For many of us, travel is so much more than lying on a beach and sampling cocktails. We want to experience the culture of the location that we are visiting and, above all, we want to explore the natural world.
There are so many stunning natural habitats around the world but one of the prettiest in spring and early summer is Greece. Here are some ideas for making the most of the wonderful Grecian countryside.
Getting to Greece
There are so many Cheap Flights to Greece which means that you can explore the forests, mountains, and canyons without having to spend a fortune. The unique landscape of Greece is littered with breath-taking lakes, rivers, and lagoons so pack a swimsuit and some comfy hikers for some fantastic outdoor fun times. There is a huge variety of accommodation ranging from basic campsites to luxury hotels. You really can take your pick and make your trip exactly what you want it to be.
Travel the wine routes of Halkidiki
Halkidiki is packed with renowned wineries nestled amongst endless stretches of vineyards. Head to the west of the region, especially Kallikrateia, Sithonia and Mount Athos. Here you can commence your tour at Agios Pavlos and move on to Petralona Cave, where the oldest human skeleton in Europe was discovered.
Travel along the western side of Sithonia, to the vineyard on the “Slopes of Meliton”. This remarkable place is one of the largest vineyards in Europe and an outstanding organic viticultural enterprise.
From here you descend to Arnaia, a stunning village, and end your journey at Mt. Athos, Greece. All along the way you can taste the excellent local wines and combine them with mouth-watering traditional local dishes.
Lake Kerkina
This is a wetland area of Northern Greece and is dubbed the most important European bird watching destination so take your binoculars. There are around 300 bird species here including Pelicans and Pygmy Cormorants. The area is home to the most important cormorant and heron colonies in the Northern Balkan Peninsula.
Up in the surrounding mountains, you will find the Lesser Spotted Eagle and Bonelli’s Eagle, the Great Spotted Eagle and the Peregrine Falcon. The spring migration period is the ideal time to visit.
The lake itself is around 15 km long and 8.5km wide. On its shores, you will find buffalo and numerous frogs, salamanders and tritons.
You do deserve a rest so take a romantic boat ride on a plahves (a traditional boat used in Greece) or even try your hand at canoeing or horseback riding.
Pindus National Park – Valia Calda
This is a fascinating journey to Valia Calda, in the Grevena district which is one of the country’s coolest and most humid areas. The ancient forests are deep green and truly an unspoiled paradise. You can leap over gurgling streams or go for a paddle if you are willing to share them with otter and many species of trout! You could also spot a fox, a wild hog or an elegant antelope.
Where is your favourite place to embrace Mother Nature in Greece?
This is an intriguing glimpse into another side of Greece from the norm. Usually, people focus only on the antiquities or the beaches so this post about some of the wider natural attractions is fascinating to someone like me who loves nature and national parks.
I hear you Roxanne. I just love visiting the more natural sides to any place – a mix of city and country is essential to any trip I plan. Thanks for stopping by!
What an interesting take on Greece! I love it. And your pictures are beautiful! I’m all about that nature side of cool countries, like Greece.