Psifta Wetland, Attica

On the road to Methana, Greece surprised us. Again.

We were heading to Methana Peninsula. That was the plan.

We lifted the drone. And just had to take photos and videos.

Psifta

We'd never heard of it. A lagoon sitting right next to the beach, between the villages of Metamorfosi and Kalloni, on the coastal road through Troizinia. One of the few wetlands in southern Greece, and apparently one of the most important stopover points for migratory birds in the region.

89 species rest or winter here. Herons, flamingos. There are paths, wooden bridges, birdwatching towers.

We didn't have the right lens. No telephoto, no proper bird shots. That's something we're fixing before we come back, because we're coming back.

From the Air

From the ground, Psifta is easy to underestimate. From above, it's a completely different story. The geometry of the lagoon, the reeds, the coastline, the hills behind. It's one of those aerial views that makes you realize how much you miss when you stay at road level.

If You're Going

Spring is the best time, that's when migratory birds pass through, exhausted after crossing the Mediterranean, using the wetland as a rest stop. If birdwatching is your thing, bring the long lens.

The facilities are not in great shape, paths overgrown in places, towers worn out. It's not a managed nature reserve. But it is worth it anyway.