Specifically, there are quite a few dangerous animals in Greece and here is the list of the most common you will encounter during your trip. The brown bears have very sharp claws and teeth; hence when they attack, they will crush you. Remove any tentacles attached to the area. Here, youll admire the impressive Doric Temple of Athena Lindia, built in the 4th century BC. For this reason, there is only a select number of beach chairs available. The chances of running into the common stingray are not high, but care should be taken and in the worst case, a sting like this can be fatal (after all, it was what killed "the crocodile hunter" Steve Irwin, although we can take comfort from the fact it didn't occur in Greece, but at the Great Barrier Reef). Rhodes' best beaches. Not only are their tails barbed with razor-sharp fangs that can inflict really painful wounds, but they also elicit venom into the wound site. There are plenty of bees in Greece and you will find them during the autumn period on flowers around the country. Luckily, none of these incidents have been confirmed to have happened in Greek waters. The Portuguese Man O War has been known to sting people all over the globe, from Australia to Europe. collect and organize as much data about these amazing animals to The country of city-states is one of the most well-known in the ancient world. The three most common sharks seen in the Aegean Sea are tame and if you spot one, be cautious but dont panic and swim away! None of them occurred in Greece. There are different types of sharks that you are likely to find in Greece, and you are not limited to the normal species found in normal places. There are only a few that can exist in freshwater and they evolved that ability over time. In Greece, youll come across several exotic and picturesque beaches, with crystal clear blue waters on the Island of Rhodes. So yes, there are sharks in Greece, even a number of species. Although scorpionfish are one of the most delicious delicacies (it is added to classic French bouillabaisse), don't get too close to it underwater. Worse still, the mucus of a moray eel contains toxins that are dangerous to humans, so it is absolutely that you seek medical treatment immediately after you have been bitten. Their bite releases toxins into your body. Instead, fight the urge to flee and instead give them the staredown. Due to their speed and strength, they are capable of harming and even killing people, though, so you shouldnt try to get too close to them. It is there that a few sharks have been sighted. There is also no ambiguity when it comes to being bitten by a moray eel. If you want to go for a quick swim, head to Ludiko Beach, which is a short walk away. The most common consequences are headaches and nausea, but sometimes there's a risk of infection. In the summer, its little streets fill with visitors bar-hopping and window-shopping or buying gifts, like the islands famous decorative plates. Theres Emponas with its renowned wine and traditional costumes, Agios Isidoros frozen in the 1960s, Apollona with its Folklore Museum, Archangelos with its long tradition of ceramics and music, and Afandou with its skilful weavers. The Greek beaches, architecture, cuisine, and civilization are some highlights that people often visit to learn about Greece. Spring and autumn are the best months for outdoor activities such as hiking. This is the only venomous snake in Greece. The sting is followed by severe pain and burning, which spreads all around the wound. You will need at least 4-5 days to visit all major attractions, along with the islands smaller villages. Further reading: Hiking trails in Corfu, Greece. On the island, you will find squat cottages with red roofs and pine woods. Even in Ionian and Aegean waters, you may come across some species whose bite or sting could ruin your sailing holiday. Dive Centers Show all Dive Centers which brings the percentage of fatal attacks to They have rounded snouts, small, triangular teeth, and relatively large eyes. Have there been shark attacks in Greece? Others use large gulps of water and pump it through slower. The few sharks that people have encountered in the Aegean Sea are the spiny dogfish, basking shark, and the thresher shark. Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese islands and the most eastern in the southern Aegean Sea. Better still, even if you do encounter a shark during your time in Greece, the majority of sharks that can be found in this part of the world are not the most dangerous types of shark out there. This means that if you decide to take any excursions into Greeces Pindos or Rodopis mountain ranges, you may well encounter one of their communities residing there. They are endothermic, meaning they keep their body temperature above that of their surroundings. Though rare, great whites have been occasionally spotted around Greece. As well as being painful and generally unpleasant, the spines break easily making it difficult to remove them from the wound. Source: Piotr Wawrzyniuk / shutterstock. What to do if you get stung by a weeverfish? That said, whether youre snorkeling around Hydra or swimming in the warm waters of Crete, the chances of seeing the blue pointer are extremely slim. Scorpionfish don't attack, rather rely on their stealth. There are