When it comes to activities for a Greek holiday, things like swimming, island hopping, and historical sightseeing are often top of the list. But bird watching in Greece is a brilliant way to appreciate the natural beauty of the country and the variety of wildlife that call this place home.
You’d be surprised at the range of different Greek bird species you might catch sight of, from smaller, common types to some rare and impressive specimens. If you’re a seasoned twitcher then there’s sure to be something to get excited about, and if you’re new to birdwatching then it can be a brilliant way to spend your time in Greece.
Learning more about the wildlife of a country can be a great way to better connect with the environment, history and culture of where you’re staying, and help to create a more meaningful holiday experience. In this article, we share more insight into what you can expect from birdwatching in Greece and where you should travel in the country to see the most interesting species.
Notable Greek Birds
It’s estimated that there are 454 unique species of birds in Greece that have been spotted and recorded. The range of species of birds in Greece is down to the diversity of the landscapes and scenery which provide a wide range of different habitats.
Not only this, but the country is located at the edge of three different continents with different climates and ecosystems, which has led to a brilliant variety of birds living and breeding here. Here are some of the most notable species that you might spot whilst bird watching in Greece.
Ferruginous Duck
One species of bird that you should appreciate the chance to see in Greece whilst you still can is the Ferruginous Duck. With warm brown feathers, white eyes and sections of white on the tail, these diving ducks are sadly dwindling in population which means there have been recent efforts in places like the Schinias National Park in Athens to reintroduce more breeding pairs into the population.
Eleonora’s Falcon
If it’s birds of prey that you’re particularly interested in then one of the most important falcons you can find in Greece is Eleonora’s Falcon. Primarily found nesting on the country’s islets, but also in parts of Crete, around 80% of the entire species breeds and in Greece, where you’ll be able to spot it by its impressive wingspan and unique habit of living in cliffs next to the sea.
Pygmy Owl
Named because of its very small size, the Eurasian Pygmy Owl was first discovered nesting in Greece in the 1980s, but lives all over Europe and in some parts of Asia. Unlike many other species of owl, the Pygmy is most active around dawn and dusk, so you’ve got a good chance of spotting it whilst you’re out and about during the day without having to stay up late.
Great White Pelican
One of the most iconic birds that you’ll find in Greece is the Great White Pelican. While you can find small colonies on the mainland around Lake Prespa, if you ask a local about the presence of this large bird in the country then they’ll likely direct you to Mykonos.
The story of pelicans on Mykonos begins in 1985 when a local fisherman rescued a wounded pelican from the coast of the island and nursed him back to health, during which he was given the nickname ‘Petros’ by the townspeople who met him. This original Petros became a much-loved tourist attraction, so much so that he became the official mascot of Mykonos.
Whilst the original Petros tragically died after being hit by a car in 1986, three other pelicans have since replaced him on the island and can be found wandering around the town. It’s not your typical experience of birding in Greece, but if you do bump into one of the Great White Pelicans on Mykonos then you’ll have seen one of the country’s most famous creatures.
The Best Places for Bird Watching in Greece
You’ll find a range of bird species all over mainland Greece and the Greek islands. But if you’re visiting the country with the hopes of spotting some of its finest feathered inhabitants, you’ll want to make sure you’re staying somewhere that is known for its avian wildlife.
Here are our top picks for the best places for bird watching in Greece.
Lesvos
One of the best places in the world to see migrating birds is Lesvos, visited by plenty of keen twitchers in the spring and autumn who want to spot all kinds of impressive species flying to and from Africa. Around 330 bird species have been recorded on the island, but a highlight for those on a birdwatching trip in Greece include the Krüper’s Nuthatch, Greater Flamingos, Short-toed Eagles and Ortolan Buntings.
Lesvos is an island that hasn’t experienced over-tourism, making it a lovely place to stay if you’re looking for a wilder and more authentic experience of Greece. Its reputation as a birdwatching haven also means that there are a range of organised tours available and guides who know the best parts of the island to see the greatest range of avian wildlife.
Crete
Crete is one of the most popular places in Greece for birdwatching, as a lot of the country’s most notable bird species are found on the island. Not only will you get the chance to spot native birds, but Crete’s position in the eastern Mediterranean also means that it gets plenty of migratory visitors in the spring and autumn.
