Dirfi Mountain Natura 2000 Site protects the highest peak on Euboea Island, offering rich biodiversity and prime opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring unique Mediterranean habitats.
Dirfi Mountain Natura 2000 Site encompasses the area around Dirfi Mountain, the tallest peak on Euboea Island, reaching an elevation of 1,743 meters. This protected area is part of the European Union's Natura 2000 network, aimed at preserving habitats and species of importance. The site is characterized by diverse landscapes, including dense Mediterranean conifer and broadleaf forests, alpine grasslands, and rocky outcrops. It serves as habitat for various fauna such as birds of prey, amphibians, and mammals including foxes and hare species. Botanically, the area hosts endemic flora adapted to mountainous Mediterranean conditions, adding to its conservation value. Visitors can explore scenic hiking trails that traverse forests and open ridges, providing panoramic views over Euboea and the Aegean Sea. The region holds cultural interest, with nearby traditional mountain villages offering insight into local heritage and cuisine. The site offers outdoor enthusiasts chances for birdwatching, nature photography, and tranquil encounters with nature. Seasonal climate changes bring snow in winter, transforming the area into a landscape for snowshoeing and winter hikes. Dirfi Mountain's remote yet accessible terrain invites adventurers looking to experience an ecologically significant and relatively undisturbed part of Greece's natural heritage.
Summit of Mount Dirfi with panoramic views across Euboea and the Aegean Sea
Diverse Mediterranean forest ecosystems with endemic plant species
Opportunities for birdwatching, including sightings of raptors such as the Bonelli's eagle
Traditional mountain villages like Steni and Anavra offering cultural experiences
The highest point on Euboea Island, offering breathtaking 360° views of surrounding mountains and sea.
Forests dominated by pines, firs, and oak species that support a variety of endemic and rare plants.
Critical nesting and hunting grounds for the vulnerable Bonelli's eagle, a key conservation species in the area.