The area of this site consists of the central and mountainous part of the island of Lefkada (600-1140 m). It is located south-south-east of the villages of Exanthia and Chortata and includes the three main summits and the slopes of the mount Elati. Geologically the area is more or less uniform and is characterized by a dominant limestone substrate which also contributes to the development of an interesting geomorphology (valleys, rocky slopes, cliffs, dolines, etc.) Table-lands of different sizes are also very common in that area and until a few years ago, vineyards, producing the famous traditional red wine, were the predominant agricultural activity in that area. In spite of the fact that the highest mountain of Lefkada island is called Elati (i.e. fir tree in Greek) neither Abies forest nor single Abies trees have been observed there. The dominant vegetation type in this area is phrygana which however could be characterized as a degraded maquis. This situation seem to be the result of both human activities (agriculture, grazing, fires, etc.) and ecological factors (karstic limestones). Source: Natura2000 viewer, European Comission.

Overlooking the Ionian Sea: Exo Chora - Kampi 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: about 1 hour Route’s length: 3.500 metres Level of difficulty: easy Suggested season: All seasons, weather permitting. In summer, avoid midday hours. The route It is a linear downhill route with landscape changes, without any difficulty. The route starts in front of the square of the church of Exo Chora (Agios Nikolaos) and after visiting the old olive tree and the wells (which are located "behind" the olive tree to the west). Head east from the asphalt road and after ninety meters turn onto the small road to the south. After three hundred metres this small road meets the main asphalt road which we follow downhill for another three hundred and twenty metres where we turn southwards at the junction we meet. The road continues to be downhill and at one point it becomes a dirt road. At a distance of one thousand one hundred metres, at the relevant junction, we leave it and follow a strongly southerly path along the smaller dirt road we encounter. This dirt road in several places has problems but not significant for the average walker. It passes through areas of low vegetation with excellent views. After about one thousand two hundred metres we are behind the sports facilities of the village of Kampi and continuing in the same direction, after a while we meet the asphalt road and the plateau that marks the end of the route. The route can also be done from the opposite direction (from Kampi to Exo Hora) but it will be uphill. The duration of the hike (excluding any stops) is around an hour not counting the time for the return trip, which is by the same route. However, we can have a vehicle waiting for us at Kabi. On the island of Zakynthos there are: Citizen Service Centres in the settlements (from north to south) of Alykes, Zakynthos Town, Machairado and Pantokratoras. Police Station in Katastari and General Police Department in Zakynthos Town. A number of private clinics, medical centres and pharmacies and public health facilities are located in Zakynthos Town, General Hospital, and a Health Centre in Kallithea. Exo Chora Exochora or Oxochora is a small mountain settlement below Mount Vrachionas. It has been known since the 16th century and, because it survived the 1953 earthquake, it preserves several pre-earthquake buildings. About 120 people live in the settlement, engaged in tourism, but also in the production of grain, oil and grapes, the famous Avgoustiati, which produces an excellent red wine. The most remarkable monument of Exochora is the church of Agios Nikolaos, built in 1701. Its iconostasis, work by Nikola Vidale, is carved in wood and gilded. Next to it, stands the bell tower of the church, which has an impressive architecture. It is also worth visiting the small Venetian tower, an old observatory of the Italians during the Second World War, a point of excellent view, but also the old wells of the settlement, the old plane tree and the old olive tree. Wells of Exochora These wells are group wells, which are a monument of the British rule on the island. These wells are water reservoirs, which use the surface flow of rainwater, preventing evaporation as much as possible. They are constructed with internal masonry, without a coating (bordellana), to ensure both peripheral drainage and filtering of the water from the ground. They are found in areas where the water ponds, due to heavy rainfall and the clay composition of the soil. They were accessible to all the villagers, who shared this important resource fairly. Even today, every family in the village has two wells at its disposal (in total, around 70 are still in operation) to enjoy their water, which is not only watering but also drinking. Kampi Kampi is located towards the west coast of the island and the Ionian Sea at an altitude of 178 meters and 26 km west of the town of Zakynthos, near Exo Chora. It is surrounded by olive trees and vineyards and faces the bay of Schiza and the open sea from a height of 300 meters, offering an excellent view. The settlement of Kampi has survived to a large extent from the devastating earthquakes of 1953, preserves many popular village houses of one or two storeys, intact, and has been officially classified as architecturally interesting. It is mentioned already in the 15th century. The Mycenaean cemetery with its 14 carved graves containing grave goods, clay vessels and pieces of brass weapons is an asset of the area. All the tombs have the same form, they are narrow, square, pit-shaped, carved into the limestone rock of the hill.  Today, according to the 2011 census, 59 inhabitants live in Kampi. Centenarian olive tree In the square of Exochora there is a very old olive tree, which can hardly be found anywhere else. Its trunk creates a huge modern sculpture, while its foliage is lush and evergreen. It is a monument to nature. During the route, the walker will encounter QR information signs at the following points: α) In the central square (in front of the olive tree and the church), b) at the start of the downhill road, c) at the junction of the asphalt road to the south-southwest, d) at the junction of the dirt road to the south, e) behind the sports facilities, f) at the junction of the dirt road and the asphalt road, g) at the end of the route on the plateau.

