Στροφυλιά - Strofilia
The protected area of Kotychi - Strofylia covers an area of 136,000 acres. In the northwestern part of the protected area is found the forest Strofylia covering a total area of 22,000 acres. Three tree species dominate. The umbrella pine (Pinus pinea), the Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis) and oak-trees (Quercus macrolepis). Nearby there is the largest remaining wetland complex of Moreas. Specifically the lagoons of Kotychi, Prokopos and Araxos and the swamp Lamia are protected by the Ramsar Convention (1971), whereby designated as Wetlands of International Importance and in need of protection. The Kotychi lagoon is the largest lagoon of the Peloponnese covering an area of about 7,500 acres, while the Prokopos has an area of 1,500 acres. An important place for wintering, migration and breeding waterfowl, many of which are found in low numbers in other parts of the country. They also act as a natural fish farm which is exploited using traditional fishing methods. Within the limits of the protected area lies the Araxos lagoon with an area of 4,500 acres. The quantity and quality of fish production of fish at the fish pen Araxos is such that during the Venetian domination era, supplied even the Vatican, hence the nickname " Pope lagoon." The northern part of the protected area is dominated by the Black Mountains, tall 240 meters. Their name is due to its characteristic black colour vegetation that was covered in the past. The limestone blocks of the Black Mountains are the main feeders of the forest in fresh water. They also constitute a shelter for small mammals and reptiles, and nesting sites for birds of prey. Coming out of the forest of Aleppo and reaching the beach, we encounter the sensitive and protected dune’s habitat. In the sandy coast many species seeks their food and nesting as the the threatened loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), which lays its eggs in the sand during summer months.
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