Mountains, Lakes, Rivers, Valleys and Seas of Greece
Greece, located in southeastern Europe, is bordered by four countries: Albania to the northwest, North Macedonia and Bulgaria to the north, and Turkey to the northeast. To the west lies the Ionian Sea, to the south the Mediterranean Sea, and to the east the Aegean Sea. The total land border of Greece is approximately 1,160 kilometers, with the longest border shared with Bulgaria at about 494 kilometers. The maritime borders are extensive due to Greece’s numerous islands, with the coastline stretching over 13,676 kilometers, one of the longest in the world.
The country is composed of a mainland peninsula and an archipelago of around 6,000 islands and islets, of which approximately 227 are inhabited. The Greek mainland extends from the northern borders to the southern tip of the Peloponnese, connected to the mainland by the Isthmus of Corinth.
Greece’s population is diverse and dynamic, reflecting its rich history and geographical position as a crossroads between Europe, Asia, and Africa. As of the latest estimates, the population of Greece is approximately 10.4 million people. The population density is relatively low compared to other European countries, averaging around 80 people per square kilometer.
Regions of Greece
Greece is divided into 13 geographical regions and each region is divided into prefectures. The region of east Macedonia and Thrace have the prefectures of Evros, Xanthi, Rodopi, Drama and Kavala. In the region of central Macedonia are the prefectures of Serres, Thessaloniki, Halkidiki, Kilkis, Pella, Imathia and Pieria. In the west Macedonia region are the prefectures of Kozani, Kastoria, Florina, and Grevenon. In the region of Epirus are the prefectures of Arta, Ioanina, Thessprotia and Preveza. In the region of the Ionian islands are the prefectures of Corfu, Zakynthos, Kefalonia and Lefkada. In the region of western Greece are the prefectures of Aetoloakarnania, Achaia, Ilia. In the regions of Pelopenesse are the prefectures of Corinthia , Messinia, Arkadia, Lakonia and Argolida. In the region of Thessalia are the prefectures of Larissa, Trikala, Karditsa and Magnesia. In the region of Sterea Ellas are the prefectures of Fokida, Fthiotida, Evrytania,Viotia and Evia.
The prefecture of Attica where the capital of Greece,Athens, is located. In the region of the north Aegean are the prefectures of Lesbos, Samos and Chios. In the region of the south Aegean are the prefectures of the Dodecaneseand the Cyclades. And finally, in the region of Crete are the prefectures of Heraclion, Chania, Lasithi and Rethymno.
Geographically, Greece is part of the Large family of 33 European countries, occupying the 13th position in area, the family of 17 Mediterranean countries and finally the smallest family of the Balkan states. Globally, the area of Greece corresponds to less than 1/100% of the total area of the continents. It is 125 times smaller than Russia, about 70 times smaller than the US and 65 times smaller than Brazil.
Soil Morphology
Greece presents an extremely complex horizontal and vertical division. Too many factors, geological and climatic, have influenced in the past and caused the creation of high alpine mountains. Lower peaks of basins, small plains, valleys and peninsulas. Only steppes and deserts are missing from the surface of Greece.
This landscaping and the variety of landscapes rank the country among the most beautiful countries in the world. However, only a small part of the land is arable while the largest consists of rocky and inaccessible mountains which yield almost nothing.
Scientists have geographically defined the wider area of Greece that emerged at the end of the Mesozoic era (65 million years ago) with the name Aegida.This large and almost single land included the area that located south of the mountain range of Aimos, north of Crete, east of the Ionian Sea and west of Asia Minor.
One of the great upheavals mentioned above was the creation of the mountain ranges which, starting from the Alps, goes to the south-east, passes through the former Yugoslavia and Albania and Crete with direction from east to west and continues through Karpathos and Rhodes, continues into Asia Minor. This mountain range was named Dinarotauric, because its two extreme parts are the Dinaric Alps (in former Yugoslavia) and the Taurus Mountains (in Asia Minor).
The mountain range of Pindos, the mountains of the Peloponnese, the mountains of Evia and Western and Central Macedonia extend in the direction North/North west and south southeast.
In Crete the picture changes and the mountains are extended in the direction East to the West. The same orientation have the mountain masses and the three peninsulas of the Southern Peloponnese, Argolis, Attica, Evia, Thermaikos, Halkidiki, etc. who extend in the direction of North/North west and South/southeast.
