Description of the country. Greek reserves
The climate of Ancient Greece was hot and dry - it rained very rarely. Unlike others southern states, the winter in Greece was cold, but there was no snow. In the territory Ancient Greece there were many valleys, mountain meadows and ridges, however, lands that could be used in agriculture were found only in the northern part of the state.
Grapes grew on the slopes of the mountains, olives and oranges ripened in the southern valleys. The mountains of Ancient Greece were rich in iron and non-ferrous metals, as well as deposits of marble, building stone and red clay.
Ancient Greek nature, in general, cannot be called favorable for human life. At the beginning of its existence, Ancient Greece was a poor country. In order to fully engage in farming, the ancient Greeks were forced to build canals to irrigate land. However, with poor resources, Ancient Greece had beautiful nature, which formed the high worldview of the Greek people.
More than 6,000 plant species have been recorded in Greece (including 250 in Crete), and some coastal and inland areas have the richest flora (about a fifth of the country is covered with forests), for the most part shaped by human activity. Just as interesting animal world countries - there are few large mammals (brown bears, wild cats, roe deer, jackals, wild goats and others), but there are many insects and birds. And in the waters off the coast of the country live the white-bellied seal and the caretta sea turtle, listed in the Red Book
Hellas was the realm of evergreen Mediterranean vegetation. Low shrubs and drought-resistant hard-leaved tree species (laurel, pistachios, oleander, etc.) predominated. The mountains were covered with forests, which are now heavily cut down. The world of mammals was diverse. Bears, wolves, foxes, wild boars, deer and chamois lived in the mountains. Abundant herds of wild goats and sheep grazed on the islands. In the north of the country there were even lions. The feathered world consisted of native species(owls, falcons, kites) and migratory birds that spent the winter in Greece. Stocks of marine fish were inexhaustible. Attica was famous for its wild bees, which produced excellent honey.
The soils of Greece are stony, low-fertile and difficult to cultivate. Grain crops (mainly barley and wheat) gave good yields only in some areas (Laconica, Boeotia, Thessaly). Viticulture (especially developed on the islands) and olive cultivation (the main center of which was Attica) were much more efficient. Vegetables and fruits ripened in gardens and orchards, the most famous of which was figs. The Greeks were also engaged in cattle breeding, breeding cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and poultry.
Conquer the Vouraikos Gorge on the Odontotos Cog Railway.
The Vouraikos Gorge is the pearl of Achaea. This popular place located near the picturesque historic city Kalavryta in the north of the Peloponnese. It is easily accessible via the Odontotos cog railway.
The train on this road consists of only two wagons. The road from the coast goes steeply into the mountains of the Peloponnese, which are cut off from the sea by a narrow gorge. Home distinctive feature road is a gear mechanism that is used on the steepest sections. The train rises to a height of 750 meters in just 22 kilometers. "Gear train" - in Greek "Odontotos". Hence the name of the whole railway, which has been recognized as one of the most exciting railway routes all over Europe!
The sight of dizzying cliffs, alternating hollows and amazing landscapes is breathtaking. The picture is complemented by cascading waterfalls, caves with stalactites and stalagmites, dense pine and oleander forests and lush greenery with rare plants. Beauty captured in eternity.
You can enjoy the picturesque landscape in another way - by going to walking tour. You can get off the train at the station Zachloru- a small village, lost between the overhanging rocks, and reach end point route - Diakopto. remember, that best time for a trip to the gorge - spring, when the green and flowering valley is especially beautiful!
Visit the Stymphalia Ecological Museum
Located in the mountainous region of the northern Peloponnese at an altitude of 600 meters, the Ecological Museum of Stymphalia invites you to unusual journey in time. According to Greek mythology, it was in this place that Hercules struck with his arrows the birds that devoured people. On the territory of the museum is the largest mountain lake in the Peloponnese. The museum is the southernmost high-altitude area with high humidity in the Balkans. Its rich biodiversity is protected by the Natura 2000 - European Network of Protected Areas system.
At the Stymphalia Museum, you will learn about technological advances and human activities in this area of Greece. The permanent museum is equipped with a wide variety of modern facilities, such as audio-visual interactive terminals, to help you better understand the exhibition.
