Walking Through The Petrified Forest Of Agios Nikolaos In Neapolis, Greece.

A short drive from Neapolis is the Agios Nikolaos Geopark, one of the most striking and unique landscapes in Greece. With crystal clear azure waters and a stark, natural beauty, the entire coastline forms a unique area of outstanding natural beauty and geological importance often overlooked by most travellers.

This is a paid article written in partnership with Mythical Peloponnese, with products or services supplied by them. Full editorial integrity is maintained at all times. The views and opinions expressed are entirely the authors own based on personal experiences when travelling and are honest and factual without any bias.

Greece is famous for its myth and legends. No matter where you travel in this remarkable country remnants of that ancient past are still visible everywhere, from the ruins of the Parthenon or the Acropolis to various temples devoted to ancient Gods and Goddesses, and for a history obsessed traveller like me that makes Greece a natural home. But there is more to Greece’s mythical past than ancient ruins and temples. In a small, almost forgotten corner of Laconia in the Peloponnese peninsula lies a unique landscape that holds millions of years of geological and anthropological secrets, a vast park filled with petrified flora and fossilised stone that Medusa herself would have been perfectly at home in.

The petrified palm forest of Agios Nikolaos may be a relatively hidden and little visited stretch of coastline in the Peloponnese, but it is perhaps one of the single most significant sites of archaeological, geological and paleontological sites of scientific importance in the whole of Greece, not to mention a prime example of sustainable tourism making the most of the natural environment whilst helping to protect it. As part of the European Geoparks Network it is also included in the atlas of the geological monuments of the Aegean sea.

Once the site of a natural disaster so significant it changed the course of history in the region, and now the site of such surreal natural beauty it feels like you are stepping into another world, the Petrified Forest stretches from the coastlines of Agia Marina and Agios Nikolaos to the Voies plain and Elafonisos. The modern Geopark is essentially a natural snapshot of time itself, showcasing a time over two million years ago when Greece was a lush, tropical forest, filled with palm trees and giant hardwoods before a mixture of volcanic and tectonic activity submerged the entire region. In a tale reminiscent of Atlantis itself the entire forest was submerged under the Aegean sea almost overnight, petrifying and calcifying the trees and preserving them in their current state forever.

Numerous walking trails allow you to explore this vast open air museum at your leisure, admiring the calcified trees that have become part of the regions folklore and the forests tallest two meter tree nicknamed ‘human’ by the villagers of Karakas, or the fossils of shells and other sealife that were deposited here when the sea level finally began to drop again and human settlements returned to the region approximately a million years ago. The nearby Apidima Cave in Mani still boasts the oldest known remains of anatomically early modern humans outside of Africa, and it is humbling to imagine just how much of our species early history was washed away when the sea swept over the land.

How To Get To The Petrified Forest.

In order to visit it head from Agios Nikolaos to the picturesque small fishing harbour of Profitis Elias. Shortly before there is a sign that says to Agia Marina and Petrified Forest. Follow the road for 3.3 km to reach the monument. Intermediates you will find an information stand for the geological park, just before you reach the church of Agia Marina.

Surprisingly the Geopark is completely free to visit. There are no tickets or formal guides, just some basic information stands and the complete freedom to explore this unique and beautiful landscape all to yourself!

Undisputed Natural Beauty.

For many visitors, the science may not seem as important as the location itself as they get lost in the sheer geological beauty of the park, and to be fair that is completely understandable as the landscape is both mesmerizingly alien and beautifully awe inspiring in equal measure, and when you get to enjoy it by having a secluded lagoon all to yourself for some swimming and snorkelling, it is a no brainer!

With such stunning natural beauty it really is easy to forget there is so much hidden history here, and it really is a true privilege to take a walk through petrified trees and fossils that have seen millions of years of history unfold. The petrified forest is a true natural treasure that showcases the natural and cultural heritage of Greece on a deeper level than any simple tourist attraction can, both humbling and awe inspiring in equal measure and reminding travellers of the tiny speck of time that we occupy in the grand scheme of things. The fact that you can explore such an ancient environment is a strong reminder of our place in the world, our limited time on it and the reason we travel in the first place, to find our tiny yet unique place within that.

The Petrified forest of Agios Nikolaos is a worthy day trip for any traveller taking the time to explore the Peloponnese, but especially those who find themselves in or near Laconia.

Did you enjoy this article? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below or on my Facebook or Twitter pages and please feel free to share it with any or all of the social media buttons. If you want to get more great backpacking tips, advice and inspiration, please subscribe to updates via email in the box to your right.

Related Articles.

A Colossus Odyssey.

Dos And Dont’s For Travelling In Greece: Customs And Etiquette For First Time Travellers.

Getting Lost In The Footsteps Of The Knights Of Rhodes.

Hiking The Mythical Polilimnio Waterfalls In Greece.

Is Kalamata In Greece Worth Visiting?

The Cats Of Greece: The Purrfect Travel Companions.

Visiting Ancient Olympia In Greece: The Birthplace Of The Olympic Games.

What Happens When A Backpacker Goes On An All Inclusive Holiday?