Alyki Wetland Birdwatching

A shallow lagoon inside the Natura 2000 network at the south-eastern tip of Samos, near Paleokastro, with the Turkish coast right across the water. More than 150 protected species have been recorded — greater flamingo, black-winged stilt, kingfisher, shoveler, mallard and birds of prey. From November to April the clay basin holds water and becomes a shallow lake; through the summer it dries out almost completely. Come early morning or before sunset, stay on the dirt track, and keep your distance and your voice down, as the birds spook easily.