Specifically, 4/5 of the territory of Greece is mountains and plains, while the plains cover only 1/5 of the land. These mountain ranges of the mainland, are interrupted by the sinking of the Corinthian gulf, continue in the Peloponnese. are interrupted again and now appear in Crete. The part of the Greek mountain ranges from the Greek-Albanian border up to the Corinthian gulf, is the well-known mountain range of Pindos. Pindos consists of more than about parallel mountain ranges with branches and has over 200 peaks.
Plains and valleys
The plains of Greece are relatively small in size compared to those in other European countries, yet they are vital for the country’s agricultural output. The Thessalian Plain, located in central Greece, is the largest and most fertile plain in the country. This region is known as the “breadbasket of Greece” due to its extensive production of cereals, cotton, and tobacco. The plain is surrounded by mountains, including the Pindus range to the west, which influences the climate and provides irrigation through rivers such as the Pineios.
In northern Greece, the plains of Macedonia and Thrace are significant for their agricultural productivity and historical importance. The plain of Serres, situated in eastern Macedonia, is known for its rice paddies, while the Drama plain, located further east, supports tobacco cultivation. The extensive flatlands in the region have also made it a strategic area throughout history, with ancient cities and battlefields scattered across these plains.
Valleys
The largest valley of Greece lies between the east slopes of Vermion mount the south slopes Paikon mount and west of Thessaloniki facing to the south the Aegean sea with the cultivation of cotton ,tobacco ,wheat ,peaches ech. The next largest is the Valley of Thessaly (Kampos Thessaly) . In Thessaly Valley, at the village of Kileler, was the first agricultural revolution in Greece in 1910.
There are smaller valleys in many regions of Greece where the main fruit production of Greece is cultivated. This is especially so in the valleys of Crete the garden of Greece with the biggest production in oranges ,tomatoes ,olives and olive oil ,cucumbers and many other kind of fruits and vegetables .In North Peloponese valleys on the northern slops of Helmos and Kylini mountains with cultivation of sultana grapes in Corinthia, lemons and grapes in Achaia.
The valleys of Greece are equally significant, often carved by rivers that flow from the mountains to the sea. The valley of Tempe, a narrow gorge between Mount Olympus and Mount Ossa in northern Thessaly, is one of the most famous. This valley, through which the Pineios River flows, has been celebrated in Greek mythology and history for its natural beauty and strategic importance.
Further south, the valley of the Spercheios River in central Greece is another important geographical feature. The river, which flows from the Pindus Mountains to the Malian Gulf, creates a fertile valley used for agriculture, particularly rice and cotton. This valley has also been a critical route for transportation and communication throughout Greek history.
In the Peloponnese, the plains and valleys are more scattered but no less important. The Argive Plain, located in the northeastern part of the Peloponnese, is known for its archaeological sites, including Mycenae and Tiryns, which highlight its historical significance. This plain is also a key agricultural area, producing olives, citrus fruits, and vegetables.
The Messinian Plain, in the southwestern Peloponnese, is another fertile region, famous for its olive groves and production of Kalamata olives. The Evrotas Valley, stretching along the river of the same name in Laconia, is also notable for its agricultural productivity, particularly in olive oil and citrus fruit production.
These plains and valleys have not only been crucial for agriculture but also for the development of ancient Greek civilization. Many of the early Greek city-states and subsequent Hellenistic and Roman settlements were established in these fertile lowlands, benefiting from the rich soil and accessible water sources. Today, these areas continue to support the rural economy.
Rivers and lakes
Rivers
Greece does not have many large rivers. The biggest are Aliakmonas (320 km), Acheloos (220 km), Pinios (205 km), Strymonas (118 km), Thyamis (115 km), Arachthos (110 km), Evrotas (82 km), Louros (80 km) and Sperchios (80 km). The largest are those that originate outside its borders: Evros (it is 530 km long, of which 204 in Greek territory) and Nestos (it is 234 km long, of which 130 in Greek territory). In Greece there are also many underground rivers, which appear as springs. They feed the rivers of the surface but are also fed by them. Dams and reservoirs have been built on many rivers for irrigation and energy production. There are irrigation dams in Aliakmonas, Axios and Pinios. There are hydroelectric units in Louros, Acheloos, Edessaio, Ladonas and Megdova.
