Hidden gems of Ilia

The river has sculpted the beautiful landscape between the peaks of Mt Tetrazio to Kyparissia Bay. From its source on Mount Lykaion, the river, the only one in Greece to take the female article, meanders through steep ravines, cool plateaus, lush gorges and dark caves, passing under stone bridges and cascading over cliffs to reach the sea 32km away.

The sturdy oaks of Foloi

On the plateau of Foloi, which the locals have dubbed “the balcony of Ilia” owing to its panoramic view, you can find one of the rarest and largest oak tree forests, now incorporated into the Natura 2000 network. Lose yourself in the magic of the forest, gazing up at the defiant oaks, so colossal that they seem to touch the sky. In contrast to some of the surrounding areas, it is relatively flat and so an open invitation to hikers to take to its gorgeous trails.

Be careful not to disturb the Caretta Caretta

The second most important nesting ground for the sea turtle Caretta Caretta, after Zakynthos, is the beach of Kalo Nero at the mouth of the Neda. You can learn more about this endangered and emblematic animal at the information centres at Kalo Nero and at Elea.

Are you ready for some trekking?

The Neda makes the single adjective, ‘beautiful’, somewhat redundant as you hike down it in the summer or early autumn. You can begin your exciting trek at the village of Petra.

Source : https://www.discovergreece.com/