Top 4 Bird Watching Holidays in Greece

The varied landscapes of Greece, from its mainland to its many islands, provide a range of habitats for local and migrating birds. The mythic Mount Olympus, the northern Lake Kerkini and the islands of Crete and Lesbos all play host to wonderful bird species, alongside stunning flora and other wildlife. Bird watching holidays in Greece are sure to satisfy any birder.

Mount Olympus

Famed as the residence of the gods, Mount Olympus is Greece’s highest mountain and home to a vibrant, important ecosystem rich in flora, birds and other wildlife, including endemic species. Walking over the mountain and its surrounding valleys is a leisurely, rewarding addition to the itinerary of bird watching holidays. In the high alpine area, birders can look for Alpine Accentor, Alpine Chough, Snowfinch and Horned Lark, while the gorges are home to breeding Lanner Falcons and the low wetlands around Lake Karla support Dalmatian Pelicans, Glossy Ibis, Night and Squacco Herons, and flamingos.

Lake Kerkini

In the north of Greece, near the border with Bulgaria, lies Lake Kerkini. The start of winter is the most rewarding time to visit this lake, with the possibility of sighting a rare but regular visitor: the Lesser White-fronted Goose. Between 12 and 50 of these endangered birds stop at the lake on their migration routes to wintering grounds further south. Other lakeside species include Greater White-fronted Geese, Dalmatian Pelicans and Common Pochard. The surrounding hills are home to the Sombre Tit, Alpine Accentor, Hawfinch and Wallcreeper.

Crete

The island of Crete is rich in flora, including 139 endemic species, and plays host to an array of migrating birds that make it a top destination for bird watching holidays. Visiting in spring allows nature enthusiasts to enjoy these two aspects of Crete together. From dramatic gorges to orchid-rich hills and olive groves, Crete’s landscape is spectacular. Birding experiences include viewing the Lammergeier soaring over Samaria Gorge, standing at the hilltop ruins of a Minoan palace at Phaestos to see migrating birds, searching for migrant warblers, flycatchers and Golden Orioles among the olives, and watching the elegant Rüppell’s Warbler fly along the shores.

Lesbos

Lesbos is a rewarding site for bird watching holidays in spring or autumn, as migrating species stop off on their northerly or southerly routes. Based in Skala Kallonis, birders can set out on day-trips to see the waders, herons and marsh terns along the shore, or go further afield to see Collared Pratincole, Red-footed Falcon, Lanner Falcon, Great Snipe, Spur-winged Plover and more. Lesbos is also notable for its own breeding birds, including Cinereous Bunting and Krüper's Nuthatch. No two days are alike in Lesbos during the spring and autumn migrations, ensuring a rewarding and exciting visit.

Marissa Ellis-Snow is a freelance nature writer. If you’re looking for bird watching holidays, Naturetrek specialises in expert-led natural history and wildlife tours worldwide. Naturetrek brings over 25 years of experience to Jaguar watching tours in some of the most spectacular regions on Earth.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.