Most of the lakes of Greece are located in northern Greece, mainly in the region of Macedonia. Among them the lakes of small and big Prespa and the lakes of Volvi and Vegoritis. the lake of Trihonis is located in Sterea Ellas
Most of the biggest rivers of Greece have their springs on the mountain range of Pindos. Among them, the rivers Aliakmon, Pinios, Acheloos, Kalamas and Arahthos rivers. The rivers of Evros and Nestos have their sources in Bulgaria. In the Peloponese are the rivers of Alfios and Eurotas with their sources in the Taygetos Mountains
Lakes
In Greece there are natural and artificial lakes. Natural are found in Western Greece and mainly in Etoloakarnania, Epirus and Macedonia. Such are Trichonida, Amvrakia, Pamvotida, Volvi, Vegoritida, Little and Big Prespa and the lake of Kastoria.
Artificial lakes, created with the waters of the rivers, are the lake in Kastraki and Kremasta, Mornos and Tavropos. However, there are lakes that have been drained for the purpose of agricultural exploitation of the areas. Such are Kopaida, Carla and Agoulinitsa.
Coastline
Greece has an extensive and diverse coastline, which stretches for approximately 13,676 kilometers, making it the 11th longest in the world. This vast expanse of coastline is a result of the country’s complex geography, featuring a mainland with deeply indented shores and a myriad of islands scattered across the Aegean, Ionian, and Mediterranean Seas.
The mainland coastline of Greece is highly irregular, characterized by numerous bays, peninsulas, and headlands. In the north, the coastline along the Aegean Sea is marked by the Chalkidiki Peninsula, which juts out into the sea with its three distinctive peninsulas: Kassandra, Sithonia, and Mount Athos.
Further south, the eastern coastline of mainland Greece features the long and narrow coastline of Thessaly and Central Greece, leading to the prominent regions of Attica and the Peloponnese. The Saronic Gulf, located near Athens, includes important ports like Piraeus and picturesque islands such as Aegina, Poros, and Hydra. The Peloponnese itself has a varied coastline with notable features like the Argolic Gulf, the Laconian Gulf, and the Mani Peninsula.
The western coastline of Greece, along the Ionian Sea, is less rugged than the eastern coast but equally captivating. This area includes the Epirus region and the western side of the Peloponnese, with extensive sandy beaches, rolling hills, and fertile plains. The Ionian Islands, such as Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, and Ithaca, are situated off this coast.
The southern coastline of Greece, facing the Mediterranean Sea, includes the island of Crete, which has a diverse landscape featuring long sandy beaches, rugged mountains, and deep gorges.
Seas of Greece
The Aegean Sea is actually divided into three parts, north central and south. In the old days the Greek seamen gave the different parts of the Aegean sea different names. the area around the north Aegean Islands was known as the Thrakiko Pelagos. the area between the Cyclades and the Dodecanese was known as Ikario Pelagos. the seas south of the Saronic Islands down to the S.E. Cyclades Islands was called Myrtoon Pelagos. The sea north of Crete was known as the Cretan Pelagos (Kritiko). Finally, the sea between the S.E.Cyclades Islands, Rhodes and Karpathos was called Karpathion.
The Ionian Sea stretches between the west coast of Greece and the coast of Southern Italy. The Ionian sea has some of the deepest waters of the Mediterranean and in some parts can reach a depth of 5,000 metres.
The seas around Greece cut in and out of the shoreline creating an interesting lacework coastline with many large and small peninsulas, gulfs and caves. Because of this geographical morphology Greece has the longest coastline in the Mediterranean.
From antiquity to the present day the sea has played an important role in the life of the Greek people. As an island nation the only chance they had for developing both politically, culturally and economically was to expand and become proficient at seafaring in order to communicate, both with each other and with other nations. Still today, the Greek fleet is one of the largest in the world. Thus, once could argue that the sea has been paramount to the development of both modern and ancient Greece.
Aegean Sea
This is the name of the sea area between mainland Greece in the NW, the islands of Crete and Rhodes in the N and Turkey A. Its length is 640 km, its width is 320 km and its surface is 250,000 sq. Km.
Its boundaries were set in 1919 by the International Hydrographic Congress in London. Its beaches are inhabited by 45% of the inhabitants of Greece. It communicates with the Black Sea with the Dardanelles, the Propontis and the Bosphorus.
There are many large and small islands in the Aegean Sea that give it this unique color. The main island groups are the Cyclades, the Dodecanese and the Northern Sporades. The salinity of its waters varies, the tides are low, its shores are richly divided with many bays which have taken their current form, the Quaternary period from the subsidence and elevation suffered by the area. The many ports with the most important being Piraeus, Thessaloniki and on the Turkish coast Smyrna.
Its geographical location gave it great commercial and strategic importance, which is why it was a field of competition and conflict between the great powers. Signs of a significant cultural breakthrough began to appear in the area in the sixth millennium.
