The forests are the lungs of our planet, providing us with the oxygen we need. However, they offer much more than that. A walk in their verdant environment can offer you the tranquility and relaxation you desire, and make you feel like an integral part of nature. Here are five forests that offer an unforgettable experience:
Greece’s forests: A stunning fusion of green and blue
Forests of Greece: Steni Evia Forest, Evia
The aesthetic forest of Steni, one of the 19 protected by the Natura network in Greece, lies on the southern slope of Dirfys mountain, near the village of the same name in central Evia. It covers an area of about 500 hectares, where you can admire a captivating landscape. Rocky ravines and flowing streams add a touch of vitality to a place that changes colors with the seasons, from brown to bright green.
You can explore its lush vegetation of firs, plane trees, chestnut trees, and wildflowers, which will enchant you with their colorful and unique leaves, by hiking or cycling. This amazing forest is also home to many rare birds, which you can watch while you are there. Wear suitable clothes and shoes, and remember that the mountain is cool even in summer. Enjoy the adventure.
Forests of Greece: Plaka Forest, Kos island
You can visit the forest of Plaka on your way to Kefalos, which is a short distance from Antimachia on the island of Kos. The forest is inhabited by beautiful peacocks, who live freely and peacefully in nature. You can take pictures of them with their colorful feathers spread out. They share the forest with other exotic birds, turtles, and squirrels. You will also see many stray cats living in harmony with them.
Enjoy a walk among pine trees in the forest of Plaka, which is on the island of Kos close to Antimachia. You will hear the water flowing from its source, and you will see a network of paths that invite you to explore them and feel the benefits of nature. If you need a break, you can find picnic tables in the forest of Plaka to rest, eat, and continue your adventure.
Forests of Greece: Foloi Forest, Ilia
The forest of Foloi in Ilia is a forest of millions of oaks, which looks like a fairy tale. It is named after a centaur from the legend, and it lies between Ilia and Arcadia. It is a protected forest by the Natura network, and the locals call it the balcony of Ilia.
Bridges, watermills, and small caves complete the unique scenery in the Balkans, worth discovering inch by inch. Do not forget that oak is one of those trees that separate their sexes, so it is better not to visit the forest during the winter months. The tie trail is there waiting for you to cross its eight kilometers, where the heart of the forest beats. Arm yourself with comfortable sneakers or check the tires of your bike and start your tour in Foloi where its trees in many cases meet the blue sky.
Forests of Greece: Strofylia Forest, Achaia
The forest of Strofylia, in Achaia, is a verdant piece of land, which promises to fascinate all your senses with the colors and aromas that overwhelm it. Being the largest pine forest in the territory, it extends to 22,000 km, and with many of its trees counting around two hundred years of life, prepares to be fully enchanted with its flora, which alternates with pines and oaks, completing its green landscape, which ends up in the sea.
Its unique environment, which is part of the Kotychi Wetlands National Park, hosts a variety of wildlife from turtles to ferrets, which has found refuge along it, with migratory birds preferring it, making there a rest stop on its long journey. Follow one of its marked paths and experience the magic of meeting the forest that intertwines with the seawater.
Forests of Greece: Ranti Forest, Ikaria island
The Ranti forest is a unique island ecosystem that covers the west side of the Atheras mountain range in the middle of Ikaria. It is more than two hundred years old, and it has a protected species of Acorn called Aria and grows like a tall shrub. It also has many mammals and rodents that live in this natural monument and is preserved by the Natura network. You should walk in this forest and feel its ancient energy fill you up.
Don’t hesitate and let yourself be immersed in the beauty of nature, the variety of colors, and the fragrance of the forests of Greece.
