Situated on one of Europe’s major bird migration routes, the 73 sq km reserve at Dadia Forest is a-flutter with 203 bird species including three types of vulture. The Ecotourist Centre has detailed bilingual wall displays and trail maps to the bird of prey observatory; it's an hour's hike following the orange trail up, and the yellow trail down. The observatory usually contains binoculars and telescopes, but dedicated birders will want to bring (or borrow) their own kit.
Visits are best in May, before migration begins, or in July, when baby vultures hop out of their nests. For even more details, seek out the itinerant World Wildlife Foundation scientist, whose office adjoins the Ecotourist Centre.
These enchanting forests deserve a couple of days. Forest Inn is an amiable guesthouse only a short walk from bird hides and has Dadia's nature unfolding right from the doorstep. Near sleepy Tyhero village, 22km away, friendly Sofia Xatzisavva ensures a comfortable stay in the characterful lakeside Thrassa Guesthouse .