One of Crete’s most famous natural attractions, Samaria National Park, includes the 16km Samaria Gorge through the White Mountains. This stunning rock formation is a World Biosphere Reserve, where hoopoes and golden eagles can be seen, making it a top spot to see some of the most majestic birds in Greece.
Rhodes
Another of the most popular places for a bird watching tour of Greece is the island of Rhodes. Early spring visitors to Rhodes are rewarded with the chance of seeing up to 80 breeding species including shag, little bittern, long-legged buzzard, Bonelli’s eagle and short-toed eagle.
There are also many warblers, shrikes and buntings, as well as golden orioles and ravens. Combine days of culture and birdwatching at the Acropolis in Lindos, Kamiros, Filerimos, Kritica Castle, Koskinou-Kalithea and Monolithos.
Corfu
There’s a variety of birdlife around Corfu’s coast and lakes – such as Halikiopoulos, a seawater lagoon with freshwater streams, near the main airport. Other birdwatching spots are the Ropa Valley with the Lefkimmi salt pans, the reserve at St Spyridon Lake and lakes Korission and Andinoni.
Potential sightings include spoonbill, heron, warbler, bunting, bee-eaters, Scops owl, short-toed and Bonelli’s eagles, making this the ideal destination for a bird watching tour of Greece with plenty of species to tick off your list. Mount Pantokrator is another excellent area for spotting birds of prey.
Zante
Zante might have made its name as a Greek holiday destination because of the nightlife, but it’s also a brilliant spot for birdwatchers. Away from the more developed areas on the coast, wildlife in Greece is abundant on the island.
In Zante, Eleonora’s falcon and Scopoli’s Shearwater can often be seen in Zakynthos National Marine Park. This area includes the Bay of Laganas, where Olympic Holidays’ guests can stay at the White Olive Elite Hotel Laganas.
Alonissos
An island in the northern Sporades, Alonissos is a Greek holiday destination that is loved for its unspoiled natural beauty. The quiet beaches, fragrant pine forests, and lovely hills crisscrossed with hiking trails create a range of habitats for wildlife, making this a great place to visit for birdwatching in Greece.
At Paradise Hotel on Alonissos, you’ll be in another marine park, covering the island and more than 20 of its Aegean neighbours. Among the bird visitors is the large Audouin’s gull, with its distinctive red bill, which is a common seabird in various European countries.
Halkidiki
A northern region of Greece that consists of three jutting peninsulas, Halkidiki is a haven for holidaymakers looking for sheltered beaches backed by cool and shady forests. But the westernmost peninsula, Kassandra, is also a brilliant spot for birdwatching if you’re looking for a different activity to spend your time.
Sani Resort is a superb site for watching birds, set in a 1,000-acre ecological reserve of forests, wetlands and stunning beaches on the Kassandra peninsula overlooking Mount Olympus. This brilliant combination of habitats means that you’ve got a wide range of wildlife on offer, all carefully and respectfully preserved by the resort’s ethos and approach.
What Equipment Do You Need for Bird Watching?
To get started as a birdwatcher, you don’t need any specific expertise or equipment. If your heart flutters at the sight of a soaring eagle or a flash of colour from a diving kingfisher, that’s all you need to get started.
Experience helps train the eye and listening to other birders helps you learn fast about habitat, plumage, feeding and migration. You will likely find that binoculars make it easier to spot smaller birds from a greater distance, but you don’t need to invest a lot to get a perfectly functional pair.
Birdwatching also makes for an exciting, and educational, family day out – with the chance for children to share the sense of delight when sighting birds with parents and friends. If you’re going birdwatching in Greece with kids then you might also want to take a book or leaflet with illustrations of the kinds of birds you’re looking for to make it easier for younger enthusiasts to know what they’re spotting.
Summary
Greece is full of excellent birdwatching sites, as are Turkey and Cyprus, because migrating birds use habitats such as salty marshes, lagoons and fish pools before spending the winter in Northern Africa and the Western Mediterranean. It can be an excellent European destination to plan a birdwatching holiday, but if you’re looking for something different to enjoy on your trip to Greece then we highly recommend you pick up a pair of binoculars and turn your eyes to the skies.
If you’re a keen birdwatcher ready to explore the islands of Greece, or you’re just looking for inspiration on the best things to do on a Greek adventure, check out our range of holidays in Greece and find out more about our recommendations for the top things to see and do.
Image credits:
Dancing on Ice - Caron Steele
Mount Olympus - stefg74