In the fourth millennium and until 1100 BC. the Aegean reaches its peak as important civilizations develop. Crete, which with its fleet dominated the Aegean and the neighboring seas and Mycenae, were the centers of civilization. In the first historical times from the cities located on the east coast of the Aegean, a great colonial movement began that spread going from the famous culture of Greece to Gibraltar.
Many peoples (Persians, Arabs, Normans, Venetians, Turks, Germans, etc.) tried unsuccessfully to conquer the Aegean and dominate this bridge that connects Europe with Asia.
Ionian Sea
The Ionian Sea is one of the most distinct sea areas of Greece, as well as one of the most important for shipping and tourism in the country. Bordered by Albania to the north, Greece to the east and Italy to the west, the Ionian Sea connects the Adriatic Sea to the Mediterranean Sea.
The Ionian region has a particularly rich geographical structure. It includes some of Greece’s most famous islands, such as Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Ithaca, Lefkada and Paxos, as well as many smaller uninhabited islands. These islands are geologically diverse, offering a rich variety from verdant mountain peaks to rugged coastlines and crystal clear waters.
The Ionian Sea is characterized by deep waters with its bottom in many places extending well below 1,000 meters. The sea currents are relatively gentle compared to other areas of the Mediterranean, which contributes to the purity and clarity of its waters.
Bays
Numerous and deep bays are formed along the coasts. Key bays, from the eastern borders of the country (Thrace), include the bay of Alexandroupolis, formed at the mouth of the Evros River, Kavala Bay, Strymonikos Bay (Orfani Bay) between Chalkidiki and Eastern Macedonia, the bay of Mount Athos (ancient Siggitikos) and Kassandra (ancient Toroneos) between the peninsulas of Chalkidiki.
Thermaic Bay between Chalkidiki and Central Macedonia, into which the Axios, Aliakmonas, Gallikos, and Loudias rivers flow, Pagasitikos opposite Northern Evia, Euboean Bay between Evia and Central Greece, Maliakos at the bottom of Northern Euboean Bay, Saronic Bay between Central and Northeastern Peloponnese.
The Corinthian Bay separating Central Greece and the Peloponnese, connected to the Ionian Sea by the Rio Strait (minimum width 1,850 m) and to the Aegean by the Corinth Canal, opened in 1893. The southern coast of the Corinthian Bay is smooth, while the northern forms three smaller bays, Itea, Antikyra, and Aigosthena.
In the Peloponnese, from east to west, the following bays are formed: Argolic, Laconian, Messinian, Kyparissian, and Patras. In Western mainland Greece, the main bay is Ambracian, between Epirus and Central Greece, connected to the Ionian Sea through the Preveza Strait, with a minimum width of 400 m.
Crete has three major bays: Souda, Mirabello, and Messara. Lesvos has the Bay of Kalloni, Kefalonia the Bay of Argostoli, and Zakynthos its eponymous bay. Additional natural harbors and inlets include Piraeus, Vathy Samos, Milos, Moudros, and Pylos.
Ports
The most significant ports in terms of commercial and transportation activity are:
1) Piraeus: Large and deep, with a suitable entrance, allowing all types of ships to dock easily without being affected by sea turbulence. It serves as a transportation hub connecting to many ports in Europe and other continents.
2). Thessaloniki: The largest in the Balkans, it facilitates sea connections for many Balkan countries, being their only outlet to the Aegean and the Mediterranean. Other major ports include Volos, Heraklion, Rhodes, Syros, Elefsina, Kalamata, Mytilene, Kavala, Preveza, etc.
Capes
The largest capes are Rio, Akritas, Taenaro, and Malea in the Peloponnese, Actium opposite Preveza, Sounion in Attica, Artemisio and Caphereus in Evia, Trikeri in Thessaly, and Athos in Chalkidiki.
Straits and Canals
The most important straits and canals are:
– Euripus Strait (minimum width 40 m)
– Rio-Antirrio Strait (minimum width 1,920 m)
– Lefkada Canal (minimum width 20 m, length 3.4 miles)
– Corinth Canal (minimum width 21 m, length 6.3 km)
– Igoumenitsa Channel (minimum width 70 m, length 920 m)
– Preveza Channel (minimum width 60 m, length 2,650 km)
– Salamina Naval Dock Channel (minimum width 240 m, length 1,020 m)
– Poros Megaron Channel (minimum width 200 m, length 2,400 m)
Sea Currents
Greek seas do not present significant sea currents. The main currents are:
a) The cold current of the Black Sea, moving along the eastern coasts of mainland Greece and disappearing in the southern Aegean, influencing the coastal climate to be cooler and drier.
b) The warm current of the Mediterranean, branching towards the Ionian and Aegean Seas, making the climate of Southern Greece warm and humid.
