A wildlife Experience in Greece

If you’re a nature lover who loves experiencing new places while wandering into greenery landscapes and enjoying extreme views then you’ll definitely appreciate the page that follows.

The mountains in Greece distinguish for their rich biodiversity, rare scenery and unique forests. Various species of flora and fauna exist in their forests, which is why many of them are protected as National Parks. These forests and the villages in the mountains create the perfect setting for autumn and winter holidays in Greece.

Feel like exploring Greece’s flora and fauna while visiting one of the biggest Environmental Centres where you could actually walk and see the animals in their natural habitats, living right next to you? If you’ve answered yes, then keep reading!

One of those destinations that will instantly steal your heart is the “Arcturos Environmental Centre”, an institution founded for the preservation of the natural environment, located at the Northern part of Greece, right next to the city of Florina.

Arcturos the NGO and the centre

ARCTUROS is a non profit, non governmental, environmental organization (NGO) founded in 1992, focusing on the protection of wildlife fauna and natural habitat, in Greece and abroad. The foundation of ARCTUROS was driven by constant need to solve the problem of bear and wolf imprisonment; a common occurence at the time. It was that need, which led to the creation of a complete action framework, under the umbrella of ARCTUROS. Among other activities of ARCTUROS, priority has been given to scientific research as well as to providing environmental education and raising public awareness on matters such as biodiversity and viability, while practicing political pressure based on complete programs and solutions.

While visiting the center, you’ll have the chance to learn about the NGO’s purposes and functions while at the same time you’ll be given a tour during which you can actually see the animals, take pictures and enjoy the natural beauty of their habitats. The protected species living in the shelter and can be found around it, are bears, wolves, otters, deers, sheperd dogs and chamois.

So how about an excursion to the beautiful village of Nymfaio? You can meet there all the bears that are hosted by ARCTUROS and that are hedged in a specific area of 50,000 m2 with an altitude of 1,350 m. It is an unforgettable experience!

Visit Nymfaio, the traditional village right next to the shelter!

Nymfaio is built in an altitude of 1.350 m and according to Unesco,it has been singled out as one of the ten most picturesque villages of Europe! This fascinating village with stone built houses and cobblestone paths, surrounded by a breathtaking beech forest, looks like it just came out of a fairytale book. Nymfaio is a year round charming destination as it combines remarkable beauty of nature, a distinctive glorious past, unique traditional guesthouses and numerous cafes and restaurants. In the area you can pursue exhilarating activities such as mountain climbing, off road routes, bird watching at the lakes, hiking and mountain biking!

Convinced yet? What are you waiting for? Put some winter clothes on and get lost into Nymfaio’s natural beauty!

Enjoy!