Cephalonian Fir Abies cephalonica is a Greek endemic species, growing naturally only in Greece. It was first described as a new species by the English botanist JW Loudon in 1838. This together with its phytogeographical importance were the main reasons Mt.Aenos was declared a National Forest in 1962.

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Lake Korissia: Halikounas - Lake Korissia - Issos Beach - Agios Georgios (south     The walker’s orientation and safety is solely their responsibility. The present report, the relevant tracks (gpx) and the rest of the informational material are just supplementary. The proper equipment is necessary, depending on the weather conditions and the nature of the route.     Route’s type: linear Route’s duration: 2 hours and 40 minutes Route’s length: 8.600 metres Level of difficulty: easy Suggested season: All seasons, if weather conditions permit it. Avoid midday in the summer because there are no shady places along a big part of the route.     The route: The route starts from Halikouna, at the beginning of the lake, where we arrive by vehicle. The route is on a sandy road, which in summer, especially, has a tense traffic problem. We proceed between the lake and the sea, in low vegetation, where the lake generously offers us a beautiful scenery. After a 3,200 metres walk, we reach Tagio and the area of the Intermunicipal Company. The route to this point can also be done by car. After visiting the outlet of the canal into the sea, we continue our eastern path through lush surroundings for around 1,000 metres. Along the way, the path passes through the dunes (sand dunes) of Issos beach until we reach the parking area. We cross the parking area and we follow a steady coastal path towards Agios Georgios, reaching the settlement and the end of the trail. As a linear route, it can be done from both sides (either from Halikouna or from Agios Georgios) or even return to the starting point. Suggested season: all seasons weather permitting. Walkers who prefer quiet should avoid the summer months. Also those who prefer summer, should avoid midday hours as there are no shady places along a large part of the route.   On the island of Corfu there are: Citizen Service Centres in the settlements (from north to south): Sidari, Acharavi, Kassiopi, Ypsos, Paleokastritsa, Corfu Town, Achilleion, Moraitika, Argyrades and Lefkimmi. Police stations in the settlements (from north to south): Karousades, Paleokastritsa, Corfu Town and Lefkimmi. Numerous private clinics, medical centres and pharmacies, as well as public health structures can be found (from north to south): the Avliotes Regional Medical Centre, the Acharavi Regional Medical Centre, the Agios Athanasios Health Centre, the Hospital and Emergency Centre in Corfu Town and the Lefkimmi Health Centre.   Lake Korissia The Korissia Lagoon or Korissia is located in southern Corfu and its western shores. It has been declared a Landscape of Outstanding Natural Beauty and it s included in the Natura 2000 network. It is Corfu's largest lagoon and its most important wetland. A narrow strip of land separates Lake Korissia from the Ionian Sea, creating two stunning sandy beaches, Halikouna and Issos. It covers an area of about 6,000 hectares and because it is connected to the sea, its water is salty. The waters of the lake are always calm, regardless of the sea, which is only a few metres away. More than 120 species of birds, including cormorants, warblers, whistling ducks, silverbirds, flamingos, ducks and thousands of butterflies find refuge here. All the species of herons living in Greece are found here. The fauna of Lake Korissia is complemented by a variety of amphibians (newts, balkan frogs, etc.) and a rich reptile fauna (loggerhead turtles, loggerhead turtles, pond snails, etc.). Mammals such as stone turtles and weasels are also part of the fauna. But the flora of the area is also very rich: rushes and tamarisk, white lilies and 14 different species of orchids on the sand. Here we will also find the beautiful cedar forest of Lake Korissia, right between the beaches of Halikouna and Issos, perched on the sand dunes, which are more than 15 metres high. In the lake's Tagio are the fishing facilities where some fishermen live, who with their "korito", the characteristic boats, catch small shrimps that are abundant and many fish, including some species that are only found here, such as the Zabarola and the endangered Zournas. Cedar Forest In the southern part of Halikouna beach is the point where Lake Korissia joins the sea through a narrow water channel (Tagio). A wooden bridge will lead us into the beautiful cedar forest, which has grown on the sandy beaches of Halikouna and Issos. It is the only cedar forest on the island and consists of sea cedar, a type of cedar that grows in the northern Mediterranean on coastal sandy areas. Walking through the forest, you can also observe the many spiders hanging on the branches of the trees and the webs they have created.     Dunes of Issos More than 120,000 years have passed since the sea and the winds started to create the rocky dunes (sand dunes) in the south and southwest of the wetland of Korissia. Their height exceeds 15 metres, creating a landscape of unique beauty. The northern side of the dunes is covered by a forest of sea cedar, while in the middle there is a mixed forest of bush honeysuckle, holly, skinnies, daisies, myrtles, laurels and other species.     During the route, the walker will encounter QR information signs at the following points: a) at the beginning of the route at Halikouna, b) at the beginning of the lake, c) halfway to Tagio, d) at Tagio, e) at the parking area of Issos beach, d) at Agios Georgios (at the beginning of the path).