Even if you don't have experience visiting environmental museums, one thing is for sure: the unique 3D display of geography, erosion, waterways and valleys around Lake Stymphalia will blow your mind. Please note: the museum has a sectional view of the lake, where you can see some of the local plants and fish. Next to the Museum of Birdwatchers, special binoculars await you to watch birds, with which you can indulge in your favorite hobby!
Discover the incredible flora and fauna of Lake Kerkini
Lake Kerkini in Northern Greece is one of the most important wet areas in Europe. In addition, it is considered one of the main places for amateur ornithology in this part of the world. Here you can see about 300 species of birds. Some of them nest here, some winter, and some just stop in search of food and rest. Species such as the pelican and the lesser cormorant are endangered. This area is one of the main colonies of the great cormorant and heron in the northern part of the Balkan Peninsula.
The lake is surrounded by mountains Belles and Mavrovouni. In that amazing place ornithologists can see birds of prey: lesser and greater spotted eagle, peregrine falcon, hobby falcon, European tuvik and goshawk. This bird paradise is best enjoyed in spring and autumn during the migration season, when most of the species found here can be easily seen. However, you can closely observe the life of birds all year round. Just remember to have the right equipment. Then the incomparable beauty of the feathered world will enchant you forever...
Kerkini is a rare example of successful human intervention in the natural world. For the best use of the resources of the region, the correct eco-balance was maintained here. The lake is approximately 15 km long and its maximum width during the filling period is 8.5 km. The largest buffalo herd in Greece lives in the vicinity of the lake. In addition, 10 species of amphibians (frogs, salamanders, newts), 5 species of snails, 19 species of reptiles (lizards, snakes, turtles) and many species of insects live here.
During your visit, do not miss the opportunity to do various types active rest that will refresh your thoughts and soothe your soul. Go on a romantic boat trip traditional boats, which are called "plaves"). Watch from a safe distance for pelicans nesting on specially constructed platforms. Go canoeing, horseback riding or simply walk along the paths of the mountain range, enjoying the hilly landscape. Kerkini is waiting for you!
Explore the stunning wine routes of Halkidiki
Explore “ wine road” of the grandiose region of Greece - Chalkidiki. Halkidiki is known for its peninsulas, crystal clear sea water and hilly landscapes. You will be amazed at how subtly it combines traditional cuisine and melt-in-your-mouth locals. Kassandra, Sithonia and Athos: three peninsulas, three around the world, three places of incomparable beauty. Traveling along the wine trails offers you an alternative way to visit vineyards, wineries and wine tasting.
The first on the way are the vineyards of Agios Pavlos - a village whose inhabitants are mainly engaged in winemaking. Here you can visit the Petralona Cave - the place where traces of the most ancient man were discovered.
Continue your journey through west coast Sithonia, which is famous for the emerald, sun-drenched slopes of Mount Meliton and the crystal clean water Gulf of Toroneos. Climbing the mountains of the Halkidiki peninsula, you will find yourself in the village of Arnea - one of the most picturesque mountain villages around. Journey through wine route The peninsula will not be considered complete if you do not visit Mount Athos and the village of Khromista.
Wine connoisseurs can try the famous wines of Halkidiki. Among them special place occupied by such varieties as: PGI Chalkidiki, PDO Slopes of Meliton, PGI Sithonia and PGI Mount Athos. The hot and dry climate favors the production of Assyrtiko, Roditis, Malagousia and Atiri (white wines) or Xinomavro and Limnio (red wines).
The idyllic landscape and the unique micro-climate of the peninsula's vineyards guarantee that your trip will be breathtaking and one of a kind. With the help of the compass we have given you, get to know wonderful world wines of Halkidiki!
commit walking tour V national park Walia Kalda!
Embark on a delightful journey to the Valia Kalda National Park, which is located in the Grevena mountain region. We invite you to get to know the original splendor of this forest area, which is rich in pine and beech. Valia Calda is one of the most attractive hiking destinations in Europe.
Enjoy the view of the grandiose mountain ranges, forest slopes and stunning landscapes that will open up to your eyes. Challenge nature, discover its secrets, and you will feel an adrenaline rush. Walk the paths of an unspoilt, natural paradise. There clear waters Aoosa, which flows through the thicket of the forest, flows into the winding Akudorema.
