Description:

The Ambracian Gulf is an almost enclosed, and therefore protected, expanse of sea which is connected to salt water lakes via controlled mouths. Two important rivers – the Louros and the Arachthos – flow into the gulf. The low-lying land which surrounds the gulf and the salt water lakes to the north has saline soil. Beyond this lies intensively-cultivated agricultural land with cotton and citrus fruits. The economic activity of the non-agricultural part of the region relies on fishing in the gulf and fish farming in the salt water lakes. Agriculture, fishing and fish farming account for the largest proportion of employment in the region, whilst the remaining people work in industry, the service sector and trade. The Ambracian Gulf provides great opportunities for increasing fish farming activity because of the particular physicochemical conditions which prevail there.

Village of Stronyli

The village of Stronyli lies to the west of the Ambracian Gulf, close to the Louros River. The hiking route starts at the village and ends at the Strongyli hill where there is an observatory.

Fauna

The call of songbirds (the Subalpine Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Roufus Bush Robin etc) accompanies walkers along their route. Using the telescope in the observatory, one can observe raptors like the Marsh Harrier and, with a bit of luck, Lesser Spotted Eagles in the spring and summer.

Flora

The call of songbirds (the Subalpine Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Roufus Bush Robin etc) accompanies walkers along their route. Using the telescope in the observatory, one can observe raptors like the Marsh Harrier and, with a bit of luck, Lesser Spotted Eagles in the spring and summer.

Cultural Sights

Halfway up the hill is the Church of Agia Aikaterini (1872). This is a single aisle church with a wooden roof. Next to it is a bell tower, built in 1867. We would like to thank the Ambracian Development Agency (ETANAM) and the Greek Biotope-Wetland Centre (EKBY) for the information and the photographs.