If stunning beaches, beautiful bays, and deep blue skies are your penchant, then the beauty of the Ionian islands in the Aegean Sea will leave you captivated.
In fact, some of the lesser known natural treasures found here are some of the best preserved sites on these Greek islands.
There are scores of natural attractions on the Ionian islands, but some of the chosen few are detailed below.
Samaria Gorge
The stunning Samaria Gorge cuts a deep path between the White Mountains and the shores of the Libyan sea. The gorge takes its name from the church of Ossia Maria, which was located in Samaria village, which once laid in the centre of the gorge and was finally vacated in 1962 to make way for the national park.
This is the longest gorge in Europe and extends for a distance of 16 km and has become a popular destination for naturalists and hikers from all corners of the planet. The park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including some rare species of wildflowers and butterflies. The trek through the gorge is a bit challenging, but well worth the effort for the spectacular scenery that awaits the visitor.
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Waterfalls of Samothraki
Greece is famous for its beaches and so is Samothraki, but there is one unique natural wonder on this island called vathres. Vathres are natural rock pools of water created by the waters of the innumerable waterfalls which rise from the Saos Mountain on their way back to the ocean.
There are hundreds of vathres on the Samothraki island but the most famous are those found near Therma, at the confluence of the Tsivdogiannis and Fonias rivers. A waterfall hike to this beautiful place is a must do activity in Samothraki as a swim in the clear waters of this vathres is an exhilarating experience.
Most of the waterfall trails begin at the town of Therma, so it is a good idea to make base there to explore the many waterfalls surrounding the place. The most beautiful waterfall is named Kleidosi and is situated on the Fonias river and cascades down from a height of 35 m.
Volcano of Nisyros
The Nisyros volcano on the island of Nisyros is a very much active volcano and one of the youngest in the whole of Greece. Legend says that the volcano was created by a stone thrown by the Greek god, Poseidon. It is located just south of the popular beach Island of Kos and is one of top to do activity if you are there.
An hour-long scenic trip from Kos will bring you to this geological gem. Be sure to climb up to the craters of Stefanos and visit Nikia and Mandraki while you are there. After you have docked at the harbor, head to the ancient village of Nikia, which lies on the edge of the Stefanos crater and pick a spot at the edge from where you will feel the heat emitting from the crater.
It is important to note that the crater walls are quite steep, so young children and those with any health problems should not venture far to the bottom. After exiting the volcano with the smell of hydrogen sulphide still in the air, spend the rest of the day in Mandraki and stroll down the cobbled streets and marvel at the picturesque white Nisyrian houses. Head to the Monastery of Panagia Spiliani, the highest point on the island to enjoy a panoramic view of Mandraki.
Marine National Park, Alonissos island
The National Marine Park of Alonissos Northern Sporades is the first of its kind established in the country and one of the largest protected marine area in Europe covering 2265 sq km.The park includes the island of Alonissos and six other smaller islands, 22 uninhibited islands and some rocky outcrops.
The area is of great scientific as well as cultural interest with findings dating back to the prehistoric era and Byzantine Empire as displayed by the many shipwrecks, monasteries and old churches. Visitor activities include, swimming, diving, observing wildlife, hiking and cultural events etc
The island is a haven for hikers with a plethora of trails and paths providing stunning views en route. If you want to enjoy the best seafood in Greece and experience the authentic way of how the locals live, then this is one of the best places to visit in the country. The still undiscovered gem of the Aegean may be a small island in size, but more than makes up for its incredible history and tranquil beaches.
Tilos ornithological reserve
The island of Tilos, along with 16 other uninhibited islets together constitute a spectacular birding area which are home to over 155 documented bird species and as many as 10% of the birds in the world make Tilos their home at some time or the other. Located next to Rhodes and approximately 20 km off the Turkish coast, Tilos is also gifted with an abundance of flora and wildlife.
A hunting ban in Tilos has enabled the island to preserve its natural resources as such the population of the many resident as well as migratory species is thriving. One such example is the Eleonara's Falcon, of which the island holds 10% of the world's population.
Other species borders would love to see is the Audouin's Gull, one of the rarest gull species in the world, the Mediterranean Shag, Olive tree warbler, Long-legged buzzard, Scops owl, Peregrine falcon, Common Kestrel and many many more.
The blue caves of Zakynthos
Zakynthos is one of the largest Greek islands and the second most visited after Corfu. As with other Ionian islands, Zakynthos too is full of green pastures and fertile valleys that offer spectacular views of the countryside. However, it is the west coast of Zakynthos where one of the most beautiful natural sites is located, the stunning Blue Caves.
The caves are only accessible by boat, but this has not deterred visitors in any way as they have become one of the top natural attractions of Greece, especially at some given time in the day. There are plenty of boat trips on offer to get to the caves, of which Kianoun is the biggest. Here you can witness the wonderful phenomenon of light reflecting the vibrant blue colors of the water, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Within the blue caves are arches created by water erosion over thousands of years and once inside the caves one gets the feeling of being surrounded within a surreal environment. For those who like diving, the blue caves, getting under the water and admiring the beauty of the cave rocks is an unforgettable adventure.
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