Zakynthos, Caretta caretta turtle paradise
The coasts of the Ionian Islands are breeding grounds for the Mediterranean monk seal(Monachus monachus) and the loggerhead sea turtle(Caretta caretta). These two endangered species are found throughout almost all the Greek islands. However, this is especially the case in Zakynthos, where they have a protected area in the bay of Laganas, within the National Marine Park of Zakynthos (135 km2). The loggerhead turtle Caretta caretta is indeed in danger. This endangered species, which lives between the coasts of the Peloponnese and Crete, comes every year for 150 million years to lay its eggs on the beaches of southern Zakynthos, on the peninsula of Vassilikos and the bay of Laganas ... precisely where tourism has developed the most. In recent years, the presence of bathers on the spawning grounds has prevented the females from burying their eggs in the sand. The visitor should therefore adopt a responsible attitude and not be seduced by tour operators who falsely present themselves as genuine nature lovers. Monk seals and dolphins are also present in the crystal clear waters of the island. A natural marine park between Vassilikos and Keri was created in 1999 to preserve this exceptional marine fauna. On the beaches of Gerakas and Kalamaki, kiosks have been set up to inform visitors. It is worthwhile to go there and learn more about the marine animals. During the summer, turtles lay their eggs on the southern beaches of Zakynthos and one should be very careful. The beaches are normally closed to the public after dark when the turtles are landing on the beaches. But thanks to the actions of associations of nature protection, the turtles are again back in force in Zakynthos and in all the Ionian islands!
In Kefalonia, the national park of Ainos
The Mount Ainos National Park (28 km2) in Kefalonia is a paradise for hikers. It was established in 1962 and is full of rare species. You will be able to observe an endemic species of fir trees, orchids, many birds and birds of prey, and especially a grey semi-wild horse. Around the highest point of the archipelago (1 628 m), the national park also includes hares, foxes, as well as two endemic plant species: the fir of Cephalonia(Abies cephalonica) and the violet of Cephalonia(Viola heterophylla).
In Corfu, a very rare curly pelican
In the north of the archipelago, 3 km from Albania, Corfu has been known since antiquity as the orchard of the Ionian Sea. With its cypress trees reminiscent of Italy, its fruit trees, including the kumquat, introduced from the Far East by the British in 1846, the island is home to about 1,800 plant species, most of which are common to the rest of the archipelago and those of Epirus. The same goes for the fauna with many amphibians, reptiles and birds, including the green Balkan lizard(Lacerta trilineata), reaching 60 cm in length, and the sand boa(Eryx jaculus), a snake that was used as a throwing weapon by the ancient Greek sailors. Around Mount Pantokrator (906 m above sea level), Corfu is home to birds of prey such as the threatened Egyptian vulture(Neophron percnopterus). Its wetlands attract migratory birds such as the ibis and the pink flamingo, while the huge and very rare curly pelican(Pelecanus crispus) sometimes comes to land in summer in the lagoon of Halikiopoulos, along the airport, where otters also live. The magnificent hoopoe (Upupa epops) can be observed more easily. Coming from Africa, it nests in different Greek regions, from the Dodecanese to Corfu. Designated as the queen of birds by Aristophanes, it is distinguished by its beige plumage, its erectile hoopoe and its wings streaked with white and black. Finally, the island has a species identified only in 2012: the Corfu scorpion(Euscorpius corcyraeus), yellowish, not very dangerous for humans and measuring 2 cm in length.
Kythera and its therapeutic plants
Completely isolated from the rest of the archipelago, south of the Peloponnese, Kythera is much more arid, with only 800 plant species dominated by scrubland, plane tree and oleander. The island of Kythera has plants used since antiquity for their therapeutic benefits. Walkers can recognize and observe them during their walks on the island. The arbutus, called koumaria in Kythera, has tonic virtues. The leaves can be used as an antiseptic and the stone helps digestion. The nettle, called tsouknida in Kythera, contains iron and vitamins. It is used as a diuretic. The almond tree has antidiuretic virtues and can be used against fever. The fruit is also very moisturizing when inserted in creams. St. John's wort cures stomach problems, but also helps to close wounds. The ruta chalepensis, also called Rue de Chalep, is used against hysteria and epilepsy. It also treats rheumatism and arthritis. The island is also home to and gives its name to the plum tree of Kythera, a fruit tree of the mango family. However, it originates from a much more distant archipelago: Polynesia, in the Pacific. And if Kythera is rich in reptiles and amphibians, it is one of the rare Greek islands where vipers are absent.
Everywhere, an exceptional flora
Spring begins in early March in the warmer regions and reaches its peak in May when the 6,000 different species of wild flowers cover the whole of Greece. If this floral wealth does not survive the heat of the Greek summer, a true second spring can be seen in autumn thanks to the multitude of autumnal flowers such as crocuses. On the island of Corfu, it is mainly orchids that are the pride of the inhabitants, with different varieties growing all over the island. There are also mimosas, cyclamens, bougainvilleas: so many shoots that give color to the island, which nevertheless retains a dominant green thanks to its impressive hectares of olive trees. Among the other specificities of the island, we find almond trees, cherry trees, and black cedars.
