Karpathos apart from being full of peculiarities and rich in sightseeing is an ideal destination for eco-tourism for nature lovers. Areas of central and northern island, as well as Saria, belong to the NATURA 2000 network and have been recognized as CORINE Biotopes.
Make your reservation at Akropolis Village on time.
NATURA 2000 : Network of nature protection zones and was founded by the European Union (May 1992). Its purposes are the protection of the environment and preservation of biodiversity.
CORINE Biotopes : A program (since 1985) originally designed to record biotopes and create an “ecological” map. Now the program collects data from the state of the environment and natural sources.
1. Flora
The intense relief of the island and the steep altitudinal transition make the island ideal for the growth of rare plant species. 923 species have been recorded in Karpathos of which over 100 rare flowers. 66 of them are endemic in eastern Europe and the Mediterranean area, 28 endemic mostly in Crete, 11 endemic in Kasos and Karpathos ad 9 only in Karpathos and Saria. Typical examples are wild carnation, peony, fern, iris and viola flower. Among them are 36 species of orchids such as orphys insectifera, ophrys mammosa etc.
The most endangered plant species in Karpathos is the Trifolium lappaceum L, a dwarf, hairy plant. Botanologists locate it only in two places on the island. And their number is so low that due to climate change is tenting to be extinguished.
Karpathos is also full of medicinal herbs such as Passiflora Incarnate (tranquilizer, hypnotic and analgesic), Sambucus Nigra (used by Hippocrates himself for swelling of the feet, arthritis, etc.), Calendula Officinalis (anti-inflammatory), Aloe Vera (mostly wound healing), Echinacea Angustifolia (immune enhancement), etc. There are also cooking herbs such as thyme, oregano, lavender, mint, spearmint, bay leaf, rosemary, anise, dill and capers.
Regarding trees, the principal one in Karpathos is the olive tree. However, there are wild pears, grapefruit, pomegranates, carob trees, tamarisk and Arbutus unedo, commonly known as strawberry tree, or chorleywood. Near ravines and streams, where there is more humidity, pine trees, plane trees, maple trees and oleanders grow.
Of course there are plenty of little greens that sprout on the island, that locals boil them and you can eat them as a salad.
2. Fauna
The most characteristic kinds of the island’s fauna is the lizard Lyciasalamandra Helverseni and the frog Pelophylax cerigensis. Both are endangered species with the frog being the 1st in Europe and the salamander the 2nd. The lizard can be found only in Karpathos and it is medium size (~14cm). It appears in the winter (between October and April) and mostly after rain. The rest of the year lives under rocks or in the ground.
Other interesting species on the island are the 17 kinds of butterflies, 5 kinds of bats, wild rabbits, sea turtles and dolphins.
The island is located on the migration route of birds from Europe to Africa. It is proved that Saria is the final stop before Africa. That’s why there are many bird species such as small hawks, wild pigeons, herons, cormorants, partridges and grouse. The three most important ones are:
- Bonelli’s Eagle (or Hieraaetus Fasciatus). Its size reaches up to 70cm length and 1,7m with wings opening and 2.5kg weight.
- Long legged buzzard (or Buteo Rufinus). It is one of the largest species of the genus Buteo with long wings and a rather long tail.
- Eleonora’s Falcon (or Falco Eleonorae). It is a medium-sized hawk. Its name comes from Eleanor of Arborea or Eleanor De Serra Bas, a female judge from Sardinia and is due to her love for falcons and especially for this particular one.
You may be particularly lucky to meet the rare and most iconic mammal of the Mediterranean, the seal Monachus Monachus, especially if you visit Saria.
You can combine your exploration to discover the above mentioned flora and fauna with climbing, hiking or biking. Learn more about these activities in our article Alternative tourism of Karpathos.
And don’t forget to make your reservation at Akropolis Village on time.
