Natura 2000

The Ionian Islands of Lefkada, Ithaki, and Kefalonia, along with mainland Greece (Sterea Ellada), form a natural boundary around the inner archipelago of the Ionian Sea, encircling Meganisi and its neighboring islets—Arkoudi, Kithros, Skorpios, Skorpidi, Sparti, Madouri, Formikoula, Atokos, Kalamos, Kastos, and Vromonas. Together, these islands and islets create a picturesque and ecologically rich region within the Ionian Sea.

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The unique geomorphology of the Ionian islands’ coastlines supports a diverse range of habitats for both marine and terrestrial species. Within the sheltered waters of this archipelago, a variety of marine predator species thrive, occupying top positions in the local food chain. This highlights the islands' essential role in maintaining the area’s biodiversity. Particularly significant is the presence of Delphinus delphis, one of the last 3-4 spotted dolphin populations in the entire Mediterranean, underscoring the importance of these waters for marine conservation efforts.

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Much of this region is protected under the NATURA 2000 network, a European Union initiative aimed at preserving the continent’s most valuable and threatened species and habitats. The NATURA 2000 designation recognizes the Ionian Archipelago’s vital role in safeguarding biodiversity, including its extensive seagrass meadows, coral formations, and rare coastal ecosystems. Through this protected status, the islands and surrounding waters benefit from conservation efforts that aim to protect not only the landscapes but also the unique flora and fauna that make the Ionian Sea one of the Mediterranean’s most biologically rich areas.