From Agioi Deka to the top: Agioi Deka - Monastery of Pantokratoras     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 (the beginning and the end of the route coincide) Route’s duration: 45 minutes Route’s length: 1.900 metres Level of difficulty: medium Suggested season: all seasons, if weather conditions permit it     The route: The route starts from the statue of Gerasimos Zochios, ascending many stairs to the west, through the beautiful houses of the settlement. After passing the church of Agioi Deka, we continue uphill and after a while we come across a modern well-maintained paved road that leads us to a parking area of the settlement. Those walkers who want to avoid climbing the steps can start the route from this point. From the parking area we take the path which at the beginning is very steep and rough and needs some attention. Then we meet a concrete road, from where we continue uphill and after about 100 metres we meet the path again. The path continues uphill, but more gently this time, where somewhere in the middle of the path, which is left, there is an organized rest area (bench with a table), in the trees. The trail offers great views of northern Corfu, through the dense vegetation, and is very well marked (perhaps a bit too much) with yellow and white lines as well as signs. The route ends at the monastery of Pantokratoras, where, apart from the church and the other well-preserved buildings, there is an organised rest area with tables and benches. The return is by the same path, unless someone has planned to have a car waiting for them in the area of the monastery (the road to the monastery from the settlement requires attention because it is narrow, but easy, without being difficult. Also as a linear route, if not done back and forth, it can be done in the opposite direction, from the monastery to the settlement.   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), Avliotes Regional Medical Centre, Acharavi Regional Medical Centre, Agios Athanasios Health Centre, Hospital and Emergency Centre in Corfu Town, Lefkimmi Health Centre.   Monastery of Pantokratoras The Monastery of Pantokratoras is built at an altitude of 580 m, on the slope of Mount Agioi Deka or Galisio Mount, as it was formerly called. It is located 3 km west of the village of Agioi Deka in Corfu. Since 1545 it has been mentioned as Pantokratoras or the temple of the 'Great Pantokrator in the Galisio Mountain of the Ascension'. In the area of the now abandoned monastery, the church of Pantokratoras and the chapel of Profitis Ilias to the west of the church can be seen. The church is rectangular, one-roomed, with a sloping roof and a wide, arched entrance. On the Sunday of Mirofores, a resurrection litany is held, which ends at the church of Pantokratoras. Agioi Deka Agioi Deka is located on the eastern side of the homonymous mountain, in central Corfu, 11 km from Corfu Town. They have 374 inhabitants (2011 census).  It is a beautiful Corfiot settlement with many traditional houses, two and three-storey, without balconies, but with external staircases, which you can find going up the cobbled streets of the village. We will also come across several churches: the church of Panagia Odigitria, the main church of the village, the church of Agioi Deka (probably the first of the village, of Cretan origin) of Agios Spyridon, Agios Dimitrios, Agios Iakovos and Agios Stylianos. The history of the village of Agioi Deka is directly linked to Crete. When the Arabs occupied Crete in the 9th century, many of the island's inhabitants fled and emigrated to various regions of Greece. They also arrived in Corfu, bringing with them the icon of the Ten Saints, who were martyred in Crete during the period of persecution by the Roman Emperor Decius. They settled in this place and built the settlement. Agioi Deka is also mentioned in written sources of 1503. The inhabitants are called Agiokadites, from an abbreviation of Agiodekadites. In 1877, the poet and writer Oscar Wilde, travelling to Corfu, climbed the mountain and dedicated his poem of the same name to the enchanting region: “The Gods are dead: no longer do we bring to grey-eyed Pallas crowns of olive-leaves! Demeter’s child no more hath tithe of sheaves……»  

The site streches from Agios Nikolaos Bay, NA Zakynthos, to Marathias Cape, S. Zakynthos. The steep west coast of the island is actually the foot of Brachionas Mount. The coastal line is dominated by vertical seaside cliffs, descending abruptly into the sea, with a vegetation of shrubs and phrygana. The rest of the area consists of rocky hills partly occupied by Pinus halepensis forests, and partly degraded and covered by shrubs or phrygana. Cultivated areas also occur.Falco eleonorae population values are based on LIFE - Nature se pstasa a t apett Falco eleonorae st da (LIFE03 NAT/GR/000091). Source: Natura2000 viewer, European Comission.