In Antiniotis Lagoon: Agios Spyridonas Perithias (beach) - Monastery of Agia Ekaterini - Antiniotis Lagoon     The walker’s orientation and safety is solely their responsibility. The present report, the relevant tracks (gpx) and the rest of the informational material are just supplementary. The proper equipment is necessary, depending on the weather conditions and the nature of the route.     Route’s type: mixed Route’s duration: one hour and fifteen minutes Route’s length: 4.600 m Level of difficulty: easy Suggested season: all seasons, if weather conditions permit it   The route The route starts from the church of Agios Spyridon and following the road, parallel to the homonymous beach, we head towards the lagoon (Tagio), and after passing the bridge we take the main dirt road. At the first junction we turn north towards the sea and the beautiful beach of Yaliskari. From Yialiskari the identification of the path needs some increased attention (there are blue marks on the stones). The path, which is easily visible, needs attention because it is located in a rocky area. We continue paying attention next to the sea and with the magnificent view of the Albanian coast and the Ionian Sea. One kilometre from the beach, we meet the lighthouse and after a while the western beach of Antiniotis. We continue in the same direction from the dirt road and after visiting the western Tagio (bridge) and seeing the mouth of the lagoon, we follow the marked path, to the east, leading to the ruins of the Monastery of Agia Ekaterini. The trail is in a shady and lush environment and it is easily identified. After about 350 metres of walking, we come across the ruins of the monastery on our left where the hiker has to pay increased attention. In the ruins of the church, the iconostasis and the wall paintings are preserved. After the monastery we also head east where after a while we meet the main dirt road that leads us to the starting point. As a circular route it can also be done the other way round of the proposed direction.   On the island of Corfu there are: Citizen Service Centres in the settlements (from north to south): Sidari, Acharavi, Kassiopi, Ipsos, Paleokastritsa, Corfu Town, Achilleion, Moraitika, Argyrades and Lefkimmi. Police stations in the settlements (from north to south): Karousades, Paleokastritsa, Corfu Town and Lefkimmi. Numerous private medical offices, medical centres and pharmacies and public health structures exist (from north to south): Avliotes Regional Medical Centre, Acharavi Regional Medical Centre, Agios Athanasios Health Centre, Hospital and Emergency Centre in Corfu Town, Lefkimmi Health Centre.     Antiniotis Lagoon - Kounoufadi Marsh The Antiniotis Lagoon is an important wetland on the northeastern edge of Corfu. It is located in a Natura 2000 nature protection area, with an area of 460 acres. It consists of the Kounoufadi marsh and the main lagoon. In the past, due to the many mosquitoes in the marsh, it was a malaria vector and for that reason it was uninhabited. Besides, the name of the place indicates the enemy of youth! Now that the danger of malaria has been overcome, we can safely enjoy wild flowers and reeds, as well as aquatic plants that cannot be found anywhere else in the Ionian Islands. The dunes are home to the sand lily, which is why in the 1930s it was described by the British naturalist Gerald Durrell as 'Lily Lake'. Sixteen different species of orchids can also be found in the Antiniotis Lagoon. The lagoon is also famous for its large fish farm. The fish species found in the lake are mainly eels, mullets and sea basses. Scientists have observed more than 90 species of migratory birds, including herons and cormorants. The rarest species found in the area is the otter, which lives in large populations in the lagoon. In the marsh we will also find dragonflies and other winged water insects with their characteristic flying and beautiful colours. In conclusion, it is a precious place, both for its beauty and its environmental importance. Monastery of Agia Ekaterini The monastery of Agia Aikaterini is located in the area of the Antiniotis lagoon. The monastery was built at the beginning of the 18th century. However, in its sanctuary there is an elaborate Byzantine arch of the 12th or 13th century. At the basis of the roof of the arch on tiles are engraved the words ΙωCΗΦ ΚΘΓΜΝ (probable meaning Iosif dean)... The bell tower can also be traced back to the Byzantine period. The rest of the church was rebuilt in 1713, according to an inscription on the lintel. The preserved frescoes in its interior date back to that period. The monastery is enclosed by a high wall. On the north side of the enclosure is the entrance, which is blocked by a large fig tree. In the precincts of the monastery there are ruins of a stone lodge, storerooms, cells and auxiliary buildings. Unfortunately, they are all in a dilapidated state, but it is an important monument that deserves to be restored.  

