Discover the mainland of Greece: Macedonia and Thessaly

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Discover the mainland of Greece: Macedonia and Thessaly By Ecoguide-Journalist MSc Biological Diversity Picturesque scenery, wild nature, unpaved routes and graphic

A typical greek coastline along with lakes, mountains, rivers, and forests hosting a versatile flora and fauna altogether constitute the well preserved ecosystem of

1 Discover the mainland of Greece: Macedonia and Thessaly By Ecoguide-Journalist MSc Biological Diversity Picturesque scenery, wild nature, unpaved routes and graphic villages set the scene as one approaches the Macedonia region. A typical greek coastline along with lakes, mountains, rivers, and forests hosting a versatile flora and fauna altogether constitute the well preserved ecosystem of Macedonia. From the entire world, the best land is the thessalic land.... Many things may have changed from the time when the Oracle of Delphi was giving out this divination, however, the land of Centaurs and home of Asklepius still fascinates visitors with its extraordinary beauty.

Ramsar Wetland of Lake Kerkini Lake Kerkini is now one of, if not the, premier

migratory birds en route to the Aegean Sea, the Balkan region, the Black Sea,

Lake Kerkini is a miracle of nature which came about by man's technical

The water extent, which varies from time to time, works out to be useful in

2 Ramsar Wetland of Lake Kerkini Lake Kerkini is now one of, if not the, premier birding site in Greece, and, as it is situated along the migratory flyway for migratory birds en route to the Aegean Sea, the Balkan region, the Black Sea, the Hungarian steppes and beyond it experiences an interesting migration. Lake Kerkini is a miracle of nature which came about by man's technical intervention on the natural characteristics of Strymon river. The water extent, which varies from time to time, works out to be useful in two ways: as a technical work of great agricultural utility and as a hydrobiosphere for thousands of water fowls.

characteristic tone. Actually the lake hosts 227 kinds of birds, especially non-migrants.

3 This wonderful biosphere is recouped by the International Convention of Ramsar and presents numerous admirable elements. Thousands of birds, both rare and protected, riverside forests, water-lilies in a large area, fish variety and fantastic panoramic view from the mountains of Belles and Krousia give it a characteristic tone. Actually the lake hosts 227 kinds of birds, especially non-migrants. 76 of them are recorded in the National Red Catalogue, while at least 31 of them are protected by EEC's Directive concerning wild life. What makes an exceptional presence is the buffalo's herd in the area, plus the one of the jackel in the area of Kerkini lake. In the surrounding area of Kerkini lake there are at least 10 amphibian species (frogs, salamanders, tritons), five snail species, 19 reptile species (lizards, snakes, turtles) and a great variety of insects which play an important part in the food chain and contribute towards the biological resources of the lake.

Wetland of Axios River Delta In the area where the Axios leaks it is formed

In the wider region rivers Loudias, Aliakmonas and Gallikos detrude as

importance, which is protected by the Ramsar conditions and Berne.

Gulf, between prefectures of Thessaloniki, Pieria and Imathia and forms a

saltwater and freshwater, sand dunes, rich vegetation and extensive crops.

4 Wetland of Axios River Delta In the area where the Axios leaks it is formed a delta area of 22,000 acres. In the wider region rivers Loudias, Aliakmonas and Gallikos detrude as well, along with salt Kitros they create a large wetland area of great importance, which is protected by the Ramsar conditions and Berne. More specifically, the Delta system runs on the west coast of Thermaikos Gulf, between prefectures of Thessaloniki, Pieria and Imathia and forms a mosaic from brackish lagoons, saline soils, extensive mudflat, swamps saltwater and freshwater, sand dunes, rich vegetation and extensive crops. The flora of the delta contains more than 500 species and subspecies of plants, including some rare, creating a variety of colors during the year.

Litochoro Mount Olympus- Enipeas Gorge Olympus, the highest mountain in Greece, is the symbol of the Greek spirit, centre of the Olympian religion and ancient Greek mythology, a leading global Nature

Litochoro next to the gorge of Enipeas river, is the second largest municipality of Pieria.

The route from Prionia to Litochoro, through Enipeas gorge, is the best route if you want to access the lower zone of Mount Olympus and one of the best walks on Olympus.

