At the southern tip of the Peloponnese, in Neapoli Laconia, near the village of Agios Nikolaos Voion, lies a landscape of rare and wild natural beauty, which few know - A petrified forest millions of years old.
At the southernmost point of the Peloponnese, Neapoli Voion and Cape Maleas are a unique destination in Laconia for lovers of alternative holidays and restless explorers. Here there is a special place that many, however, overlook. The impressive petrified forest of the area is a one-of-a-kind natural monument dating back two to three million years.
The Petrified Forest of Laconia (its official name is the Agios Nikolaos Geopark) lies a few kilometers past the village of Agios Nikolaos (15 km from Neapoli and 55 km from Monemvasia) and stretches across the coastal locations of Agia Marina, Korakas and Spitha. Arriving at the geopark you'll encounter an eerily beautiful landscape by the sea, with rare treasures lying right under visitors' feet.
Petrified Forest of Laconia: A unique natural monument
The interaction of multiple geological phenomena (earthquakes, volcanic activity) over millions of years led to the creation of this work of nature. Geological upheavals resulted in the fossilization of the area's paleoflora. Beneath the sea's surface, the organic matter of trees, plants and mollusks was replaced by silica and calcium solutions in a process that lasted centuries. At the site, trunks and palm roots have been uncovered, along with a wealth of fossilized creatures. As we read on visitvatika.gr, according to a study by Professor Evangelos Velitzelos, Director of the Department of Historical Geology - Paleontology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, the findings are unique in the European area and of inestimable scientific importance.
The Agios Nikolaos Geopark is included in the Atlas of the Geological Monuments of the Aegean and today strongly claims a place in the European Geoparks Network. In the geopark there are signs that will inform you about the fossils and the area's history, while in summer guided tours are also organized (admission is free). A walk in this place will stay with you. If the weather permits, don't forget to take a swim at the small beaches of wild beauty found there.
How to get there
To visit the petrified forest of Laconia, head from Agios Nikolaos toward the picturesque little harbor of Profitis Ilias. A little before there's a sign indicating Agia Marina and Petrified Forest. Most of the road leading to the petrified forest has been paved. Along the way and just before you reach the little chapel of Agia Marina you'll come across an information point about the geopark.