From a geological point of view, limestones and dolomites constitute the bedrock of Mt. Kalon Oros. The slopes of south and southwest exposure have steep gradients whilst all other slopes are characterized by gentle gradients. The vegetation cover presents a low diversity since it is mainly composed of macchia with the dominant species of Quercus coccifera, Pistacia lentiscus and Arbutus unedo. Macchia vegetation is very dense on eastern and northern exposed slopes, while on the south and southwestern slopes it is very sparse. In higher altitudes up to the peak, rocky grasslands with sparse individuals of Quercus coccifera occur on the west exposed slopes. These areas were cultivated in the past (olive trees, vineyards) but are now abandoned. Source: Natura2000 viewer, European Comission.

This site includes two small islands located 27 miles south of the southern coast of Zakynthos island and 28 miles western of the Peloponnisos coast (Katakolo region). Geological evidence suggests that the Strofades islands have an oceanic origin i.e. risen out from the sea, unlike the majority of the Greek islands and islets, which are considered to be chersogenous (remnants of the old Greek continent). This area is also interesting from a paleontological point of view, since fossil records of a Miocenic and or Pliocenic fauna have been found. This area also shows archaeological interest, since on the larger islet there is a very old monastery which was built up in the middle of the 13th century. Nowadays the islands are almost uninhabited but undoubtedly, during the past time when the monastic community was very active, the majority of the natural vegetation was destroyed in favour of the cultivation of cereals, vegetables, fruit-trees etc. Nowadays, natural vagetation characterized by giant trees of Juniperus phoenicea, Quercus coccifera, Pistacia lentiscus etc. is restricted in one part of the bigger island. Strofades is an islet complex consisting of the islets of Stamfani and Arpyia, as well as their surrounding rocks, These remote volcanic islets are located 25 n.m. south of Zakynthos island and west of the Peloponnese. They are among the most distant islets to mainland Greece and are surrounded by the deep waters of the Ionian Sea. The low-lying rocky coast of the islets provides ideal shearwater nesting sites, A monastery dating back to the beginning of the previous millennium is located on the larger islet, its land extending over a large area of cultivated fields in the centre of the Island. The site includes a 2.7 n.m, marine extension around Strofades. The deep waters of the adjacent Hellenic Trench provide ideal environment conditions for cetaceans, such as the Sperm Whale, the Curvier's Beaked Whale and all three dolphin species, which are frequently observed in the area. Source: Natura2000 viewer, European Comission.

This wetland situated on the northern coast of the island of Kerkyra (Corfu) is important for the threatened species Lutra lutra as well as for the ecological balance in the area. In addition, the site is characterized by a variety of habitats, and human activities have not yet exerted much influence upon it. This is of great importance for an island like Kerkyra which shows great tourist development and great pressure due to building construction. Source: Natura2000 viewer, European Comission.

The proposed site covers the marine area from the entrance of Argostoli Gulf and expands towards the village of Lourdata, following the coastline and Mounda Bay to the south-east point of the island. The sea bed has a smooth inclination and the substrate is sandy with a small amount of limestone rock. On the limestone rocks distinctive zones of Cytoseira crinata and calcareous Rhodophyceae dominate. Additionally, large amounts of the Rhodophyceae Laurencia papillosa and the Chlorophyceae Dasycladus vermicularis cover a substantial portion of the hard substrate.Source: Natura2000 viewer, European Comission.