Three inhabited and five uninhabited small islands, covered mainly by conifers, tall maquis and olive groves. Othonoi islands has extensive sea cliffs and rocky slopes (max. altitude 385 m.) Most of the uninhabited islets are covered by low vegetation on a rocky substratum, ideal for nesting seabirds. Source: Natura2000 viewer, European Comission.

Erimitis Path: Avlaki beach - Akoli - Vromolimni - Korfovounia - Aspalathra beach - Agios Stefanos of Sinies     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: 1 hour and a half Route’s length: 4.000m Level of difficulty: medium Suggested season: all seasons, if weather conditions permit it   The route Following the coastline, the Erimitis Path starts from Avlaki beach and ends at Agios Stefanos of Sinies. On this route we will walk through dense vegetation, we will meet isolated beaches, as well as three lakes, important wetlands and rare bird sanctuaries. The route starts from the Savoura swamp and after passing Avlaki beach we climb slightly towards the next beach ("eastern" Avlaki beach which is also a nudist beach). The route takes place in a lush, overgrown and shady environment. We leave the beach behind and climb uphill towards the east - southeast. From a certain point and especially after the crossroads, where we head east, we descend, through a steep downhill that requires attention, towards the beach of exceptional beauty Akoli with the homonymous lake. After crossing it, we head south, where we reach the Vromolimni beach with the homonymous lake. We cross the beach and continue in the shadow of Erimitis towards Korfovounia beach and then Aspalathra beach. The route continues to the edge of Agios Stefanos and ends downhill to the homonymous beach and the settlement. It is a route of high environmental importance with intense landscape diversity and excellent views of the Ionian Sea, the island of Peristeres (or Kapareli) and the Albanian coast. As a linear route, the walker must have foreseen to have a means of transport at the end of the route (Agios Stefanos) or otherwise he/she has to return by the same route, doubling the total length of the route.     In 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, while public health structures exist (from north to south), Avliotes Regional Medical Centre, Acharavi R.M.C., Agios Athanasios Health Centre, Hospital and Emergency Centre in Corfu Town, Lefkimmi Health Centre.     Erimitis The area of Erimitis includes a continuation of six beaches, a cluster of three lakes (Savoura, Akoli, Vromolimni) and constitutes a single entity with the oldest lighthouse in Greece (1828) on the opposite nearby island, Peristeres (or Kapareli). Erimitis is accessible on foot along paths or by boat from the sea. The area is overgrown with very dense vegetation and it is practically impossible to cross it off the paths. It is a refuge for numerous rare birds (both aquatic and non-aquatic) and animals, such as the rare otter. Vromoimni, Akoli and Savoura Lakes Vromolimni, Akoli and Savoura are the three lakes of Erimitis that constitute an important wetland ecosystem, full of vegetation. The lakes are located very close to the sea, from which they are separated by only a narrow strip of land, and retain all their beauty and natural wealth intact. These three lakes have been included by the environmental organisation WWF Hellas in the list of protected small island wetlands. Small Island of Peristeres and its Lighthouse The small island of Peristeres is located between Corfu and Albania and is the last boundary of the Greek maritime boundary. It divides the northern entrance of the Corfiot Sea into two parts. The western part is followed by ships sailing towards Italy, while the eastern part is followed by ships sailing towards Agioi Saranta. In antiquity it is referred to as Pythia. The locals call it "Tignozo" or "Caparelli". It has rocky ground covered with some bushes and trees. Today it belongs to the municipal unit Kassiopi of the municipality of North Corfu and according to the 2011 census it has 1 permanent resident. Above it there is a lighthouse, which was built in 1826, during the period of the Ionian State, by the British and marks the narrow dangerous passage between Corfu and Albania. This lighthouse was first operated in 1828 with olive oil. It is the only lighthouse of the Greek lighthouse network that had permanent huge containers (pithoi) for water storage. The height of the tower is 9 meters and its focal height is 32 meters. It was incorporated into the Greek lighthouse network in 1863 with the annexation of the Ionian Islands. It is built at a height of 23.5 metres above sea level. In 1887 it was modified to emit white steady light with one red flash per minute at a greater distance. The lighthouse remained switched off during World War II and was reopened in 1945 as an automatic acetylene torch. In 1982 its lighting equipment was replaced and it operated as an automatic solar light with a characteristic red flash every 5 seconds and a 5 nautical mile luminescence.  

