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.

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.

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.  

In Erikousa: Porto - Fiki - Gitonies - Potamos - Porto The walker’s/tourist'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: 1 hour and 20 minutes Route’s length: 4.700m Level of difficulty: easy Suggested season: summer, due to sea’s limitation and ship’s winter routes The route Erikousa is a very beautiful and "sweet" island that has a dense network of small roads (usually concrete) and a dense network of paths, and in combination with the fact that there are very few vehicles and the distances are really short - indicatively, it is mentioned that Cape Skotini (northernmost point) is at a distance of 2800m from Cape Stamoleka (southernmost point), the walker can take any route they want through the lush nature and therefore the proposed route is only indicative. The route starts from Porto and heads north - northwest leaving behind Porto and its beach. The route is alongside and with a view of the sea, the hill of Katergos (which has been flattened for the needs of the heliport) and the wonderful geological formations of the beach. We reach the area of Fiki and the old harbor of the island, where we will see what remains of it. Afterwards, reaching the area "Gitonies", we change direction and we head east to the lush interior of the island and the "river" mentioned on the GIS maps.  The route presents a wide variety of vegetation and view while the walker often encounters signs for paths that lead to different places. Generally, the direction is eastwards, towards the hill, where, if the walker wishes, they can modify the route slightly and climb towards the opposing settlement. On the way we head south towards the beach and the harbor, where after a while we pass in front of the active primary school of the island and the beautifully landscaped area with the two churches. In the background is the power station for the island's needs. Continuing parallel to the beach of Porto, we reach the starting point of our course. As a circular route it can also be done in the reverse of the suggested direction. It can also be done by car and in this sense is also offered for the disabled persons. In the settlement of Porto there is a Community Office, a Police Station, a Medical office and a Pharmacy. Erikousa The second largest of Diapontia Islands is Erikoussa (Erikoússa) or Erikousa (Eríkousa), oldest name: Merlere or Merlera. According to the 2011 census it has 496 inhabitants. The highest point of the island is Santardo which has an altitude of about 130 meters. It is located north of Corfu and it is the northernmost point of the Ionian Islands. It owes its name to the Eriki (or Reiki) bush, which grows all over the island and blooms in October. It is a green island, full of olive trees, cypresses, wild herbs and plants, with blue waters and white beaches. One of the island's main attractions is its traditional olive oil mill, which is still in full operation today. Important Erikousa’s beaches are Porto and Bragini.

The site includes Laganas Bay and the islets of Marathonisi and Pelouzo on the south coasts of Zakynthos Island. The inner shallow part of the bay (15 m max) is covered by sandy substrate (16% of the area). Posidonia meadows cover a considerable proportion of the middle part of the bay, developed at a depth range of 10 to 40 m (27% of the area). Rocky reefs cover only 9% of the area, and are mainly located around the islets of Marathonisi and Pelouzo and the eastern and southern limits of the Bay. The outer limits of the Bay reach a maximum depth of 110m (approximately).The coastal zone of Laganas presents high biological significance because of the occurrence of highly important habitats like sandy beaches with psammophytic plant associations, rocky coasts, coastal lakes, river outlets, etc. In these biotopes characteristic and sometimes unique plant and animal associations grow. In the beach of Marathonisi lowland sand-dunes exist which in some areas present extensions to the inland up to 50m. Beyond the beach, dense Mediterranean vegetation occurs (macquis vegetation). The coastal zone of Laganas is extended for some kilometres inland and 10-15 kilometres in the sea and it is considered as a site with high biological importance exactly because of the presence of biotopes as sandy beaches, sea cliffs, coastal lakes, tidal rivers, etc. The area of this site became well known for two main reasons: 1) the sandy beaches of the sites are considered the main egg-laying sites of the Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta) in Greece, and maybe the Mediterranean as a whole, and 2) the contradictions between the ecologists who suggest the protection of the area and a proportion of the local population which support tourist development of the area, by hotel building, etc. Source: Natura2000 viewer, European Comission.

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.  

Small stream of continuous flow which is the only known area of distribution of rare Valencia letourneuxi in Corfu. Other regions, known from previous research, seem degraded and species was not found there in recent surveys (Kalogianni et al. 2006, Koutsikos et al. 2012). In this stream the endemic Directive Aphanius fasciatus and Pelasgus thesproticus is also found. Source: Natura2000 viewer, European Comission.

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At the Salt Marshes: Salt Marshes of Lefkimmi     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: 50 minutes Route’s length: 3,300 m 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 water level is likely to require a variation of the route. The route is indicative and the walker can adapt it according to his or her own opinion. The route starts at the Environmental Education Centre and heads northeast, parallel to the beach along a clearly defined but unmarked path. At the end of the path we turn around and return to the chapel by the same route and turn southeast into the lake by the landscaped paths provided. We reach the opposite side and after moving north-northeast parallel to the salt marshes, we return by the same route and cross the salt marshes by another, more westerly, corridor Suggested season: all seasons, weather permitting. Due to the lack of shade and the nature of the area, it is advisable to avoid midday hours during the summer.   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 clinics, medical centres and pharmacies, as well as 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.   Salt Marshes The salt marshes of Lefkimmi consists of a peninsula of about 2000 acres in southern Corfu, north of the town of Lefkimmi, with which it borders. They are one of the island's most important wetlands. This area has been used as salt marshes since the time of the Angevins (13th-14th century). In the 16th century there were already 80 salt pans and the Venetian salt storehouses and the accompanying areas were built, the administration building, the weighing house, the threshing floor - draining room, where the workers used to 'pile up' the salt, the engine room - pumping station and the outpost. From 1928-1933 they temporarily ceased to operate. In 1988 salt was produced for the last time. In 1993 they were handed over to the Municipality of Lefkimmia. Salt was regarded as 'white gold' during the period when the salt marshes were in their peak. The profits from the Corfiot salt were so much that it was used as a barter product to meet the needs of the Corfiot market in wheat, but also to provide resources for fortification and other projects. Today, the premises of the old Venetian warehouses, which were restored in 1999 by the municipality of Lefkimmia, house the Corfu Environmental Education Centre. Its establishment and operation is recorded since 2009 and until today it is continuously enriched, from NSRF funds, with a modern supervisory, audiovisual and scientific equipment. Here we will also find the picturesque chapel of Agios Ioannis Kolympistis. The Lefkimmi Salt Marshes belong to the Natura 2000 network as a Special Protection Area for birds. More than 180 species of birds have been recorded in the area. Several of them are endangered or have a protection status. Some typical species are Barbary and Chestnut-crowned Gulls in winter, Reed-billed Cormorants, Seaside Warblers and Nankeen Gulls in summer and Dappled Warblers and Nankeen Warblers in spring. Lefkimmi It is the second largest settlement of Corfu, 40 km from Corfu Town, in the southern part of the island. It is surrounded by olive trees and vineyards. Lefkimmi is particularly picturesque, with narrow streets, tall houses, beautiful squares and churches. In its narrow streets there are old mansions, old and modern houses. It is worth visiting the churches "Agii Theodoroi" and "Agios Arsenios", which are famous for their architecture. The port of Lefkimmi offers daily ferry services to and from Igoumenitsa. The river of Lefkimmi crosses the settlement and reaches the sea. Next to the river there are restaurants and cafes. A daring rescue operation occurred in Lefkimmi during World War II, when a Lancaster crashed. Locals rescued the crew, hid the pilots and then led them to Kondokali, where they were picked up by a British submarine.