of Aetoloakarnania) known for the city submerged completely in its waters; the magnificent artificial lake of Tavrotos (Plastera) in Thessaly is embraced by picturesque villages and thriving coniferous forests; the Prespa Lakes, representing the northern “sea borders” of Greece, are internationally acclaimed for their biodiversity. Last but not least is the Drakolimne of Tymphe located at an altitude of 2,050 metres. The lakes of Greece are areas of exceptional beauty and invaluable ecosystems.
Rivers also make a significant contribution to the exquisite natural décor of Greece. In antiquity rivers were considered autonomous deities. The beauty of riverine locations was thought to surpass human standards and elevated to the mythical sphere of gods and goddesses. The longest river in Greece is Aliakmon (297 km) and follow: Acheloos, Peneios, Evros, Nestos, Strymonas, Alfeios, Arachthos, and others of lesser significance.
Greece is also rich in caves featuring subterranean ponds and rivers, magnificent formations of stalactites and stalagmites, as well as water passages. Caves attract not only the interest of field specialists, but also hundreds of visitors keen on subterranean adventure and wonders. Caves hold a special role in Greek mythology. They were used as cult locations and to this date archaeological research has brought to light a wealth of finds of interest also to paleontology and paleo-anthropology. In 1959 a fossilized skull (the “Archanthropus skull”) was found in the cave of Petralona (Halkidiki). It is estimated that this skull represents a transitional stage in human evolution, from Homo Erectus to Homo Sapiens. Other caves are: the Diros (Peloponnese), where visitors take a tour in small boats; the Limnon Cave (Kalavryta, Achaea), featuring 13 lakes on three subterranean levels; the Perama (Ioannina) and the Minoan sacred cave at Arcalohori of Crete.
Interesting are also the numerous gorges that fill the canvas of the Greek landscape with marvelous brushstrokes representing sharp emerald green and gray-brown declines. The sound of running waters, the chirping and warbling of birds create unique effects along the trail from entrance to exit of the gorges. The most famous gorges are that of Samaria on Crete where hundreds of tourist negotiate from one end to other each year, and the gorge of Vikos at Monodendri of Ioannina, a breath-taking natural monument.
Finally, Greece is also proud of its two Aquatic Parks: the Alonnissos Aquatic Park has been listed since 1992 and is the habitat of the Mediterranean seal Monachus monachus, and the Zakynthos Aquatic Park, listed in 1999, the habitat and breeding place for sea turtle species Caretta caretta.
