These Greek Islands Are Teeming With Unique Wildlife, From Endangered Sea Turtles to Wild Goats

While Greek islands are known for stunning coastlines, turquoise waters and gorgeous beaches, some are also home to nature reserves and wildernesses with unique wildlife. Whether you are into wildlife photography or love seeing animals in their natural habitat, you will find a spot or nature reserve you will love in the Greek islands.

From the remote wilderness of Samaria Gorge National Park to the vibrant marine life of Zakynthos Marine National Park, the Greek islands offer many spots to see wildlife.

If you want to see wildlife on your next trip to the Greek islands, these 12 destinations offer the best viewing opportunities.

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Greek Islands Known For Their Unique Wildlife And Nature Reserves Lesbos

Lesbos, GR 1/5

Greek Islands Known For Their Unique Wildlife And Nature Reserves Crete

Rhodes, GR 2/5

Greek Islands Known For Their Unique Wildlife And Nature Reserves Corfu

Corfu, GR 3/5

Greek Islands Known For Their Unique Wildlife And Nature Reserves Zakynthos

Zakynthos, GR 4/5

Must-Visit Beaches on the Greek Islands Balos Beach, Crete

Crete, GR 5/5

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Lesbos, GR

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Rhodes, GR

1 2

Corfu, GR

2 1

Zakynthos, GR

1 2

Crete, GR

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Crete

Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, is a biodiversity hotspot with varied landscapes ranging from rugged mountains to lush valleys. The Samaria Gorge National Park is one of the island’s most famous natural attractions.

Spanning 16 kilometers, it is home to an array of endemic species, such as the Cretan wild goat (Kri-Kri) and the Cretan badger. In addition, this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve offers visitors a chance to observe rare plants like the Cretan Maple and orchids.

When visiting, be prepared for temperature changes, rocky terrain, and steep downhill sections at the park. It is the perfect destination for experienced hikers. The park is open daily from May to October and may be closed due to rain and strong winds.

Start Early for a Cooler Hike – The Samaria Gorge hike can take 5–7 hours, so begin early in the morning to avoid the midday heat and fully enjoy the scenic trail.
Take a Ferry Back from Agia Roumeli – After completing the gorge hike, relax in the seaside village of Agia Roumeli and take a ferry to Chora Sfakion or Sougia instead of hiking back.

Zakynthos

Zakynthos, also known as Zante, is famous for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life. The National Marine Park of Zakynthos is a crucial breeding ground for the endangered loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta). Established in 1999, the park covers the southern part of the island, including the Laganas Bay and beaches of Gerakas. These beaches are monitored to protect the nesting sites of these turtles. Visitors can also witness the diverse marine ecosystem, including the Monk Seal (Monachus monachus), which occasionally make appearances.

In addition to its marine park, Zakynthos also has Keri Lake. This coastal lagoon provides a habitat for many bird species, including herons, egrets, and flamingos, making it a bird watcher’s paradise.

Join a Responsible Turtle-Watching Tour – If you want to see the loggerhead turtles up close, choose eco-friendly boat tours that follow conservation guidelines to avoid disturbing their habitat.
Visit Keri Lake at Sunrise or Sunset – For the best birdwatching experience, head to Keri Lake during early morning or late afternoon when herons and flamingos are most active.

Rhodes

Rhodes, often called the Island of the Knights, perfectly blends cultural heritage and natural beauty. Among its most enchanting natural attractions is the Valley of the Butterflies. Thousands of beautifully printed butterflies fly across the valley every summer, creating a spectacular display that is sure to captivate photographers and nature enthusiasts. This 600-acre nature park is a protected area, preserving its unique ecosystem and the haven for these butterflies.

Another natural gem in Rhodes is Seven Springs, a verdant oasis where seven natural springs converge. This tourist attraction provides a refreshing retreat with its cool, shaded walking paths and an opportunity to see free-roaming peacocks and ducks.

Visit the Valley of the Butterflies in Early Morning or Late Afternoon – This is when the butterflies are most active, and the crowds are smaller, allowing for a more peaceful experience.
Bring Water Shoes for Seven Springs – If you plan to walk through the narrow water tunnel, water shoes will provide better grip and comfort on the slippery stone path.

Naxos

Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades islands and one of the most naturally beautiful Greek islands. Mount Zas, the highest peak in the Cyclades, is at the center of this island. The mountain and its surrounding areas are home to diverse flora and fauna. Birdwatchers can spot rare species such as the Bonelli’s eagle and the Eleonora’s falcon.