5 Litochoro Mount Olympus- Enipeas Gorge Olympus, the highest mountain in Greece, is the symbol of the Greek spirit, centre of the Olympian religion and ancient Greek mythology, a leading global Nature Monument. Litochoro is the big traditional settlement of northeast Olympus. It offers a harmonius combination of mountain and sea, historic tradition and traditional architecture with natural beauty. Litochoro next to the gorge of Enipeas river, is the second largest municipality of Pieria. Is the starting point for the main climbing routes to Mount Olympus and the conquest of this mythical mountain. The route from Prionia to Litochoro, through Enipeas gorge, is the best route if you want to access the lower zone of Mount Olympus and one of the best walks on Olympus. Thrugh the river bed of Enipeas, which is filled with numerous boulders, the water runs cold throughout all seasons. The path meets the river bed at a number of points where rough wooden footbridges have been placed. During the walk towards Litochoro the visitor is quite often encountered with an amazing view towards Litochoro and Thermaikos bay. The imposing rocky environment, the rich vegetation of low zone of Olympus, the rare flora, and the colour diversity of the national park, the impressive crests and the alternation of the alpine landscape, and, more importantly, the feeling that you walk on the mythical mountain of the ancient gods and legends give rise to strong feelings and make the walking route to mount Olympus unique.

Traditional Village of Palaios Panteleimonas At the old village of

many houses of old architecture and a remarkable church still

It is worth visiting the scabbed square surrounded by taverns,

6 Traditional Village of Palaios Panteleimonas At the old village of Palaios Panteleimonas, within an impressive vegetation, there are many houses of old architecture and a remarkable church still surviving. It is worth visiting the scabbed square surrounded by taverns, serving traditional local dishes. Cobble streets lead to the centre of the settlement and cars are in parking areas outside the picturesque village.

Rock of Meteora In central Greece and particularly in the North Western part of Thessaly, between North East of Hasia and West of Pindos, where the plain of Thessaly ends, gigantic rocks raise, that

7 Rock of Meteora In central Greece and particularly in the North Western part of Thessaly, between North East of Hasia and West of Pindos, where the plain of Thessaly ends, gigantic rocks raise, that create a spectacle which might be unique worldwide. Visiting the villages of Thessaly stimulates all senses, from preserved settlements to the outfallis of Pinios river, which come across the stunning valley of Tembi and host beautiful flamingoes. The landmark of Trikala district is the colossal rock of Metora, a natural monument, imposingly standing there for millions of years. It is there, where the earth virtually touches the sky and the view from the hospitable monasteries speaks directly to visitors hearts. U.N.E.S.C.O has characterized the Holy Meteora as a "monument of Humanity that has to be maintained". The monasteries of the Meteora are included in the Monuments of world cultural Heritage as they are a unique harmonious matching of Byzantine architecture and natural beauty. The buildings of the monasteries seem like a continuance and a natural ending of the rocks. Meteora, are a priceless artistic and heirloom treasure. The presence of many monasteries in such a small place, as well as the Orthodox spiritual life and exercise have provoked the admiration and the interest of people all over the world.

Ramsar Wetland of Lakes Koronia and Volvi Lake Koronia

in Northern Greece represent a unique landscape of rare

recognized worldwide: both lakes are protected by the

8 Ramsar Wetland of Lakes Koronia and Volvi Lake Koronia Lake Volvi The wetland of the lakes of Koronia and Volvi in Northern Greece represent a unique landscape of rare natural beauty with an extraordinary array of wetlands and ecosystems. The area s tremendous ecological importance has been recognized worldwide: both lakes are protected by the international Ramsar Convention, and have been designated as Special Areas of Conservation for wild fauna and flora by the EU.

Unparalleled biodiversity in the region The region boasts astounding biodiversity of both species and habitats: There are

These include 340 different aquatic plant species, 13 of which are considered rare, as well as 248 bird species, 14 reptile

Some species are indigenous to the region, and many are protected by international conventions.

