Valanaris Waterfall in Drafi

This waterfall is a small but beautiful one in Attica, despite the fact that the surrounding nature has suffered enormous destruction. It is still an ideal refuge for various species of fauna. The stream of Valanaris is one of the last wild streams near Athens. It is also known as “Lykorema”, “Vathyrema” and “Megalo Rema”. The name Valanaris comes from the oak forest that once dominated the surrounding hills. The stream starts from the heights of Mavrinora in southern Penteli, moves south and then flows east, where it forms the stream of Rafina, following a route of about 16 kilometers.

In the middle of its path, at the height of Drafi, it forms a 6-metre high waterfall, which is one of the few in Attica. The stream has water all year round, while the waterfall changes shape depending on the rainfall. When the water is low, two twin waterfalls are formed, while when it rains a lot, the stream becomes a powerful torrent. From the top of the waterfall there is a small lake, while immediately after it there is a beautiful gorge. Geologically, the area is dominated by mixed layers of cobbles, sandstones, marls and red clays. The fires that occur almost every year in eastern Attica have transformed the area from wooded to scrubby. However, due to the constant presence of water, the stream attracts many wild animals. Before the great destructive fires in the area, there were platanus and pines. Now, on the surrounding hills, there are species of Pistacia lentiscus and various small bushes.

There are a few small platanus, oleanders, vitex, small willows and tufts of reeds. Fig trees grow on the vertical cliffs of the gorge. The flora includes species that can also be found in Penteli. The most important of these are Tussilago farfara, Cerinthe major, Iris attica and I.tuberosus, Centaurea attica, Alkanna tinctoria, Onobrychis ebenoides, Euphorbia acanthothamnos, Globularia alypum, Ornithogalum comosum, Tragopogon porrifolius and the orchids Orchis italica, Himantoglossum robertianum, Ophrysc alocaerina, O. Ophrys ferrum equinum and O. sicula.

Valanaris is very important for its avifauna. Sandpipers have been observed inside the gorge, while kestrels have been seen on the vertical cliffs. Other birds of the area are sparrowhawks, owls, partridges, snipes, Eurasian hoopoes, Sardinian warblers, blackcaps, swallows, swifts, larks, white wagtails, western yellow wagtails, red-breasted robins, rare rufous-tailed scrub robins, and species of phoenicurus, European stonechats, woodchat shrikes, goldfinches, greenfinches and Cretzschmar’s buntings. Toads, green toads and Balkan frogs live near the waters of Valanaris, while the marginated turtle and the Mediterranean turtle are common. Other reptile species are the Ablepharus, the Chalcides ocellatus, the Podarciserhardii, the Lacerta trilineata, the Balkan whip snake, the four-lined snake, the tree snake and the water snake. Some of the mammals that can still be found today are: foxes, martens, weasels, hedgehogs and many bats.

The waterfall of Valanaris is a wonderful choice for recreation near Athens, but also an ideal place for a walk in the nature with children.