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Messolonghi Lagoons NP - Palaiopotamos

Agrinion  >  Greece

Easy accessible shallow lagoons that attract many species of birds. In the greater Messolongi area around 300 different bird species have been recorded.

Added* by Reinier g
Most recent update 23 July 2021

Description

The Messolonghi Lagoons NP are located in the north part of the Gulf of Patras in the central west coast of Greece. It is famous for its complex of wetlands which comprise six different interlinked lagoons. It is considered to be the biggest such ecosystem in Greece and one of the most important Mediterranean lagoons for breeding, passage and wintering waterbirds and raptors. It is a shallow area of 150 km2, extended between the Acheloos and Evinos rivers. In winter up to 80.000 waterbirds and waders were counted. The western lagoons of Palaiopotamos are easily accessible by car. You can spot birds from the car but also on foot. The wetlands hold Greater Flamingo and Dalmatian Pelican but also many other birds like Caspian Tern, Pygmy Cormorant, Western Marsh Harrier, Osprey, Slender-billed Gull, Kentish Plover, Black-winged Stilt, Avocet, Grey Plover, Common Redshank and rare birds like Spur-winged Lapwing or Great Spotted Cuckoo.

Details

Access

Messolongi is 243 km away from Athens. Driving there will take you less than three hours. Easy access by car. Also on foot. Next to the lagoon is a sandy beach.

Terrain and Habitat

Wetland , Beach , Mud flats , Reedbeds , River

Conditions

Flat

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Summer , Spring migration , Autumn migration , Spring

Route

Paved road , Unpaved road

Difficulty walking trail

Average walk

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle , Car

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

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