Wildlife· Amorgos· Greece — Cyclades

Monk Seals & North Amorgos Natura 2000 Zone

36° 54.4′ N · 25° 59.9′ E · approximate

The northern half of Amorgos and the outlying islets of Levitha, Kinaros and Mavria lie inside a Natura 2000 zone with a large sea area, protected above all for the Mediterranean monk seal. The steep cliffs and sea caves along the north coast are seal habitat, and Bonelli's eagles and Audouin's gulls hunt overhead.

Western CycladesCentral Cyclades

Practical

Position is approx: the start of the land nature reserve at Langada, which amorgos.gr says runs from just outside Langada to the northern tip of the island. aegeanislands.gr: the Natura zone covers the north of Amorgos plus Levitha, Kinaros and Mavria and a large sea area; key species are the monk seal (Monachus monachus), the Caspian turtle (Mauremys caspica), the four-lined snake (Elaphe quatuorlineata) and Posidonia seagrass meadows. Anchor in sand, not on Posidonia. Seals are also reported sheltering in Fokospilia on Donoussa in winter (see that entry). MOm, the Greek monk seal society, says: never approach a seal or enter a sea cave where one may be resting (a mother and pup may be inside), keep at least 30 m away from a seal on land, make no noise, don't touch it or splash it, never aim a speargun at it, and keep dogs away. Report sightings, and any dead or injured seal, to MOm on 210 5222 888 or the 24-hour line 6942 494471, and to the nearest Port Authority. In July 2026 the government signed the South Aegean Marine Park decree, which takes in Amorgos's Natura areas, bans bottom-towed fishing gear and sets new limits on recreational fishing. It still has to pass review by the Council of State, so check the final rules before you fish (tovima.com).

Best for

Respectful seal and raptor watching along the wild north coast

Season

Year-round; seals use caves most in winter and in the pupping season, so stay out of caves

Nearby