The variety of seasonal swamps, streams, forests, aquatic thickets, reeds and freshwater marshlands have created a mosaic

9 Unparalleled biodiversity in the region The region boasts astounding biodiversity of both species and habitats: There are 800 different plant species in different habitats surrounding the wetland. These include 340 different aquatic plant species, 13 of which are considered rare, as well as 248 bird species, 14 reptile species, 34 kinds of mammals, five amphibian species and 22 species of fish. Some species are indigenous to the region, and many are protected by international conventions. Sadly, some species such as the otter Lutra lutra seem to have become extinct. The variety of seasonal swamps, streams, forests, aquatic thickets, reeds and freshwater marshlands have created a mosaic of incomparable beauty and amazing variety that every nature lover would fall in love with. This complex variety of ecosystems with the beauty of flamingos, pelicans, grebes, herons and a remarkable diversity of animals, plants and birds is captivating, yet sadly under-appreciated and endangered.

The lakes are a hot spot for migrating birds, as well as an ideal wintering station and breeding haven for many birds and eagles

From the white stork and longlegged buzzard to the rare Egyptian vulture and Dalmatian pelican, the area is prized by serious

Attractions: Lake riverine forest at Apollonia: It is located to the Southern shore of Lake Volvi and covers an area of about 35 ha.

the Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) which build their nests together.

10 The lakes are a hot spot for migrating birds, as well as an ideal wintering station and breeding haven for many birds and eagles overall. From the white stork and longlegged buzzard to the rare Egyptian vulture and Dalmatian pelican, the area is prized by serious birdwatchers and environmentalists. Attractions: Lake riverine forest at Apollonia: It is located to the Southern shore of Lake Volvi and covers an area of about 35 ha. That forest is the only area in Greece where one can admire a rare example of cohabitation, the White stork (Ciconia ciconia) and the Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) which build their nests together. Extensive logging has destroyed much of the original forest, and today only a few remnants remain: precious remnants of enormous old riverine forests. Amongst the trees which are predominant here, are the white poplar (Populus alba ) and Plane trees (Platanus orientalis). The western part of the forest supports an important area of Alder (Alnus glutinosa) and White poplar (Populus alba) that form the rare Alnopopuletum community.

Riverine forest of Redina In the valley of river Rihios to the east of Volvi, there is the thick riverine forest of Redina, with planes, willows, oleanders, chaste trees and other plants able to grow

The philosopher Aristotle, one of the greatest thinkers of all times, built his philosophical school in that green valley of the Rihios River.

11 Riverine forest of Redina In the valley of river Rihios to the east of Volvi, there is the thick riverine forest of Redina, with planes, willows, oleanders, chaste trees and other plants able to grow in the water-saturated soil. Running waters, plants and animals, all together with the rocky slopes and the small ravines, form an outstanding habitat and a site of exceptional beauty. The philosopher Aristotle, one of the greatest thinkers of all times, built his philosophical school in that green valley of the Rihios River. Protected Monuments of Nature: The two Plane trees at Scholari Close to the Village of Scholari between the two lakes Koronia and Volvi, the visitor will certainly be impressed by the view of two huge perennial plane trees, which support large colonies of grey heron. The Plane Tree of Apollonia Near to the village Apollonia there is a centuries-old Plane tree which according to tradition Apostle Paul taught just under the foliage of this huge tree. Its historical importance is great and is well know as "St Paul Step".

Nymphopetra s rock formations Near to the village of Nymphopetra, there is a remarkable natural formation of rocks made from silicates; these silicates were produced by jets of super heated water

12 Nymphopetra s rock formations Near to the village of Nymphopetra, there is a remarkable natural formation of rocks made from silicates; these silicates were produced by jets of super heated water thermally altering the surrounding rock strata. The springs have long since disappeared from the area, but the silicates still remain. As the popular tradition has it, this chain of rocks was a bridal procession which was petrified as a punishment. Hot springs and thermal baths The country, especially near Lagkadas and Apollonia, is noted for its hot springs. The place was resorted to for medical treatment by bathing since the time of Romans. Baths still operate in the city of Lagkadas and Nea Apollonia village. Customs: On the day of Aghios Konstantinos and Heleni, (21 st of May) the visitor will be astonished at the sight of the inhabitants of Lagkadas walking on red hot charcoal! This tradition has its roots in ancient rites honouring the god Dionyssos.

Wetland of Lakes Koronia and Volvi, by Themis Nasopoulou Ramsar Wetland of Lakes Koronia and Volvi

Preliminary hour by- hour Schedule By Themis Nasopoulou Ecoguide-Journalist MSc Biological Diversity E-mail: nasthem1@hotmail.com Mob.tel.: 0030-6937122299 Ramsar Wetland of Lakes Koronia and Volvi Litohoro