Wildlife· Polyaigos· Greece — Cyclades
Polyaigos Natura 2000 Area & Monk Seals
36° 45.1′ N · 24° 38.2′ E · approximate
Polyaigos is a Natura 2000 site and one of the Aegean's important refuges for the endangered Mediterranean monk seal, as well as for Eleonora's falcons nesting on its cliffs. With no permanent residents, it is a rare stretch of wild Cycladic coast.
Practical
el.wikipedia: included in the EU Natura 2000 network; designated a Special Protection Area for Eleonora's falcon; monk seals give birth on the island; about 90% of the land belongs to a church bequest linked to Panagia Odigitria on Kimolos. Wikipedia: about 18 km², highest point Psilo Vouno 370 m; goat grazing keeps it barren. Milos Diving Center calls the area a monk seal breeding ground. If you see a seal (MOm guidance): stay at least 30 m away, make no noise, never touch or feed it, never block its way to the sea, keep children and pets away, never enter a sea cave, and report it to MOm on +30 210 5222 888 or the 24-hour line +30 6942 494471, or to the Port Authority. The Milos viper also lives on the island (Sailing Issues); wear shoes ashore. Pin is the island centre (approx, Wikipedia coordinates).
Best for
Seeing wild Aegean coast and, with luck and distance, a monk seal