The splendor of Greece’s national parks needs no introduction. The Greek gods created their nation with complete innocence. There are many travel destinations in Greece that are worth a visit. There are delightful views with landscapes that will astonish you, a variety of food and drinks to stimulate your foodie soul and locals who will enthrall you with their anecdotes and folklore.
In fact, the islands also boast of their own picturesque specialty. Whether you are a lover of nature or just want to explore centuries-old sites, sanctuaries and coastlines, here is a list of beautiful national parks that you can visit in Greece.
Top 9 National Parks in Greece
If you’re confused about which park to visit, the solution is very simple. No matter which national park you choose in Greece, it has something to offer and all of them are a perfect place to click pictures. Here is a list of national parks in Greece that you can visit:
1. Mount Olympus National Park
Established in 1938 on the mythological dwelling place of the Greek gods, ‘Mount Olympus National Park’ is an important place, be it natural, archaeological or historical. Considering its social importance and special environment, the government declared this area of 193 square miles as a national park. Since that time, it has been declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and one of the “Most Important Bird Areas of the European Community”. This national park of Greece is a nature lovers’ delight, as it is the natural environment for a wide variety of flora and fauna species, and has deep valleys, dense forests and more than 50 peaks. Here, tourists can appreciate more than 1,700 diverse plant species, from deciduous trees to the unusual Bosnian pine trees. The park is a hotspot for climbers and explorers, and it also highlights a network of shelters that can accommodate up to twelve individuals at once.
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2. Prespa National Park
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The ‘National Park of Prespa’ is home to the picturesque pools of ‘Mikri and Megali Prespa’ and was created in 1974 to ensure the biodiversity of the two lakes. Separated by an islet and surrounded by mountains, the lakes, shared between Greece, Albania and FYROM (Republic of Macedonia), are a natural environment for a variety of plant and animal life. Both the lakes are also breeding grounds for aquatic birds. The area attracts domestic and foreign tourists, who come to reconnect with nature, see various flying creatures and explore some of the fascinating sites. Guests can also visit nearby villages which have been abandoned for a long time. Often overlooked by most travelers to Greece, Prespa National Park really deserves a visit as it is one of the best national parks in Greece.
3. Pindus National Park
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Recognized in 1966 and located in the northeastern ‘Pindus’ mountain range near West Macedonia, ‘Pindus National Park’ covers an area of 17,120 acres and its core area is 8,300 acres. The altitude of this secluded area ranges from 1076 to 2177 meters. Otherwise known as ‘Valiya Kalda’ valley, the park consists of a system of mountain lakes, waterfalls and waterways surrounded by dense forests. This national park in Greece is home to wild cats, lynx and otters and more than 80 bird species. The park is known as one of three places in Greece where small populations of Eurasian bears can be found. Despite the fact that it is one of the least visited areas of the country, the ‘Pindos National Park’, open from the small town of Perivoli, offers ample hiking opportunities and a climbing resort close to the Mavrovouni peak. Throws light. Its low popularity results in tourists being able to enjoy nature in peace. Camping is possible outside the park while kayaking requires special permission.
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4. Vikos Aos National Park
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Located in north-western Greece, in the beautiful region of Epirus, ‘Vikos – Aeos National Park’ is 30 kilometers from Ioannina. It is an area of more than 12,600 hectares of valleys and gorges, caves, lakes and waterfalls, and dense forests. Built in 1973, the park is home to wolves, grizzly bears and deer, and is best-loved among locals for open-air exercise. Additionally, it is recognized as a UNESCO Geopark due to the vast range of natural habitats within its boundaries. Ecotourism activities are famous here. Ideal for climbing, climbing, mountain biking, sailing and kayaking, this region is perfect if you are looking for charming nature, truly innocent mountain towns and adrenaline-pumping activities.
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5. Parnitha National Park
Established in 1961, ‘Parnitha National Park’ covers an area of 61,776 acres of land, which also includes the highest mountain near Athens. It is 30 kilometers from Athens and is an important habitat for bird species. In addition to the mountain of the same name, the park contains lakes, valleys and caves. Ideal for climbing, bird watching and mountain biking, the park has two refuges and is known for its wild tulips. In any case, the area is a typical area for pine and cedar trees as well as for various wildlife and includes some sites of archaeological interest, for example, the Tatoi Palace, the ‘Monastery of Clayston’ and the fortress. .
6. Zakynthos National Marine Park
Zakynthos National Marine Park was established in 1999 and covers an area of 52 square miles, including the ‘Gulf of Laganas’, the wetlands of ‘Lake Keri’ and the two small islands of Strofadia. Located south of the island of Zakynthos, the third largest island of the Ionian Sea, Zakynthos National Marine Park is famous for the nesting areas of the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta) in the ‘Mediterranean Sea’. This is a sanctuary for monk seals. Here guests can go swimming or underwater diving. One can explore the water or follow the trails, taking care not to disturb the turtles’ unique habitat.
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7. Alonissos Marine Park
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With a coastline of 13,700 kilometers long, it is not surprising that Greece also has a marine park. The Alonissos Marine Park was recognized in 1992 and is one of the largest protected marine areas in Europe. Apart from protecting the sea, the park also includes 6 small islands and 22 islands. This natural park in Greece is the ideal place to spot some of the rarest types of greenery, including 300 fish species, monk seals, 80 bird species, Giura’s wild goat, red coral, Audoin’s gull and Eleonora’s falcon. Guests can tour the park by scuba diving or swimming and, if they’re lucky, they may even see some Mediterranean monk seals. Apart from this, sightseeing, walking and fishing (only in permitted areas) are other basic activities here.
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8. Oat National Park
‘Oeta National Park’ was established in 1966 and covers ‘Mount Oeta’ in the central region of Greece. Oeta National Park, spread over an area of 7,000 hectares, is the third largest national park in the country. Part of the Natura 2000 network, the park, where stalking and some other unsafe activities are prohibited, is home to at least 50 endemic plant species and a variety of endemic life and birds, including roe deer, wild boar, hares and additionally brown bears. , wolves, and wild cats.
Travel lovers visiting this park can experience a spectacular bird watching opportunity, explore caves and see the historical center of the Agathonos Monastery.
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9. Samaria National Park
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‘Samaria National Park’ was recognized in 1962 and is located on the island of Crete. Part of the Samaria National Park, the ‘Samaria Gorge’ in southern Crete is the longest gorge in Europe. This gorge is the most popular tourist destination of this national park of Greece which has been declared a ‘World Biosphere Reserve’. It runs about 10 miles long, starting at an altitude of 4,100 feet and reaching the small seaside village of Agia Roumeli. The park is additionally home to approximately 450 plant species and several endemic animal types, for example, the kri-kri, an endangered wild goat.
From the coast, travelers can ride a ferry to the neighboring towns of Sougia and Hora Sfakion. Visitors to the park can hike most of the valley, which flows into the Libyan Sea. If you are fond of hiking, ‘Samaria National Park’ should be on your list.
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Despite its size, Greece has a rich assortment of scenery from wetlands, forests, coastlines, and high mountains and valleys. If you are a nature lover and are tired of the chaos of the city and want to take a break from your routine life, then head to the above listed national parks of Greece to experience something amazing and extraordinary. It’s time to plan a trip to Greece to capture these moments as soon as possible!
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