Purity and value of the mountain ecosystem national park Valia Kalda are considered truly unsurpassed. The local forests have become a refuge for many wild animals, including some mammals (wolf, fox, wild boar, mountain antelope), rare species of birds (golden eagle, black stork), as well as reptiles. This area is home to many endangered animal species. 415 species of plants and 86 species of mushrooms grow in the forest. In spring, in the mountains of Valia Kalda, you can meet a brown bear that comes down to the Akudorema (“black stream”) river in search of water and food.
Start your hike in the village of Zakas, which is located 23 kilometers west of the city Grevena. However, keep in mind to get to the start walking route you will need an SUV. Leaving the village of Zakas behind you, follow the road to the spring of Exarchos. Directly in front of you you will see the peak of Avio, on the eastern slope of which there is beautiful lake.
Pass Perivoli, one of the most beautiful villages in the region of Grevena - and soon the road will turn left towards Valia Kalda. Don't forget to stop at Stavros(“crossroads”) to enjoy the panorama of the valley. After that, when you reach a mountain spring (where shepherds usually bring their flocks to water), you will find that a dirt road ends at this point.
Get out of the SUV and walk along the path that leads to the European route E6. Walk through the little wooden bridge. After 10 minutes, exit route E6 and head towards the Flegkas lakes. Step out onto the path that leads up into the mountains through an old beech forest. On the right you will see a juicy green meadow. To your left you will notice two mountain lakes Flagcas.
When the lakes are behind, the path will go straight to the top of the mountain, behind which, in the middle of a grandiose mountain valley lies the Aoos reservoir.
The unique geographical position of Greece has the most beneficial effect on the country's climate. However, in different areas this state - its climatic features, and the tourist is better to know about them in advance. Besides travel agencies provide an opportunity to choose tours to various regions of Greece according to the wishes of travelers, but how can you wish for something without having information?
Country geography
Greece is located in the south of the Balkan Peninsula and occupies eastern part Mediterranean basin. It is located at the junction of three continents, namely: Europe, Asia and Africa.
The country is washed by four seas - the Aegean, Mediterranean, Ionian and Libyan. On land, it borders with Albania, Turkey and Bulgaria. Greece has the most winding coastline, with a length of 13,676 km. It is indented with bays and capes, and the peninsulas give it an unusual shape.
Greece is located on Balkan Peninsula, around which there are 3,000 islands - of which 200 are inhabited. These are the Ionian Islands, the Northern aegean islands, Cyclades, Dodecanese, as well as Rhodes and Crete.
The total area of the state is 131,940 square kilometers. Land covers 130,800 square kilometers. One fifth of the country is on the plain, the rest of the territory is mountains and plateaus. The most high mountain- Olympus, towering 2917 meters above sea level. The second largest mountain range is Smolikas.
The territory of Greece is crossed by two mountain ranges from northwest to southeast. Western - Mount Pindus, the mountain range of the Peloponnese Peninsula, the mountains of the islands of Crete and Rhodes. Eastern - Mount Grammos, as well as mountain range Otris and Parnassus.
The average depth of the sea does not exceed 300 meters. At the bottom there are depressions, the depth of which reaches 2.5 kilometers.
There are many in Greece mountain rivers with narrow canyons and turbulent streams. In summer they dry up almost completely. The rivers are too small for navigation but are used to generate electricity. In addition, the country has many lakes of various sizes and depths.
Climate
Greece is located in the Mediterranean climate zone. It rarely rains here in summer, but in winter there are frequent and very heavy showers. average temperature in summer it is +20-27 degrees, in January - from +4 to -12 degrees.
Most favorable periods for trips - from the end of May to the middle of June, and also from the beginning of September to the end of October.
Flora and fauna
Flora and fauna are very diverse - more than 200 species of trees and large shrubs. To date, more than 6,000 plant species have been recorded in the country; 250 of them grow in Crete.
Approximately 25% of the territory is covered with forests. The trees are usually small - mainly pine, spruce, juniper, olive, cypress and palm trees predominate. Coniferous, chestnut, oak and beech groves are found in humid areas. The largest of the local trees is the plane tree, which can reach a height of 50 meters and a diameter of 20 meters. A wide variety of flowers and herbs grow on the plains. On the plateaus of Crete and Peloponnese, you can find real carpets of thyme, irises, sage and hyacinths.