Cedar Forest of Alyko, on the southwestern coast, is a famous natural reserve in Naxos. This protected area features ancient cedar trees, some over 200 years old. Additionally, the forest is a haven for local wildlife, including lizards, butterflies, and migratory birds. The pristine beaches adjacent to the forest provide nesting grounds for the endangered loggerhead sea turtles.

Hike Mount Zas for Stunning Views – Start early in the morning to avoid the midday heat, and bring plenty of water. The summit offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Aegean Sea.
Explore Alyko’s Hidden Street Art – Beyond the cedar forest, abandoned hotel ruins have become an open-air gallery featuring stunning murals by international artists—worth a visit for photography lovers.

Corfu

Corfu, one of the Ionian islands, supports various wildlife and plant species. Its dense forests are primarily composed of olive and cypress trees. These forests are home to mammals like the European badger, weasel, and the elusive wildcat. In addition, the forest floor is blanketed with wildflowers, mushrooms, and rare herbs, making it an essential area for botanists.

Lake Korission, on the southwestern coast of Corfu, is one of the most significant nature reserves on the island. This lagoon, separated from the sea by a narrow strip of dunes, is a critical habitat for over 100 bird species. Visitors can observe flamingos, herons, and the rare Ferruginous duck. The surrounding marshes and dunes are also home to the endangered loggerhead sea turtle, which nests on the nearby beaches.

Kayak Around Lake Korission – For a unique perspective, rent a kayak and explore the lagoon’s calm waters, where you can quietly observe flamingos and other bird species up close.
Hike Through Olive Groves – Take a scenic walk through Corfu’s ancient olive groves, especially around the villages of Lakones or Paleokastritsa, where you’ll find breathtaking sea views and traditional tavernas.

Lesbos

The island of Lesbos is a nature lover’s paradise and home to a variety of wildlife. Lesbos’ diverse landscape ranges from salt marshes and wetlands to dense pine forests. No wonder it attracts so many migrating birds. So many bird species, including flamingos, herons, and spoonbills, stop over on Lesbos during migration seasons.

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Some of the best spots for birdwatching in Lesbos include the Kalloni Gulf, with its salt marshes and lagoons. You might spot rare birds like the pygmy cormorant or the Mediterranean shag.

Visit During Spring or Autumn for Birdwatching – The best time to see migratory birds like flamingos and spoonbills is during their migration seasons (April-May and September-October), when the wetlands are teeming with activity.
Explore the Petrified Forest of Lesbos – Beyond birdwatching, take a trip to the UNESCO-listed Petrified Forest, where you can see fossilized trees that are millions of years old, offering a unique glimpse into the island’s geological past.

Alonissos

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The isolated island of Alonissos is home to the National Marine Park of Alonissos, one of Europe’s largest marine protected areas. Established in 1992, the park aims to protect the endangered Mediterranean monk seal, rare seabirds, dolphins, and other marine life.

The clear waters surrounding Alonissos offer glimpses of dolphins, whales, and the elusive monk seals in their natural habitat. Tourists can take boat tours to spot some of these creatures in the wild. The park also includes six smaller islands, which provide sheltered beaches and coves for the seals to rest and nurse their pups.

On land, Alonissos has scenic hiking trails through olive groves and pine forests. The island has remained largely undeveloped, making it perfect for hikers who love exploring remote nature.

Join a Responsible Wildlife Tour – Opt for an eco-friendly boat tour with guides who follow ethical wildlife-watching practices. This increases your chances of spotting Mediterranean monk seals and dolphins without disturbing their natural habitat.
Hike to Kastro for Breathtaking Views – Take the scenic hike up to Kastro, an old hilltop village, for panoramic views of the Aegean Sea. The trail passes through olive groves and pine forests, making it a peaceful way to experience the island’s untouched beauty.

Tilos

With less than 1,000 permanent residents, much of Tilos island remains untouched, making it a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts. When visiting, you’ll spot mysterious monk seals swimming in secluded coves and nesting in secret sea caves. The Mediterranean monk seal is one of the rarest seals in the world, with only about 600 left in the wild, most of them found around Tilos.

You may also glimpse rare birds soaring over the rocky cliffs, such as the Eleonora’s falcon, roller bird, and Bonelli’s eagle.

