Alepochori-Psatha-Porto Germeno

The area of Alepochori, Psatha and Porto Germeno is classified as a Landscape of Special Natural Beauty and is a protected area that extends at 18968.18 hectares, with a total perimeter of 90.8 km and a maximum altitude of 1000 m. Geologically, the area is covered by limestone rocks, lateral blocks of limestone, Neogene rocks (marls, sandy clay, sandstones, etc.) with schistoceratolithic formations with super basic rocks on the north side of Geraneia. This is the westernmost part of the Region of Attica which includes the Porto-Germeno basin, the Psatha basin with the karst sinkholes of the Mikros and Megalos Bathychorio as well as the Megalos Kryftis, the Alepochorio Basin, the north side of Gerania and the area Pefkanea in Megara. Very remarkable landscape with intense and varied relief (rock formations, steep coasts alternating with sandy beaches, karst sinkholes and canyon streams). Extensive old pine forests, monumental individual pines in the area of Pefkanea, small wetland in Psatha. Ancient fortress of the classical era (Aigosthena) in Porto Germeno and ancient towers in Bathyhoria. Generally, a good physical condition with relatively little human intervention to date. Very important area for the recreation of the residents of the capital. The area is directly threatened by the land development of the forests. It is the area with the highest density of building cooperatives, which have bought forest land and are pushing for residential development although it is not allowed by the Constitution and forest legislation. The gorge of Agios Ioannis Prodromos is located on the slopes of Gerania, northeastfrom the highest peak (Makryplagi). It is formed by a small river that descends towards the Pefkogiali settlement. The walls of the gorge are in many places eroded and this gives a special wildness to the landscape. There are pine forests while the view from Agios Ioannis Monastery but also from the road that goes there is wonderful. On the edges of the ravine there are small farms with olive groves and vines. The conversion of public forest lands into private or owned ones and the abandonment of resin cultivation due to fires and changing economic conditions constitute an unfavorable change for the ecosystem. There is an extensive network of paths, carved on the forest roads, while the view is amazing from many parts of the area, due to its amphitheater character. To summarize it is a remarkable extensive landscape, an important ecosystem with characteristic habitats that combines interesting relief forest and sea, antiquities, great possibilities for recreation, touristic and nature-loving interest.