Islands
Greece is surrounded by many islands, large, medium, small, uninhabited, and rocky islets. Their total area is 25,484 sq km. The coastline lengths are distributed as follows: mainland Greece 2,699.3 km, Peloponnese 1,378.7 km, islands 10,943 km. The total coastline length is 15,021 km. The largest Greek island is Crete, with an area of 8,336 sq km, approximately equal to Thrace.
Thermal Springs
Greece abounds in thermal springs. The most important are:
Macedonia: Eleftheres, Kavala (oxycarbonate, alkaline), Lagkadas Thessaloniki (alkaline, radioactive), Nigrita Serres (alkaline, radioactive), Sedes Thessaloniki (sulfurous), Velvento Kozani (sulfurous), Sidirokastro Serres (alkaline, bicarbonate), Xyno Nero Florina (oxycarbonate, alkaline).
Thrace: Samothrace (sulfurous).- In Epirus: Kavasila Ioannina (sulfurous), Vromoneri Konitsa (sulfurous).
Central Greece: Vouliagmeni Attica (chloronatrium, sulfurous, oxycarbonate), Ypati (sulfurous), Platisotmos Fthiotida (oxycarbonate, alkaline, iron, sulfurous), Kamena Vourla Lokris (radioactive), Aidipsos Evia (oxycarbonate thermal springs), Aegina (alkaline), Thermopylae Fthiotida (sulfurous).
Thessaly: Tsagezi (iron, oxycarbonate), Dranitsa (sulfurous), Smokovo Karditsa (alkaline).
Peloponnese: Methana (oxycarbonate, sulfurous), Loutraki Corinthia (alkaline), Kyllini Ilia (sulfurous), Kaiafas Olympia (sulfurous).
Crete: Lentas Heraklion (alkaline).
Aegean islands: Therma Lesvos (alkaline, sulfurous, iron), Polychnitos Lesvos (alkaline), Keramos Chios (sulfurous, alkaline), Kournos Limnos (sulfurous).
Cyclades: Kythnos (thermal, iron, and iodine-bromine springs), Sariza Andros (oxycarbonate, chloronatrium).
The hottest springs are in Polychnitos Lesvos (87°C). Aidipsos ranges between 65°C-78°C. The most radioactive are in Kamena Vourla.
Flora
As a typically Mediterranean country, Greece is rich in evergreen and sclerophyllous trees and shrubs and aromatic plants. The total plant life amounts to 4,045 species, dominated by olive, poplar, plane tree, cypress, fig, laurel, pine, fir, oak, chestnut, citrus, vine, carob, etc. Numerous species of flowers, most ornamental, horticultural, and fruit-bearing, have been imported from other countries, such as the lotus (South Asia), Norfolk Island pine (Norfolk Islands), jasmine (Malaysia), hydrangea (China), hyacinth (Central America), basil, marjoram, etc. Greece is home to over 1,200 endemic species, mostly in Crete, the Cyclades, and Mount Athos.
Fauna
The fauna of Greece is characterized by its Mediterranean diversity, encompassing a wide range of animal species, both terrestrial and marine. Greece’s rich and varied wildlife includes approximately 50 species of mammals, 362 species of birds, and 300 species of fish. The country’s diverse habitats, from mountainous regions to coastal areas and islands, support this biodiversity.
Terrestrial Wildlife: The mainland and islands of Greece host animals such as the brown bear, wolf, wild boar, deer, and the Balkan chamois. However, human activity has reduced the populations of these wild species, making them rare today.
Birds: Greece is an important stopover for migratory birds traveling between Europe and Africa. Common migratory species include swallows, wild ducks, herons, storks, quails, and turtle doves. The country’s wetlands and coastal areas are particularly important for birdlife.
Marine Life: The surrounding seas are rich in marine species, including various fish, sea turtles, and marine mammals like dolphins and seals. The Mediterranean monk seal, one of the world’s most endangered marine mammals, can be found along Greece’s coastlines.
Insects Greece is home to numerous insect species and reptiles, including snakes, lizards, and the Greek tortoise.
Overall, the fauna of Greece is a testament to the country’s diverse ecosystems, ranging from alpine forests to Mediterranean scrublands and marine environments.