Explore the Abandoned Village of Mikro Chorio – Wander through this ghost village, where stone houses and a small chapel stand frozen in time. Visit at dusk for an atmospheric experience, as a small bar opens in the ruins, offering drinks under the stars.
Kayak to Hidden Coves – Rent a kayak to explore Tilos’ secluded beaches and sea caves, where you might spot Mediterranean monk seals. The waters around the island are crystal clear, making for an unforgettable paddling adventure.

Kefalonia

Mount Ainos dominates the island of Kefalonia, reaching over 5,000 feet at its summit. This mountain is home to around 1000 Abies cephalonica trees, a rare Greek fir tree found nowhere else.

As you hike the park’s trails, you’ll wander through forests of these fragrant firs and encounter wildlife like ferrets, wild horses, hares, and birds like the rock partridge. The Ainos National Park is also home to many species of wild orchids and other wildflowers that bloom from spring through fall.

Visit the Melissani Cave at Midday – The best time to experience the cave’s stunning turquoise waters is when the sun is directly overhead. The sunlight filtering through the open ceiling creates an ethereal glow, making it the perfect time for photos.
Spot Wild Horses on Mount Ainos – The remote trails of Ainos National Park are home to a small herd of semi-wild horses. For the best chance of seeing them, go early in the morning or late in the afternoon when they are most active.

Folegandros

If you want to escape the crowds, this secluded gem in the Cyclades is a perfect choice for nature enthusiasts.

The island’s unique microclimate supports a range of flora, from aromatic herbs such as thyme and oregano to rare wildflowers like the Cycladic tulip. These plants, in turn, create a rich habitat for various insects and birds.

Birdwatchers will find Folegandros particularly rewarding. This island is a haven for migratory birds, including the Eleonora’s falcon, which nests on the island’s cliffs. That aside, its stunning coastline around the island attracts loggerhead sea turtles and Mediterranean monk seals, though sightings are rare. The rich marine life makes Folegandros a popular spot for scuba diving and snorkeling.

Hike to the Panagia Church at Sunset – The whitewashed Panagia Church, perched on a hill above Chora, offers one of the best panoramic views on the island. Go in the evening to catch a breathtaking sunset over the Aegean Sea.
Explore Hidden Coves by Boat – Many of Folegandros’ most stunning beaches, like Katergo and Livadaki, are only accessible by boat. Take a boat tour to explore these remote, crystal-clear waters, ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

Milos

The volcanic island of Milos is a natural wonderland with colorful rock formations, beaches, and protected bays that harbor diverse wildlife. Its dramatic coastline shelters rare seabirds like the Mediterranean shearwater and little tern. You may spot dolphins or the occasional sea turtle in the turquoise waters.

On land, Milos is home to birds of prey like Bonelli’s eagle, peregrine falcon, and Eurasian scoop owl. Herds of fallow deer and wild goats roam the island’s interior, where you’ll also find the harmless Balkan green lizards sunning themselves on rocks.

Besides, the wetlands of Milos are particularly significant for their biodiversity. These areas are feeding and nesting sites for various bird species, including the rare Audouin’s gull.

Visit Kleftiko by Boat – This iconic coastal spot, with its white volcanic rock formations and hidden sea caves, is best explored by boat. Many tours also offer snorkeling stops to experience the crystal-clear waters and marine life up close.
Explore the Catacombs of Milos – These ancient underground burial sites date back to early Christianity and are among the most significant in Greece. A guided visit provides fascinating insights into the island’s rich history.

Samos

Samos is a lush, mountainous island in the eastern Aegean Sea, known for its secluded coves, vineyards, and rare wildlife. The dense fir and pine forests in the island’s interior are home to endangered species like the Molossus molossus, a medium-sized bat, and the Hermann’s tortoise.

The island’s isolation has allowed many plants and animals to evolve into distinct subspecies, like the Samos juniper. You can hike through the forests surrounding Mt. Kerkis, the island’s highest peak, to spot endemic birds like the Sardinian warbler and Mediterranean chiffchaff.

The coastal waters also harbor loggerhead sea turtles, sunfish, and dolphins. Divers can explore underwater caves and a colorful coral reef teeming with red mullet.

Hike to the Hidden Waterfalls of Potami – A short trail through a lush forest leads to a series of cascading waterfalls. If you’re up for an adventure, climb through the water to reach the upper pools, where you can take a refreshing dip.
Visit the Heraion of Samos – This UNESCO-listed archaeological site was once a grand sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Hera. While only a single column remains standing, the ruins and surrounding landscapes offer a glimpse into ancient Greek history.