In the beautiful forest: A circular route in the forest of Kalafationes   The walker’s orientation and safety is solely their responsibility. The present report, the relevant tracks (gpx) and the rest of the informational material are just supplementary. The proper equipment is necessary, depending on the weather conditions and the nature of the route.   Route’s type: circular Route’s duration: one hour and twenty minutes Route’s length: 4.000m Level of difficulty: easy Suggested season: all seasons, if weather conditions permit it. It is recommended to avoid rainy days or the days afterwards.   The route The route starts from the parking area of the settlement and after walking through the beautiful settlement we reach the central square. There we have to be careful to take the right cobbled path leading to the trail. It is the small downhill, to the north - northeast, next to the large cobbled path. After walking a little more on the outskirts of the settlement, take the path north-northwest. The path is not marked but now and then we find a yellow wooden sign with a hedgehog. The trail passes through lush vegetation providing a dreamy shady environment. The trail is accompanied, in many places (especially at the beginning), by a stream that makes it muddy and therefore slippery. On days after rain it may be difficult to cross. Since the path is not marked, caution is required at junctions in order to maintain our direction. When the downhill path ends, we come across a narrow stream which is easily passed. After this the path becomes uphill, we meet a dirt road, which we take on the uphill side until the moment we meet a gate and next to it the path starts uphill again, which becomes very steep on the way. At its end, the path meets an asphalt road, which joins the main road of the settlement, where after passing the interesting area with the wells, we head to the starting point of the route, the parking area.   On the island of Corfu there are: Citizen Service Centres in the settlements (from north to south): Sidari, Acharavi, Kassiopi, Ypsos, Paleokastritsa, Corfu Town, Achilleion, Moraitika, Argyrades and Lefkimmi. Police stations in the settlements (from north to south): Karousades, Paleokastritsa, Corfu Town and Lefkimmi. Numerous private medical offices, medical centres and pharmacies, while public health structures exist (from north to south): the Avliotes Regional Medical Centre, the Acharavi Regional Medical Centre, the Agios Athanasios Health Centre, the Hospital and Emergency Centre in Corfu Town, and the Lefkimmi Health Centre,   Kalafationes Kalafationes are located in Middle Corfu, 9 km from Corfu town and at an altitude of 182 m., between a dense olive grove and a virgin forest of chestnut trees. It has 461 inhabitants (2011 census). It is a designated traditional settlement. Walking along its traditional cobbled streets, you will admire the folk architecture of the houses and enjoy the hospitality of the inhabitants in the traditional cafes. The history of the settlement dates back to ancient times. Evidence for this, is the existence of ancient settlements in the wider area (Kamara, Kouramades, Kastelanoi, etc.), but also the fact that the calcite found on the hills of Kalafationes and Varypatades was used in antiquity for the construction of the columns and the epithelium of the Doric Temple of Kardaki. It suffered, like other villages on the island, great destruction during the invasion of Barbarossa in 1573. The name of the settlement "Kalafationes" comes from the work of reed drilling, which was the livelihood of many of its inhabitants, either by waterproofing boats or, probably, barrels. In Kalafaties it is worth visiting the modern equestrian club, where riding and therapeutic riding lessons are held, as well as the tzitsibira factory, the only one that still produces this traditional soft drink, a relic of the British rule on the island. In the wider area there are five churches, Agios Ioannis (in the area of Gerama), the Church of Prophitis Ilias, The churches of Agios Ioannis (in the centre of the village) which is the metropolitan church of the village, Panagia (also in the centre of the village), Agioi Pantes (in the south-eastern edge of the village) where it has been moved and currently is functioning as cemetery, and Agia Marina (in the district of Kothoniki). The neighbouring villages are Varypatades, Kouramades, Viros and Kastellani of Mesi. Kobitsi Forest Just a few kilometers away from Corfu town, the village of Kobitsi is located at the top of a hill with a panoramic view of Peleka, the lagoon of Halikiopoulos and the mountain of Agioi Deka. In Kobitsi there are the mansion of the homonymous family, the high bell tower in the church of Agioi Apostoloi and the restored Venetian fountain. Just outside the settlement there is a beautiful forest with pine and chestnut trees, an ideal place for a walk on foot or by bicycle through the lush vegetation and wild flowers, accompanied by the chirping of birds. Varipatades It is one of the most beautiful settlements, belonging to the municipal unit of Achilleion. It is located next to Kalafationes. It is a designated listed settlement, built on the slopes of a hill, the top of which is covered with olive and cypress trees.   Walking along the cobbled streets of Varipatades, we will admire the tall mansions with pastel colours and Corfiot beige tiles, the traditional houses, built almost one on top of the other, the small traditional square, where the church of Agios Stefanos is located. In Varipatades, a unique custom is revived on the evening of Holy Friday: Hundreds of snail shells, the so-called "boboloi" are made into lamps, with cotton wicks in oil, and placed lit all along the route where the Epitaph passes, creating an extremely solemn atmosphere.