some sharks in the Aegean Sea, but very few. Other jellyfish to watch out for include the compass jellyfish and the Forskalia edwardsi. Yes, you'll find sharks in the Aegean Sea located on the east coast. Only when there is a perceived danger do they sting, so all it takes is a moment of inattention. Theyre quite large and bulky sharks with slightly pointed snouts and a triangular fin on their backs. You can easily identify thresher sharks by their long, slender tail and torpedo shape. The Portuguese man o war is made up of tiny organisms that function differently and they merge to form one huge creature. Those types of movements signal to the shark that you are injured or sick and that puts you back as a dinner option. Use vinegar to wash the area and then use tweezers to remove the tentacles. So, no, that paper cut you have on your finger is not going to be your ocean downfall. 20 years ago a fisherman did report seeing a great white shark swimming in the Aegean Sea. If they sting you, put buckets of seawater on the area. If a stingray does come for you, you need to visit the nearest hospital quickly. The medieval Old Town, port of Mandraki, Acropolis of Lindos, ancient cities of Kamiros and Ialysos, Valley of the Butterflies. The phryganic species are high-temperature and drought tolerant, and they grow at low altitudes, usually on poor and rocky limestone and siliceous substrates. While one can spot most sharks swimming in the Mediterranean in Greece, the attacks recorded in it have been around the French coast. Windsurfers flock to Prasonissi, a green island to the south of Rhodes. 7 Top Options, Zakynthos Shipwreck Beach (Navagio) All You Need To Know, Spring Sunshine: The 5 Best Greek Islands to Visit in May, One Week in Finland: The Perfect 7 Day Itinerary, The Top 5 Best Places To Live In Germany With Family, Stray Dogs in Bali: What You Need to Know About Bali Dogs. Every stone tells a story. When you enter the sea, be aware of your surroundings, as lurking in the water are sea anemones, jellyfish, and sea urchins. Unfortunately, this species of shark is on the vulnerable to extinction list, which was issued by the ICUN in 2007. It can nip or deliver a sharp rattle, which can cause injuries to your soft tissues. It is considered very dangerous because of its extremely powerful venom. It is one of the most popular Greek islands. Untreated wounds inflicted by stingrays have been known to lead to amputation or even death in rare cases. Lets connect. Thats not even the creepiest thing about this animal. Yes, there are dangerous sea creatures in the waters surrounding Greece and its islands. Another unpleasant fish that you can find in the Greek seas are scorpionfish. We have compiled a list of the seven most dangerous animals you are likely to encounter on your travels in Greece. Rhodes has so many highlights . The beach is lovely, quite narrow but perfect for swimming with soft golden sand and lovely clear water. Ever heard of Halki, Symi, Kastelorizo, Lipsi, Tilos, Nisyros, Kasos and Agathonisi? At the highest point in the road is a significant attraction: the grandiose castle known as the Palace of the Grand Masters, with its enormous towers, now a wonderful museum. The island stands at 40 km long and 16 km wide and has mansions, the Tis Grias To Pidima bay, and several hiking paths. Do sharks have to constantly be swimming? In our articleOvercome your fear of sharks: learn to love them instead!, you'll discover where sharks are most commonly found, how they hunt, what they eat and how to prevent a possible shark attack. It is also known for its delicious food and local products and has a wine-making tradition that goes back to antiquity. Well, its about time you were introduced to the hidden gem Dodecanese islands, All the diary items to light up your stay, The beaches of Rhodes are some of the most popular in Greece. This snake is very colorful and the amazing colors might fool you to think that it is a harmless creature. On top of their body, there are two spines, which they use to protect themselves against predators. In Greece, these three sharks should be the least of your worries, as there are other bigger threats to watch out for when taking a dip in the Aegean Sea. What Are Different Types of Snakes in Greece? Brown bears are some of the most endangered species in Europe and there used to be a large population in the past. There are different places where you are going to encounter a myriad of creatures and one of them is ticks. Luckily for arachnophobes, there are no dangerous spiders in Greece. The forest in Greece is a major habitat for these ticks and they are tiny creatures that are either brown or black depending on the habitat. In fact, there havent been any confirmed sightings of these beasts anywhere near the Hellenic land in recent years. You may not need to worry about running into a shark off the coast of Greece. Check out our guide to understanding the Greek seasons! A dozen island beauties that light up the Aegean. As one of the most popular Greek islands, Rhodes does get busy in the peak summer holiday months. The immediate, piercing pain can intensify for a while, cause burning sensations and cause swelling in the injured area for some time. The most common injuries are if someone harms it. 23 Epic Things to Do