Simos Beach, part of the NATURA 2000 network

One more reason to visit and fall in love with Elafonisos is its remarkable natural wealth and biodiversity.
This exceptional richness in flora and habitat has led the European Network of Protected Areas to include Elafonisos in the NATURA 2000 program.

After thorough evaluation by environmental experts, the Stroggyli wetland, the coastal dunes, and several endemic species were found to exist exclusively in Elafonisos and, more specifically, at Simos Beach—the very location of Simos Camping.

The natural landscape here consists of dynamic and sensitive ecosystems, most notably the coastal sand dunes.
Right after the shoreline, low, shifting dunes develop, characterized by loose, sandy soil and sparse vegetation.

A typical plant found in Elafonisos is Ammophila, known locally as “Agkathia”, along with the endangered Sea Daffodil (Pancratium maritimum).
This stunning vegetation grows inland from the sea, forming sandy hills up to 10 meters tall on Simos Beach.
Ammophila dominates the top of the dunes, while the sea daffodil grows sporadically in clusters, blooming from underground bulbs.
Together, they form the first and most crucial stage of dune stabilization.

These white dunes are followed by grey dunes, which are permanently stabilized and stretch further inland.
Their stability is maintained by a permanent plant cover made up of herbaceous and woody species that enrich the sandy soil with organic matter, making it darker and more cohesive.

A particularly striking part of the landscape lies in front of the Stroggyli wetland, where visitors encounter the “beach thickets with junipers”—a truly rare Mediterranean sight.
Here grows Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. macrocarpa, a type of sea cedar that is both unique and endangered in the Mediterranean ecosystem.

The importance of all this vegetation is vital to the stability of the coastal environment.
If disrupted by human activity, the wind carries the sand inland, covering fields, meadows, and wetlands—altering the ecosystem entirely.

Another point of interest in magical Elafonisos is its birdlife, including kestrels and lesser kestrels.
Mediterranean shrublands with evergreen broad-leaved plants and aromatic herbs provide nesting grounds for many species.
Thorny bushes serve as perfect natural shelters for their nests, while the birds feed on small mammals and reptiles from the surrounding terrain.

Environmental Protection – Our Eco-Conscious Mission

At Simos Camping Elafonisos, we fully respect the ecological uniqueness of the region.
We operate an advanced biological wastewater treatment system, and our facilities include recycling stations for materials such as plastic, aluminum, paper, and glass.
Solar collectors provide hot water, and solar lights illuminate the campsite at night.
We also process organic waste and trimmings through special composting units to produce natural fertilizer used in the maintenance of our gardens and outdoor spaces.

At Simos Camping, we take environmental protection and the use of renewable energy sources seriously.
We choose to invest in ecological awareness and green development, and we encourage our guests to do the same.

At Simos Camping, we proudly declare ourselves as devoted guardians of long-term sustainability.

We stand firm as uncompromising protectors of the environmental identity of our land.