Kotychi and Strofylia Wetlands National Park

Kotychi and Strofylia Wetlands National Park is a protected wetland complex on the Ionian Sea coast of Western Greece that combines a coastal lagoon and an adjoining coastal dune-forest. It is significant as a coastal wetland and habitat for migratory and resident waterbirds.

The site contains a shallow coastal lagoon with tidal exchange and an extensive dune-forest system dominated by coastal pines and dune vegetation. Key attractions are birdwatching at the lagoon margins, walking along the dune-forest edge, and views across the sandy coast; sheltered observation points line parts of the lagoon and shoreline.

The area has been placed under formal protection to conserve its wetland, dune and forest habitats and the species that use them, including seasonal concentrations of migratory waterbirds. It is included in European nature protection networks for habitat conservation.

Geographically the park sits on the northwestern Peloponnese/Ionian coast in Western Greece, where lagoon, dune and coastal forest meet the sea. The landscape is low-lying coastal terrain with sandy beaches and pine forest adjacent to the lagoon.

• Birdwatching seasons: Best birdwatching during spring and autumn migration, when numbers of waders and waterfowl increase and many species pass through the Ionian coast.
• Access and viewpoints: Access is via several small coastal villages and rural tracks; many observation points are along the lagoon edge and beach-dune interface.

What to See #

• Kotychi Lagoon: A shallow coastal lagoon connected intermittently to the sea and a focal point for waterbird concentrations and wetland vegetation.
• Strofylia Forest: A coastal pine-dominated dune forest and adjacent dune system that links the lagoon to the sandy coastline and supports terrestrial biodiversity.