Wildlife Refuge of Avlona Voutima

It is an area of 1255 hectares that it is protected as a wildlife sanctuary. It is part of Mount Parnithas and is located just outside of Avlona. It is at a distance of 60 kilometers from Athens. However, in order to reach the refuge it is need to drive through a dirt road. The visitor will encounter unspoiled nature with few people and incredible tranquility. There are also excursion areas for picnics and relaxation. The Church of Saint Marina of the Rock is also a must see site. It is a small church that has literally climbed into the rock. To get there, it is need to do a short and smooth hike which has a beautiful view. The highest parts of the mountain (Parnitha) are covered with Abies forest and the lower parts with Pinus, macchia and phrygana forest. The main human activities are recreation and tourism. Habitats vary from Rocky areas (5%: Inland escarpments), Forests and woodlands (55%: Native coniferous forests), Grasslands (5%: Steppes and dry calcareous grassland), Shrubland (41%: Broadleaf scrub, garrigue and maki). The reserve is a continuation of the National Forest (Parnitha) and the forest estate of Tatoi, an important area for Birds. It is an important area for species of conifers and mountain shrubs, as well as for avifauna. However it is jeopardised by the nuisance and tourism.