Wildlife· Iraklia· Greece — Cyclades

Iraklia Natura 2000 & Bird Watching

36° 50.7′ N · 25° 27.4′ E · approximate

All of Iraklia lies within the Natura 2000 network, and over 170 bird species have been recorded on the island and its islets, some of them globally threatened.

Western CycladesCentral Cyclades

Practical

naxos.gr: the entire island is in Natura 2000, mainly for its plant diversity (many endemics, evergreen shrubs, several orchids; Phoenician juniper, wild olive, fig and carob dominate); birds are the most interesting fauna, with over 170 recorded species; the islets of Small and Big Avela and Venetiko are rich in plants and birds; the sea holds sponges, corals and many fish. OSM maps the island as a wildlife reserve (Νήσος Ηρακλειά, source geodata.gov.gr). EEA data: Iraklia is in Natura site GR4220013 (Habitats Directive; dolphins, harbour porpoise, Pinna nobilis) and bird area GR4220021 (Eleonora's falcon, peregrine, Mediterranean shag). Anchor on sand, never on Posidonia; keep off the bird islets in the nesting season. Position is approx: the OSM island centre.

Best for

Birding walks and protected seabed

Season

Spring and autumn migration best for birds

Nearby