Wildlife· Folegandros· Greece — Cyclades
Mediterranean Monk Seal Caves (Folegandros)
36° 38.2′ N · 24° 55.9′ E · approximate
The rocky, cave-riddled coast of Folegandros gives refuge to the Mediterranean monk seal, one of the world's rarest seals. A sighting from the boat is rare luck.
Practical
Position approx: offshore of the north-east coast near Chrysospilia, derived from the Sailing Issues Chrysospilia steps position; seal locations are not published and should not be. Greek Wikipedia: Folegandros's Natura 2000 habitat is rocky, with scrub and caves where monk seals take refuge. English Wikipedia: Greece holds about 250-300 animals (2016 estimate). The species is IUCN Vulnerable and very sensitive to disturbance; females give birth in inaccessible sea caves, with a pupping peak from September to November. If you see one: stay well back, cut the engine, do not follow or feed it, keep swimmers and drones away, and never enter a sea cave where a seal may be resting. Report sightings to the Greek seal conservation group MOm.
Best for
A rare wildlife moment, observed from a distance
Season
Year-round; extra care Sep-Nov (pupping)
Nearby
- Chrysospilia Cave (Folegandros)0.2 NM away
- Panagia Church Path (Folegandros)0.5 NM away
- Eleonora's Falcon Cliffs (Folegandros)0.6 NM away
- Pounta (Chora, Folegandros)0.7 NM away
- Araxe (Chora, Folegandros)0.8 NM away
- Atopa Supermarket (Chora, Folegandros)0.8 NM away
- Barbounaki (Chora, Folegandros)0.8 NM away
- Folegandros Chora Tavernas0.8 NM away