Halaris River Estuary

The Chalaris River is one of Ikaria’s most important natural formations, creating along its course a unique ecosystem that ends at its mouth near the well-known beach of Nas. About 10 kilometers long, it rises from the slopes of Mounts Melissa, Parapyrgos, Tsoumaris, and Krampi, tracing an impressive route through gorges and waterfalls. At its estuary a small but significant wetland forms, hosting reeds, oleanders, chaste trees, and plane trees and providing refuge for rare species of birds, reptiles, and amphibians. The area, part of the Natura 2000 network, is also of particular historical interest, as ruins of the ancient temple of Tauropolos Artemis survive near the mouth. The main threats to the wetland arise primarily from intensive agricultural activities, which involve heavy irrigation, as well as increased summer tourism.