At Ai Gordis: Pentati - Agios Gordios     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: 50 minutes Route’s length: 2.000 metres Level of difficulty: very difficult Suggested season: all seasons, if weather conditions permit it     The route The route starts from the courtyard of the church of Panagia Odigitria. We open the door and enjoy the excellent view from the balcony in front of the church. Then we descend the large staircase with many steps and reach the centre of the village. Following the main road to the north we come across a crossroads where there is a sign marking the start of the path. The trail is slightly downhill, but gradually steep slopes of the ground appear on our right, requiring increased attention (cliff). Shortly afterwards, a large subsidence, created by the recent winter rains, causes a large hole about a metre deep, cutting off the path. Crossing the hole, given the existence of the cliff, requires attention and increased skills. The trail after the subsidence continues intensely downhill and also requires increased caution. Along the way we encounter a landslide (also caused by recent rains) that has created a sara (a steep slope under a cliff, covered with gravel, stones and rocks falling from it). This area also requires increased attention and special skills. It should be noted that the crossing of a sara should be done, as far as possible, horizontally, which in our case is particularly difficult. After the sara the path continues downhill up until the beach in front of the big hotel. We continue along the beach until the parking area of the main road of the settlement, where the trail ends. The route passes through a lush environment, where among the trees the walker can admire the excellent view of the Ionian Sea, the islets of Tholeto (or Ortholithi) and Cape Faskia literally under his feet, while the rocks of Ortholithros stands above him. It is an impressive landscape, but the poor condition of the path prevents the walker from enjoying it as it should be.   As a linear route, the track can start from both sides/entrances: a) from Pentati as described before and b) from Agios Gordios uphill. The walker can also return back to the start of the route at Pentati. Although the route is not more than 2,000 metres in total (one way) , the walker should estimate that it will take approximately one hour (without any stops) to complete the Pendati - Agios Gordios route, due to the increased difficulty 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 medical offices, medical centres, 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 Regional Medical Centre   Pentati Pentati is a settlement in Corfu. It is located about 17 km away from the town. It is the only settlement of the municipal district of Pentati. According to the 2011 census, it has 261 inhabitants. It is built at an altitude of 120 meters and overlooks the southwest coast of the island and the famous rock Megalo Tholoto or Ortholithi. In Pentati the houses are traditional and colourful and surrounded by olive and cypress trees. Below the village there is a small, secluded beach named Fieroula, which is covered with pebbles and rocks and its seabed is ideal for underwater exploration or fishing. It is accessed by a narrow paved road that crosses through dense olive groves that provide plenty of shade along the way. The large, popular beach of Agios Gordis is just 4km away from Pentati by car. Agios Gordios Agios Gordios is a small settlement in the west of the island, 20 km away from Corfu town. It is popular for its long sandy beach, with the rock of Aerostatos on the north side, which used to serve as an observatory, and 'Ortholithi' on the south, a rock that overlooks the sea, as mentioned in a story by Iakovos Polylas. The small settlement is developed between the beach and the mountains and it is quite developed in terms of tourism. There are many houses, most of them for tourists, large hotels and shops. Reaching Agios Gordios from above, on the only road leading to the beach, you can admire the whole bay, the settlement and the lush vegetation.  