in Rhodes Greece. Mandraki is a modern town, with hotels and resorts, cafes, restaurants, clubs and impressive sights and attractions, as well as traditional villas called marasiotika (from Marasia). With sharp spines all over the surface of their bodies, if you accidentally step on them, you'll know about it. In fact, these marine mammals have been a part of Greek civilisation for over three and a half thousand years and the science of cetology was indeed founded by the ancient Greeks. Instead of staying hidden, moray eels prefer to jump at you, scaring and biting you. The good news is that they are not known to be inordinately aggressive towards humans, so you are not likely to be attacked by a stingray unprovoked. However, if they feel that their habitat is being attacked, they are likely to strike back. In fact, there were only a handful of biting incidents that have involved this type of shark globally. All wonderful, with sand, clear water and water sports. Yes, there is still an abundance of creepy-crawlies in Greece, and that includes spiders, but they mostly reside in Greeces expansive forests and wooded areas. With fantastic visibility and thriving marine life year-round, Rhodes Island divers can encounter unique species such as basking sharks, tuna, and wild dolphins. Since they often camouflage well, you are likely to step on them, which is when the biting occurs. Stingrays are good stingers! If you see a stingray, dont go near them. Sharks are rarely spotted in Greece. In fact, as we probably all already known, shark attacks are very rare anyway so, despite their violent capabilities, a shark attack in Greece is highly unlikely, with only 15 shark attacks having been reported in the region from the previous 170 years. You will have a time of your life when you explore the different parts of the country. It is also known for the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. If you want to reduce the chances of being stuck by scorpions, you should ensure that the area you are exploring is scorpion-free. If you encounter any brown bears in Greece, be sure to follow the advice of your guide, if you are with one, keep your distance, and dont do anything to antagonize them. Some of the side effects of the venom from the scorpions include inflammation, excruciating pain, swelling, and difficulty breathing. Worst of all, these suckers are renowned the world over for the sheer agony of their stings. If you visit the islands of Greece, you should watch out for the sharks because you are likely to encounter these dangerous creatures. 1. The way they breathe depends on the shark. The thresher shark is also quite harmless because of its small teeth and timid nature. Explore More in Rhodes North Route Explore more on the island of the Knights, Rhodes, on a semiprivate safari tour for up to 6 persons View of Lindos Castle from St. Paul's bay, Enjoy local dishes in a traditional taverna in Rhodes island, Strolling around Rhodes' Medieval Old Town, Rhodes' Medieval Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Old Town of Rhodes is (almost) car-free, You will find many shops around Hippokratous Square in Rhodes, Rhodes' Medieval Old Town feels like a film set, Anthony Quinn Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Rhodes, Exploring the Palace of the Grand Master in Rhodes, Rhodes local cuisine in Apollonas village, Youll love the art deco feel and the pebble mosaics in Kallithea Springs, No visit to Rhodes is complete without exploring Lindos, The ultimate bucket list of things to do on Rhodes. However, you should watch out for them because they are dangerous even if they are not venomous. It is there that a few sharks have been sighted. The number of these sharks have been decreasing in the Med, which means there are not many of them left swimming around the Cyclades or Dodecanese. If you see one, move away from them! Although the basking sharks may look ferocious, in reality, they are harmless. In midland county felony indictments According to the stories, ships sailed beneath its giant legs and every night the passage was closed with an enormous chain. In addition, the spine itself breaks off and needs to be surgically removed. At one point, he wrote that 300 ships had been destroyed and as many as 20k men were eaten by sea monsters. Re: Please allay my fears re the sea at Rhodes 11 years ago Save You should wear proper hiking shoes if you are going to explore different parts of Greece. The shark doesnt bask in the sun at all. There are four ways to get from the airport to Rhodes Old Town: public bus, taxi, pre-booked transfer, and rental car. YACHTING.COM TIP:Unfortunately, jellyfish are not just found in exotic countries. Only about four have proven fatal since records began. What causes scorpionfish stings and why is it better not to go near one? Across the world, there has only been one case of a fatal attack caused by this species of shark and around 30 non-deadly biting incidents. Always be on the lookout. This actually tells the shark that you are prey and to hunt you down. Yes, youll find sharks in the Aegean Sea located on the east coast. Blisters appear at the site of the sting. At the edge of the dock stands the small fort of Agios Nikolaos, built in the 1460s. 2023 Copyright by Travel Safe - Abroad. You will