Mt Zireia in the Peloponnese is one of the closest places to visit, if you leave in Athens, and see alpine species like the Shore Lark, Alpine Accentor and Snowfinch, along with pretty difficult forest birds like the White-backed Woodpecker. In takes you no more than 2,5 hours to get to the top, which is easily accessible even with a normal car in the summer months.
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Shore Larks are common in the alpine zone
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The alpine zone is also full of Northern Wheatears, Woodlarks, Tawny Pipits, Rock Thrushes, while a herd of c.100 "wild" horses is also a beautiful attraction.
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The horses of Mt Zireia originate from domesticated animals that escaped and formed "wild " herds
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The treeline is home to Rock Buntings, Common Whitethroats and even Corn Buntings, while the fir-dominated woodland is full of Firecrests, Robins, Jays, Blackcaps, Coal Tits and Nuthatches. Sombre Tits are also found, while White-backed Woodpeckers are regular in the edge of the forest. Birds of prey include the Golden Eagle and the Lanner, while Short-toed Eagles are far more common.
