Greece is endowed with a particularly rich and diversified natural environment as a result of a rare geomorphology, with many striking natural contrasts and areas of great ecological value. The country’s abundant natural gifts –thousands of indented coasts, imposing rocky massifs, caves, gorges, lakes, rivers, biotopes of spectacular beauty and unique natural habitats– coupled with its mild climate place it among the ideal destinations for ecotourism and alternative forms of tourism.

When travelling in Greece, nature lovers are offered the opportunity to explore rich and varied forests or explore national parks; not merely in the mountainous regions of the mainland, but also on certain islands or in the proximity of rivers and lakes. There is a surprisingly rich variety of rare bird species nesting or seeking refuge in coastal ecosystems and wetlands (rocky coasts, sandy beaches, sand dunes, river deltas, lakes, marshes, coastal plains, etc) as well as a wide variety of flora and fauna, so that keen ornithologists and botanists will have a very rewarding time.

Marine parks have been created to provide shelter to two protected species, the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus-Monachus) and the Mediterranean green loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) respectively, near the islands of Alonissos and Zakynthos.

The more adventurous visitor can engage in extreme sports (canoe-kayak, rafting, monoraft, hydrospeed, canyoning, mountain biking, etc) as well as mountaineering and rock climbing. Such is the interest in extreme sports in Greece, there are now well organised clubs that can arrange accommodation and equipment etc.

For visitors seeking to sample ‘real Greek’ life, agrotourist units are being developed all over the country and give visitors the opportunity to become familiar with vernacular architecture, cultural and gastronomic tradition, local products, farming activities and the daily life of local inhabitants. Visitors to ecologically sensitive areas must observe all the rules for the protection of the environment against pollution, the non-disturbance of natural habitats and the preservation of the various ecosystems’ equilibrium.

Greece is above all a mountainous country, as it is occupied by more than 300 rocky masses varying in elevation. The Pindus Mountains are the principal mountain range and form the backbone of mainland Greece, extending through central Greece into the Peloponnese and Crete. The majority of islands throughout the Aegean are in fact the mountain peaks of the now-submerged landmass of Aegeis, which was once the link between mainland Greece and Asia Minor.

Mt Olympus (Macedonia), known from Greek mythology as the abode of the gods, is the highest mountain in the country, rising at 2,917 m (Μytikas peak). About forty 40 mountain complexes throughout the country reach elevations over 2,000 m.

The Greek mountains are renowned for their diversity, landscapes of singular beauty and unique forests, many of which rank among the oldest natural wooded lands in Europe. Due to the astoundingly rich flora and fauna they support, many of these environments have been designated as National Parks and are protected as such, while as a result of infrastructure developed over the last decades, they constitute today ideal destinations for winter and alpine tourism.

Epirus in north-western Greece is a mountainous, relatively wet and thickly vegetated part of the country with its own strong culture. Our route crosses part of the region of Epirus, taking in the spectacular, rocky mountains of Gamila and Smolikas, arguably the most majestic in the whole of Greece.

The region of Epirus boasts some of the most scenic green nature in the country. The magnificent Vikos gorge one of Europe’s finest canyons, and the spectacular Pindos mountains, in addition to traditional and authentic stone villages are an ideal location for nature enthusiasts.
Speaking of Epirus, there are two regions of interest, Zagoria and Tzoumerka. The Zagoria is one of the most picturesque regions of Greece with many authentic, stone villages and magnificent views of the Pindos mountains. It is a good base for trekking in Vikos Gorge, Mt.Gamila and Mt. Smolikas. Tzoumerka are unknown to most tourists. It is a secluded region of wild natural beauty where tourism now starts developing at a slow pace.The region's highlight is Arachtos river, probably the most beautiful river of the country, and its authentic villages with a magnificent view of mountain ranges.

Closest town both for Zagoria and Tzoumerka is Ioannina (worthwile visiting as well!).You can fly to Ioannina airport via Athens (1 hour). During summer time there are scheduled charter flights to Aktio (Preveza) airport (2 hours drive from Ioannina). If you choose to go by car or public bus, you will need about 6 hours from Athens, and 4 hours drive from Thessaloniki.