The coastal landscapes of mainland Greece are a tapestry of ancient olive groves and sun-drenched Mediterranean shrublands known as phrygana. These ecosystems — shaped by millennia of cultivation and natural processes — offer both scenic beauty and exceptional biodiversity. Beneath their unassuming surface lies a wealth of natural treasures.

Our walks lead us through seasonally changing floral displays: carpets of wild orchids in spring, waves of bulbous geophytes in both spring and autumn, and colourful assemblages of common wildflowers. These richly textured habitats are home to many rare or localised species, including a variety of reptiles, insects, and Mediterranean endemics.

We turn over stones in search of fascinating and often bizarre creatures: worm-like blind snakes (Xerotyphlops vermicularis), centipedes, scorpions, and other elusive invertebrates. In the coastal thickets, we frequently encounter native tortoises, and with some luck and speed, we may catch a glimpse of the region’s more agile reptilian residents.

Winter and spring offer particularly rewarding opportunities for marine wildlife observation. It is not uncommon to see Common or Bottlenose Dolphins (Delphinus delphis and Tursiops truncatus) patrolling the shoreline on a daily basis. With exceptional luck, we may spot a loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) or even the elusive Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus), one of Europe’s rarest marine mammals.

On select nights, under optimal conditions, we may witness the mesmerising glow of bioluminescent plankton illuminating the sea — a spectacle that leaves a lasting impression.

Along our coastal walks, we also explore tidal zones and beaches, learning to identify the remains of marine organisms washed ashore: shells, echinoderms, cnidarians and other marine curiosities that tell stories of the nearby underwater world.

These hidden coves and sunlit hillsides offer an intimate experience with Greece’s coastal ecology — a blend of quiet discovery and thrilling wildlife encounters, far from the crowds