recognize the great white by its characteristic appearance. Since Rhodes is the largest Dodecanese island, you might need a few days to explore it from end to end. And the chance of seeing one is rare. If you continue experiencing pain and discomfort, visit the hospital immediately. The Mediterranean moray eel is a fairly common sight in the waters off the shore of Greece and its islands. Some species find spots where the current is strong and it allows them to rest while the water flows quickly over the gills. For instance, one path leads to the Gidaki Beach whereas another leads to the Frikes harbour where you can feast on freshly-caught seafood. If a snake bites you, then you should seek immediate medical attention because it can be one of the most dangerous phenomena. However, civilization and the use of different places for other activities have changed the areas that these bears inhabited. The name doesnt mean what it implies though. All your holiday planning needs in one place, letting you book direct and benefit from official online rates, 7-day road trip from Thessaloniki into northern Greece, At the same time cosmopolitan and traditional, timeless and modern, simple and spectacular Rhodes is an island in Greece that has so many faces and youll discover them all, Wine tasting & Cooking class in Rhodes, join us for this 2 in 1 experience, Not sure? What about the shark attacks in Greece?. It lives mostly in offshore temperate and tropical waters around the globe, including the Aegean, Ionian, and Mediterranean seas surrounding Greece. READ THE FULL REPORT: Greece Safety Review. Basking sharks are huge. 18 attacks came out of the The tides are as chill as a nap on the sand. Their body shape resembles a great white, but you can easily distinguish it by its cavernous jaw, used to scoop out tiny sea creatures from the water. In a situation where a scorpion attacks you then you should seek immediate medical attention. educate us, so we can protect them. There are different types of sharks that you are likely to find in Greece, and you are not limited to the normal species found in normal places. In conclusion, Greece guarantees to deliver one of the best experiences to you when you visit the country and the islands at large. 15 hrs) and connections with many other Greek islands (especially the Cyclades and other Dodecanese islands as well as Crete). East Coast of Rhodes Sea Kayaking Tour The Pirates Route, RHO01. That might make you the calmest person on the planet, but it could really work to your benefit. One of the best-preserved medieval settlements in the world, the Old Town of Rhodes has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In this example, there is light rain about 10 km northeast and heavy rain 5 km southwest of you. Their canine eating ways earned them their name, dogfish. Some of the symptoms of the Ohia snakebite include swelling of the affected area, difficulty breathing, numbness, headaches, and severe fever. And, most importantly, if you do suffer a sting from a stingray in Greece, seek medical attention immediately. Some of the sea creatures you will find on the island include sea turtles, seals, and dolphin pods. Dine on regional cuisine, visit ancient sites, learn about the history of the Knights of Malta, and much more. The largest and most populated of the Dodecanese Islands in Greece, Rhodes Island is the best location to base your Dodecanese Islands diving holiday. This creature bit into the lower half of the body, splitting the body into pieces. Greece is a paradise for swimmers! The best beaches to take a dip in Rhodes are:. I share with you all my best tips and tricks to help you plan your next adventure. Todays wines are excellent too. What makes them dangerous is that they are experts at hiding. It's a vibrant university city and working port, with a UNESCO World Heritage-list medieval old town at its core. Simply wash the area with water and apply a cold compress or an ice pack to the site of the wound to reduce the chance of inflammation. Rhodes. The medieval Old Town, port of Mandraki, Acropolis of Lindos, ancient cities of Kamiros and Ialysos, Valley of the Butterflies Rhodes has so many highlights, that one visit is never enough. However, there are some marine animals that can spoil your swimming. When visiting any terrain like this, you may well encounter one of these snakes. For the most part, at least in the modern era,sharks ignore humans. Stingrays live in the waters surrounding Greece and, while their venom won't kill you, it is very painful. The reason for this preference is as old as sharks are and it is due to the need for salt. Hammerhead sharks are some of the most unique-looking fish thanks to their wide heads that resemble a hammer. The institute also carries out research on fisheries and hydrology of the Aegean region. Brown bears are more likely to be killed by humans than the other way around (there has only been one recorded fatality from a bear attack in Greece) but that doesnt mean it cant happen. Morays are shy and only attack when they feel threatened such as someone trying to catch them. These huge marine creatures live in relatively shallow waters, and often get quite close to the shore, so you might even spot one while soaking up the sun on one of Greeces beautiful beaches.
