National parks

Lake Aoos (also known as Aoos Springs Lake) is an artificial lake that was created following the construction of a dam on the Aoos River. It is located in the regional unit of Ioannina, in northwestern Greece and its primary purpose is to utilize part of the water from the river's springs for the production of hydroelectric energy. Situated at an altitude of approximately 1,350 meters, it is one of the highest artificial lakes in Greece. The surrounding landscape is dominated by rich coniferous forests, subalpine meadows, and impressive mountainous terrain, contributing to its classification as a protected natural area of exceptional beauty. In the small ponds and wetland areas that form around the lake, several interesting amphibian species are found, including the rare Alpine newt (Ichthyosaura alpestris) and the Yellow-bellied toad (Bombina variegata). The area also serves as a refuge for numerous mammal species, such as wolves (Canis lupus), brown bears (Ursus arctos). The avian diversity is also remarkable, with bird species such as the Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius), the White-backed Woodpecker (Dendrocopos leucotos), and the majestic Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) being regularly observed in the area. Due to its exceptional ecological value, the lake’s habitat has been recognized as highly significant and is included in the European Natura 2000 network of protected areas.

The Axios Delta National Park – Loudias – Aliakmonas is one of the most important wetland areas in Greece and Europe. It encompasses a wide range of natural and semi-natural ecosystems, including the Kalohori Lagoon near Thessaloniki, the estuary of the Gallikos River, the delta and riverbed of the Axios River up to the Greek-North Macedonian border, the delta of the Aliakmonas River, the Nea Agathoupoli wetland, and the Kitros Saltworks. The park covers an extensive area of 338,000 hectares and features a remarkable variety of wetland types: rivers, estuaries, marshes, lagoons, salt pans, wet meadows, rice fields, sand dunes, riparian forests, reed beds, shallow bays, and cultivated lands. This mosaic of habitats supports a rich and diverse ecosystem, making the area a crucial refuge for wildlife. The vegetation in the park includes vast expanses of halophytic and hydrophilic plant species, dense strips of riparian forest, and large reed beds, all providing shelter and breeding grounds for numerous species. The park’s avian biodiversity is its greatest treasure: almost 300 bird species have been recorded here, 106 of which breed in the area. Located along one of Europe’s most important migratory flyways, the park welcomes thousands of migratory birds each winter. Thanks to its outstanding natural diversity, the park has become a magnet for nature lovers, ecotourists, and birdwatchers, while continuing to serve as a key site for biodiversity conservation.

The Dadia–Lefkimi–Soufli Forest National Park is one of the most important protected areas in Greece, with outstanding ecological value on a national, European, and international level. It is also one of the first areas in the country to be designated as protected, due to its rich concentration of flora and fauna species that thrive in harmony.The landscape forms a diverse mosaic of black pine and oak forests, interspersed with clearings, pastures, and cultivated fields. This unique environment provides ideal conditions for birds of prey to nest and hunt. Impressively, three out of the four vulture species of Europe can be found here: the Cinereous Vulture (Aegypius monachus), the Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus), and the Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus). The park hosts the only breeding colony of the Cinereous Vulture in the Balkans, making it a site of exceptional conservation importance. However, in the summer of 2023, a devastating wildfire swept through the region of Evros, burning approximately 96,200 hectares of land. This included 24,529 hectares within the National Park, destroying a significant portion of the Dadia forest and severely impacting one of Greece’s most emblematic natural ecosystems.

The Artificial Lake Kerkini is located in the northwestern part of the Serres prefecture and is considered one of the most important wetlands in Greece and Europe. It was created in 1932 through the construction of a dam on the Strymonas River, near the village of Lithotopos. Although the lake is man-made, it has evolved into a valuable natural habitat, providing shelter to thousands of plant and animal species. Kerkini is one of the ten Wetlands of International Importance in Greece, under the Ramsar Convention, and is also recognized as one of the country’s 196 Important Bird Areas (IBA). In addition, it is designated as a Special Protection Area (SPA) within the EU’s Natura 2000 network, emphasizing its ecological significance. At least 300 species of birds have been recorded in the lake and surrounding mountains, 50 of which are listed in Greece’s Red Data Book of endangered species. Ten species nest in mixed colonies within the riparian forest, in numbers that are considered particularly important for both Greece and Europe. Kerkini is one of Europe’s top destinations for birdwatching. Beyond avifauna, the region stands out for its rich and unique biodiversity. The lake and its surrounding habitats are home to 11 species of amphibians, 26 species of reptiles, over 58 species of mammals, and around 30 species of fish. The local flora includes more than 800 plant species, with water lilies being among the most iconic, covering parts of the lake’s surface and creating stunning natural scenes.