The southern edge of the Lakonia region in the southeast Peloponnese is home to a petrified forest, next to the sea, that accumulates aspects of the past stretching back millions of years. Walking the area is like walking over millennia at a location featuring fossilized trunks and roots.
Despite being included in the Atlas of the Geological Monuments of the Aegean, this petrified forest, known as the Agios Nikolaos Geopark and situated 15 km from Neapoli Voion in the Lakonia region, is widely ignored.
Signposts from Agios Nikolaos onwards lead the way to the beach hosting this petrified palm forest. It stretches out to the coastal areas of Agia Marina.
Leave your vehicle in this area, take a few photographs from the location’s observatory, and walk a few kilometres along the dirt road. Many signposts close to the observatory carry information on the fossils and history of the area.
Two alternative routes may be taken to reach the beach from the point where you will have left your vehicle. The main route is just a few dozen metres long, while the longer route is a good choice for trekking enthusiasts. The petrified forest area, a forest millions of years ago, is small in size and situated at a rocky landscape. Wearing appropriate footwear is important here.
Its creation
Earthquakes, volcanic activity and geological disturbances led to the fossilisation of the area’s paleoflora millions of years ago. Nowadays, the area is a geological museum with an extensive history.
More specifically, a series of geological events at the coastal area, close to Cape Maleas, caused the palm forest that existed in the area to sink. Organic matter of trees, plants and mollusks was replaced by solutions of silicon and calcium over a process that lasted centuries.
According to a study conducted by professor Evangelos Velitzelos, head of Athens University’s Department of Historical Geology and Paleontology, these findings are unique in Europe and possess incalculable academic significance.
The section of the coastline where fossils have been preserved is large and offers a superb view. It includes fossilised root knots a metre deep, roots, trunks and shellfish. When there are waves, water gushes from the root knots to offer a singular spectacle. Given its location in Lakonia’s south, the spot’s blue waters merge with history to create a unique setting guaranteeing superb photographs.
Experiences
Once you have completed your stroll around the petrified forest, a drive roughly 7-km long leads to the picturesque village Agios Nikolaos. For a greater number of things to do, head to Neapoli Voion, where you can enjoy a seaside meal or coffee at one of the lovely tavernas or cafes.
The region administratively belongs to the Monemvasia municipality and is situated 55 km, or roughly a one hour and 15-minute drive, from the historic town of the same name. During the summer months, the beaches in the area are perfect for swimming. All are non-serviced, so make sure to bring along accessories, a beach umbrella, mat and towel. The beaches here feature the wild beauty possessed by non-serviced coastal areas. Driving for a further hour southwards leads to the small island Elafonisos, endowed with superb blue waters and sandy beaches.
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