In Greece, you can see animals that are listed in the Red Book - for example, a monk seal or a Mediterranean sea turtle. In the forests there are bears, martens and roe deer, and sometimes wolves, foxes, wild boars and wild forest cats. Porcupines, wild goats, jackals live in the southern part of the country.
Very diverse undersea world: exotic fish and shellfish, seals, turtles, dolphins, as well as jellyfish and octopuses in coastal areas live under water.
The nature of Greece is diverse. There are many untouched places that can be admired at any time of the year. The country is the southernmost in Europe. Average annual quantity sunny days equals 300. There are 65 days in winter. Rainy and cloudy days in Greece are rare. nature depends on climatic zones, and in Greece there are three. It's connected with geographic location countries and different terrain. The Alpine climate (in the mountainous part of the country, above the level of the forest belt) is cool and humid, the Mediterranean climate is mild with dry summers and temperate. The capital of Greece, Athena, is located on the territory of the transition from a temperate to a Mediterranean climate.
Greece weather conditions
The weather in Greece is characterized by summer warmth already in May. At the same time, the water at this time is not yet warmed up. Due to the high temperature in summer bathing season here it can continue until mid-October, and in especially hot years until November. Winters are mostly mild, with low rainfall. The exception is mountainous areas, where at Christmas small villages are covered with snow.
A unique feature of Greece is the "Alkeonid days". They got their name from local birds - alkeonids, which have offspring during this period. For Russian-speaking citizens, they can be called "Indian summer", only the "Alkeonide days" come in January. The temperature can reach 20 degrees Celsius. This miracle of nature is impossible to predict. island part Greece in winter period practically cut off from the rest of the country. The strongest winds, storms are a severe test for the unprepared. But winter is the basis of all nature in Greece. After all, it was then that everything that was scorched by the scorching sun is renewed and prepared for the arrival of a new green season.
Natural complexes of Greece
Greece stretches along the coast for 800 km, while the nature here is almost the same. West Side The country is represented by several chains of the Pindus mountain range. This low area is considered the largest in Greece. Mount Zmolix is the highest point, located at 2637 meters above sea level. In front of Pindus, lowlands stretched along the entire coast; and from the east the territory of the plateau with several flowering valleys. In the heart of Greece, in the picturesque region of Thessaly, there is the famous Olympus - the most high point country (2917 meters). This separate array, which is famous not only for its history, but also for its beauty. They diverge from him mountain ranges Parnassus, Pieria, Menicion and Falakron. Between them are rich, fertile flat lands.
Vegetation of Greece
The mountain system of the country is represented by ancient limestone rocks, into which moisture easily passes. For the dry climate of Greece, there is a lot of vegetation, but in most regions it is monotonous, consists of evergreen shrubs and trees characteristic of the subtropics. At the same time, the flora of the state as a whole has more than 6,000 species of vegetation, so only about 250 of them have been registered in Crete. Coastal areas and central part Greece is covered with rich forests, mostly man-made.
Mediterranean vegetation can be observed on the coasts of the Aegean and Ionian Seas, and on the islands of this territory. Thyme, thorny shrubs grow at an altitude of up to 600 meters. Further, at a distance of up to 1200 meters above sea level, a flattering strip with deciduous trees dominates. Above, conifers predominate, accustomed to temperature extremes. In the central part of the country at an altitude of about 1800 meters there are chestnut, beech, mighty cedar, forming a mixed forest belt. In high mountain regions grasses predominate, a great variety of wildflowers.
Animal world of Greece
The animal world of the country is very interesting and diverse, represented by both large representatives of the fauna and very small ones. Hundreds of years ago, red deer could often be found here, but they were mercilessly exterminated, and the animal almost disappeared from the country. Mountain ranges are inhabited by brown bears and mountain goats. Wolves, foxes, wild cats live in the forests. In addition, there is a halo of habitat for a small number of jackals, lynxes, European bears. Among hoofed representatives it is not uncommon to stumble upon a roe deer, a wild boar, a fallow deer.
Since there are no full-flowing rivers here, and in the dry season the existing ones become smaller, there are no river species in Greece. But among marine life there are rare ones listed in the Red Book, such as the monk seal and the leisurely Mediterranean tortoise. Their population is carefully monitored by specialists. The world of insects in Greece is rich, among them swarms of locusts, annually destroying hectares of fields, cause great damage to agriculture. The Apulian tarantula living here is deadly.
