Islands

Milos is a volcanic island located in the southwestern Cyclades, covering approximately 151 km². It features a diverse geological landscape that supports high levels of plant and animal biodiversity, including numerous endemic species. The island’s natural environment includes characteristic Aegean maquis shrubland and phrygana vegetation, where species such as Pistacia lentiscus, Quercus coccifera, and aromatic herbs like Origanum vulgare and Thymbra capitata are commonly found. Milos is also home to reptiles like the Balkan green lizard (Lacerta trilineata hansschweizeri), the Milos viper (Macrovipera schweizeri) and the Milos wall lizard (Podarcis milensis), a species endemic to the island. Its coastal and marine zones are equally significant, hosting ecologically valuable habitats for species such as the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) and various seabirds, including the Eleonora’s falcon (Falco eleonorae), which breeds along the island’s cliffs.

Kimolos is a small volcanic island in the southwestern Cyclades, adjacent to Milos, with a surface area of approximately 36 km². Despite its modest size, the island hosts a rich mosaic of habitats that support considerable biodiversity. The landscape features characteristic Mediterranean scrubland, rocky outcrops, and seasonal streams, which are essential for maintaining plant and animal communities through the dry summer months. Kimolos also supports several important reptile species, including Podarcis milensis and Macrovipera schweizeri, and a variety of invertebrates with restricted distributions. Coastal cliffs and islets surrounding the island provide key nesting sites for Falco eleonorae and resting areas for migratory birds.

Polyaigos is the largest uninhabited island in Greece, located southeast of Milos and Kimolos, with a surface area of approximately 18 km². The island is a protected natural habitat, home to rare flora and fauna, and surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters, making it a paradise for boat trips and swimming. Its undisturbed ecosystems, absence of permanent human settlement, and geographic isolation contribute to its exceptional ecological value, providing refuge for numerous species of conservation interest. The island hosts characteristic Cycladic vegetation, including drought-resistant shrubs such as Sarcopoterium spinosum, Cistus creticus. Polyaigos is also one of the most important breeding grounds in the Aegean for the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus), which uses its sea caves for resting and pupping. Seabird populations are also notable, with regular nesting of Falco eleonorae and Larus audouinii. Reptiles such as Macrovipera schweizeri and Podarcis milensis are commonly observed across the island’s rocky terrain.

Sifnos is a fairly mountainous island in the western Cyclades, covering an area of approximately 74 km². The island's varied topography—marked by terraced hillsides, deep ravines, and a rugged coastline—supports a diverse range of Mediterranean habitats. Typical vegetation includes phrygana (low scrub), maquis shrubland, and patches of cultivated olive groves and almond trees that coexist with native flora. The island’s dry valleys and seasonal streams offer refuge for the islands herpetofauna during wetter months. Avifauna on Sifnos is abundant, especially during migration periods. The steep coastal cliffs and surrounding islets serve as nesting and roosting sites for seabirds and raptors. Marine areas around the island are ecologically significant, featuring well-preserved Posidonia oceanica meadows that support rich fish assemblages and invertebrate communities.

Lipsi is a small island in the southeastern Aegean Sea, situated between Patmos and Leros, with a land area of approximately 16 km². It forms part of a wider archipelago of over 30 islets, many of which are uninhabited and designated as protected areas due to their ecological importance. This network of islands supports a diverse array of terrestrial and marine habitats, contributing significantly to regional biodiversity. Lipsi features characteristic Aegean landscapes, including maquis shrublands and rocky coastal formations that harbor a range of important plant species. The surrounding marine environment is equally rich, with extensive Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows, rocky reefs, and sheltered coves that serve as vital habitats for marine flora and fauna. These ecosystems provide breeding and feeding grounds for various species, including fish, invertebrates, and occasionally the endangered Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus). In addition to its ecological value, Lipsi maintains a strong cultural identity, with oral traditions linking the island to the mythological nymph Calypso. Its low-impact development, welcoming community, and unspoiled natural beauty make it not only a site of conservation interest but also an example of sustainable island living in the Aegean region.

