Trees
The Ionian Islands boast extensive forest of maritime pine and small patches of an endemic Black pine, as well as cultivated trees, notably cypress groves. Cypress wood was used for shipbuilding and traditionally a grove was planted at the same time as the birth of a daughter, so that when the trees had grown and where cut after about 20 years, the money could be used for her dowry.
Prickly pear (Frankish fig) bushes and other cactus species abound, as do wild herbs such as thyme and oregano.
Flowers

Flowers in summer time are few and far between, but the hillsides are covered with herbaceous bushes.
Aquatic Animals

Southern Kefallonia and Zakynthos are among the few breeding grounds for the protected loggerhead turtle (Careta Careta), which can reach 1 meter in diameter. Small population of monk seals (monahus monahus), which is highly threatened also inhabit the seas. Although we would be lucky to see either of the above, the sight of a dolphin coming to greet us is much more common, sometimes from as close as 5 meters. We also have seen a whale (Megaptera) in the channel between Lefkada and Meganissi Island.
Land Animals

Land animals are rare, apart from lizards and other small reptiles, but we have seen a sea otter in Ithaka.

Bird Life

Bird life is varied, but mostly stays further inland than our route takes us. We may sea Kingfishers, terns and just possibly an eagle (there are golden eagles on Kefallonia's Mt. Aitnos ) in addition to the ubiquitous seagull.

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