Feathered representatives of the fauna feel great here, so the country is famous for its variety of birds. Quails, partridges, wild ducks, stockheads, kingfishers and bright hoopoes have long chosen this area. It is not difficult to meet birds of prey - kites, falcons, eagles, owls and even vultures. Near the coast you can meet pelicans, cormorants and flocks of graceful flamingos.
Minerals
The natural resources of Greece are represented by a variety of species. But all of them are quite small and not voluminous. Of the fuel resources present in large quantities lignite and brown coal. Since 1981, oil and gas fields have been developed near the island of Taros. Crystalline rocks allow you to extract a lot of ore. In the north, these are iron ores, near Macedonia - manganese, polymetallic, brown, chromium and nickel. There is also bauxite. There are much more non-metallic minerals in Greece. Pumice, sandstones, the most valuable marble are in abundance. In smaller volumes, emery and magnesite are mined.
Unique natural places in Greece
Greece is a country of amazing beauty of landscapes. The seas washing it are part of the Mediterranean and leave a special imprint on the nature, flora and fauna of the coast. But besides the front of the sea strip, there is something to see here. It seems that the gods of Olympus knowingly chose this place for the everyday life of the celestials. Centuries-old history has created unique miraculous monuments that cannot be ignored.
Prehistoric Forest Lesbos
This is a unique prehistoric petrified forest. It is a world dignity and the largest such accumulation of petrified trees. On an area of 150 square kilometers there are hundreds of copies that are protected by UNESCO. Some of the fallen trees in the girth of the trunk reach 15 meters. There are also preserved vertical fossils with a completely intact root system. Such natural monuments are scattered all over the world, but it is in Greece that the largest petrified tree is located, more than 7 meters high. According to scientists, the age of these "sculptures" is approximately 20 million years.
Psiloritis Natural Park
The mountain system in Crete was recognized as a natural park only in 2001. Here, nature did not stint on miracles: bizarre fossils, majestic rocks, threatening cliffs, spectacular relief, caves and cracks. The founders of the geopark do not call this place a “journey into the past” for nothing. Psiloritis is over 250 million years old.
Helmu-Vuraiku Park
The most popular in this park is the unique and amazingly beautiful gorge of the Vouraikos River. On the vertical walls of this underworld, as if under x-rays, one can clearly see centuries-old history. Rocks of different eras, frightening cracks only decorate this world heritage. UNESCO recognized it as a protected site in 2009.
There is also another very curious place - the Cave of Lakes. 13 underground pools of different sizes are located, as if on a staircase leading to heaven. In summer, the water in the lakes barely reaches the edges of the reservoirs. But in the rainy season, it begins to overflow from one to the other. In addition to these amazing waterfalls the cave is famous for its stalactites and stalagmites, which nature and time generously awarded the park. Landmarks are at least 200 million years old. According to legend, it is here that you can find on the way to the river of the underground kingdom of Styx.
Vikos-Aoos in Ioannina
This national park was founded in 1973. It is located in the Pindus mountain range. Its area is 126 square kilometers. Here is the deepest gorge in the world, listed in the Guinness Book of Records, and the Timfi mountain peak, almost 2.5 kilometers high. The enchanting beauty of the Vikos Canyon annually attracts hundreds and thousands of tourists and researchers.
Sitia Geopark in Crete
To the global network natural parks Sitia joined in 2015. This territory belongs to the eastern part of the island of Crete. locals they call it a "fossil treasure" for a huge number of caves and gorges. Also found here are the remains of mammals of the Pleistocene era, which refers to the period up to 3 million years ago. Geopark is the property of Crete and all of Greece, it is unique place has more than 170 caves, which are still not fully explored.
Greece is a unique country in terms of beauty and natural components. Here seascapes combined with mountain ranges. deep gorges and canyons turn into lowlands and plains where agriculture flourishes. The nature of the country is beautiful in its diversity, but it is whole and united. One of the most the most beautiful places on earth is unique in its beauty.
She made an invaluable contribution to European culture. Literature, architecture, philosophy, history, other sciences, state system, laws, art and myths of ancient greece laid the foundation for modern European civilization. Greek gods known all over the world.