Symi is a mountainous island located in the southeastern Aegean Sea, just north of Rhodes, with a land area of approximately 58 km². Known for its neoclassical architecture and cultural heritage, Symi also holds considerable ecological value, particularly due to its diverse topography and coastal ecosystems. The island features a combination of dry Mediterranean shrublands, rocky slopes, and forested areas dominated by Pinus brutia (Turkish pine), providing habitat for a variety of plant and animal species, including several orchids and endemics such as Campanula symiensis. Its inland valleys and seasonal streams support small populations of amphibians and freshwater invertebrates, while the more arid zones are home to reptiles Eirenis modestus and Montivipera xanthina. The surrounding marine environment is characterized by steep underwater cliffs, seagrass beds, and a network of sheltered bays, offering crucial habitat for marine biodiversity, including sponges, echinoderms, and a variety of fish species. Symi’s coastal zones also serve as nesting or resting areas for seabirds and migratory species. While tourism plays a central role in the island’s economy, much of Symi remains relatively undeveloped, allowing key habitats to persist. As such, Symi represents a valuable case study for balancing cultural preservation, sustainable tourism, and biodiversity conservation in the Dodecanese region.

Ithaca, located in the Ionian Islands, lies south of Lefkada and northeast of Kefalonia. Spanning approximately 117 km², the island is known for its rocky, arid terrain and limited freshwater resources, which have historically posed challenges to large-scale agriculture. Despite these challenges, Ithaca boasts a rich array of natural habitats, including Mediterranean shrublands, steep coastal cliffs, and small valleys. Its biodiversity is notable for several endemic and regionally significant species. Ithaca is also renowned for its historical and cultural importance, famously depicted in Homer’s Odyssey as the home of the legendary hero Odysseus, further enhancing its value. The island’s unique combination of historical heritage and ecological diversity makes it an intriguing area for study and conservation. Kefalonia, Ithaca's neighboring island, is the largest of the Ionian Islands, known for its lush landscapes, towering mountains, and picturesque beaches. It features a diverse range of ecosystems, from dense forests and fertile plains to rugged coastlines, supporting an impressive variety of flora and fauna. Kefalonia's vibrant natural beauty and rich biodiversity offer vital opportunities for ecological research and conservation efforts, complementing the unique environmental characteristics of Ithaca.

Lesvos, the third-largest island in Greece, is located in the northeastern Aegean Sea and spans an area of about 1,632 km². Known for its fertile soil, the island boasts a remarkable diversity of landscapes, ranging from lush pine forests to vast olive groves, and from rugged mountains to tranquil coastlines. The island's two prominent gulfs, the Gulf of Kalloni—renowned for its sardine fishing—and the smaller, quieter Gulf of Gera, are significant features of its geographical charm. Lesvos is home to a variety of geological formations and natural wonders, such as the famous Petrified Forest, a UNESCO Global Geopark and a preserved natural monument. This ancient forest, formed millions of years ago by volcanic eruptions, stands as a testament to the island's rich geological history. In addition to its geological significance, Lesvos is a vital hub for biodiversity. The island supports a wide range of habitats, from wetlands to mountain ecosystems, many of which are protected under the European Union's Natura 2000 network. These protected areas are crucial for conserving the island's high levels of biodiversity, which include rare and endemic species of plants, birds, and other wildlife. Lesvos is especially important for migratory birds, serving as a critical stopover on their long journeys between Europe, Africa, and Asia. Lesvos' diverse environments make it an unparalleled destination for nature lovers, ecotourism, and researchers. With its unspoiled beauty and ecological importance, the island is a testament to the Mediterranean’s natural heritage, offering a sanctuary for wildlife and an oasis for those seeking to experience Greece's rich biodiversity