In the waterfalls of the Nymphs: Nymphs - Waterfalls of Nymphs   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 (there is the linear option too) Route’s duration: 2 hours Route’s length: 5.800m Level of difficulty: difficult (the linear option is easy) Suggested season: All seasons, if weather conditions permit it. At the circular route, the walker must avoid the winter season.   The route The route starts from the central square of the settlement of Nymphs and we follow the direction to the settlement of Episkepsi. After passing the stadium and after a two (2) kilometers walk we reach the waterfall. From the asphalt road, a well-maintained path leads us to the root of the waterfall in a particularly delightful landscape. The hiker returns via the same road. From the settlement of Nymphs to the start of the path down to the waterfall, the route can also be done by car. However, walkers with good physical condition and special experience can continue along the road towards Episkepsi and after one thousand five hundred meters (1,500) they can turn west towards the dirt road where they will follow a steep downhill road, through olive groves, to the ravine. At a certain point the dirt road ceases to exist and the trail is particularly difficult to follow. This part of the route is actually done via an ungraved and unmarked path which requires experience of orientation and skills (this part of the route does not exceed 400 metres). This is to complete the route in a circular route (and obviously there is always the option of a linear route as mentioned initially). After about four hundred (400) meters of wandering in the ravine and olive groves (in a north -northwest direction) we meet a dirt road that we follow in a west-southwest direction which leads us to the main road near the stadium. The total length of this route is nearly six (6) kilometers.   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 practices, medical centres and pharmacies, while 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, Lefkimi Health Centre.   Nymphs The fairies gave their name to this settlement, after decorating it with fairytale beauty and choosing it to inhabit! It is located in the northern part of Corfu at an altitude of 200 meters in the western district of the municipality of Thinalio and has 635 inhabitants. It is built on the side of a small valley, through which the waters of the source of the Nymphs flow. It is surrounded by tall cypresses and olive groves, oaks and holly trees. The route to Askitario, which is located just outside the settlement, is unique. Legend has it that an ascetic, Father Artemio Parisios, came to Nymphs in the 5th century AD, was fascinated by the forest and dug the cave with his own hands so that he could calm down and pray. A little above the ascetarium is the first Agricultural School of Corfu built in 1932 and on the ground floor is the old olive press. The walker is accompanied by the chirping of birds and the sound of waterfalls. A big amount of water was necessary in order for the twenty-one water mills of the area to operate! Today the ruins of some of them still remain near the settlement. It is believed that the area was inhabited since antiquity. In official documents it appears for the first time in 1347, as Nifes, in the founding document of the temple of Pantokrator. The Venetians, because of the important position of Nymphs, had set up a command post there, to supervise and protect the wider area. The architecture of the settlement bears witness to its history. The famous kumquat, brought by the English agronomist Merlin in 1924, thrives in the area. The Cooperative's factory is also located here. On the premises you can learn all about the production of the sweet and liqueur and of course taste and buy this traditional product. Every year, on the Sunday of Tyrofagos, in the church of Agios Konstantinos, a particularly interesting ceremony is held, the "Dance of the Priests" (O Horos ton Papadon). During the performance of the event, the senior priest drags a slow dance, followed by other priests and laity. He is the first to sing each verse of the chant, which is repeated by the others in the chorus. This event is observed with some minor variations in the villages of Episkepsi and Klimatia. As to its origin, some scholars claim that it dates back to pre-Christian times. Nymphs Waterfall The waterfalls of Nymphs are not the only ones in Corfu. There are others too, but these are the most impressive. Rushing waters fall from a height of about ten metres into a green gorge. This is where legend has it that nymphs bathe. A short distance away are two smaller waterfalls that usually don't even run dry during the summer.  

Kefalonia is the biggest island in the Ionian region and Mt. Ainos is the highest Ionian mountain with an altitude exceeding 1,600 m. It is a well known mountain, not only due to its altitude but also due to the presence of the famous Abies cephalonica forest which is the main element of the vegetation cover in the highest altitude of this mountain. Abies cephalonica is a Greek endemic species and Mt. Ainos is its "locus classicus". The area of this site consists of three main habitats as follows: a) The Abies forest, very often at moderate altitudes mixed with species of macchie vegetation; b) the rocky slopes which are characterized by looser vegetation but with only a few very important species, and c) the rocky summit and unforested area which houses most of the endemic species of the Kefalonian and Ionian flora. The area of the site has been characterized as a National Park. 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.