Twelve kilometers north of Chalkida, between the towns of Psachna and Nea Artaki, lies one of Evia’s most ecologically important yet critically endangered landscapes: the Kolovrechtis Wetland. Though its name (which literally translates to “ass-wetter”) might sound like a joke from a fisherman’s tale—the term possibly derives from an old practice that involved dragging nets through shallow waters and getting soaked in the process—this 100-hectare wetland is far more than a name with rustic origins. It is a living, breathing ecosystem under constant pressure, yet still pulsing with biodiversity and quiet, natural beauty.
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How to Reach Kolovrechtis
Kolovrechtis is located between Nea Artaki and Psachna, about 15–20 minutes’ drive north of Chalkida. The main road passes by its littoral edge, but signage is minimal, and the area lacks formal visitor infrastructure. Spring and autumn are ideal times to visit, especially for birdwatchers.
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A Fragile Green-Lung in the Lelantine Plain
Kolovrechtis (also referred to as Livadi or Elos Psachnon) is a coastal freshwater marsh that transitions into brackish waters near the sea. Fed by a small stream and karstic springs at the edge of the Psachna plain, the wetland stretches westward until it meets the northern Euboean Gulf.
To the north, it borders cultivated farmland; to the south and east, it is framed by low hills. Its location between Nea Artaki and Psachna, and within the municipal boundaries of both Chalkida and Dirfys-Messapia, has long complicated ownership issues and hindered coordinated protection.
The area was officially designated a protected zone under a 1989 Presidential Decree, which clearly demarcated two zones—a core area (Zone A) and a buffer zone (Zone B)—with strict limitations on construction and activity. However, the decree was never fully implemented, and Kolovrechtis has since suffered years of neglect and degradation.
Biodiversity and Ecological Significance
Despite its modest size, Kolovrechtis is considered one of Greece’s richest wetlands in terms of avian diversity. According to research by ornithologist and biologist Triantafyllos Akriotis, 193 bird species were recorded between 1978 and 1993 in the broader area. Among them, 56 are globally or continentally threatened, and most are protected under the European Birds Directive (2009/147/EC).
Species sightings include:
- Glossy ibises and spur-winged lapwings
- Bitterns, herons, and egrets (including the rare Ardeola ralloides)
- Owls, nightjars, and cormorants
- Flamingos, spotted occasionally near the brackish edges
- Gulls and terns resting along the sandy patches
But it’s not just about the birds. The wetland supports an array of reptiles, including river turtles, Mediterranean tortoises, and skinks. Mammals such as foxes, weasels, hedgehogs, and various bat species also find shelter in the mosaic of reeds, shrubs, and open water.
The vegetation, dominated by reed beds, blackberry bushes, and bulrushes, plays a vital role in filtrating water, stabilizing soil, and recharging aquifers—a process crucial to the broader ecosystem.
Threats and Human Pressure
Kolovrechtis is one of those landscapes that exist in tension: caught between natural resilience and human exploitation. Over the last few decades, the wetland has been subjected to:
- Illegal construction and land grabs, even within the protected core zone
- Unregulated use of pesticides and fertilizers, leaking into its waters
- Dumping of rubble and industrial waste
- Encroaching urban and road development, which has physically split the wetland in two
- Fires, some accidental, others suspected to be deliberate, clearing land for illegal use
These pressures have been exacerbated by the absence of a proper management body, as originally envisioned in the 1989 decree. Despite occasional cleanup efforts by local environmental groups like Sideritis and the Hiking Club of Chalkida, the wetland’s long-term survival remains uncertain.
Legal Tangles and Community Advocacy
Recent disputes over land ownership have brought Kolovrechtis back into the local spotlight. Questions over who owns what—particularly in parcels 1889 and 1890—have resulted in formal objections submitted by the Municipality of Chalkida to the national land registry.
Meanwhile, the Citizens’ Group for the Protection of Kolovrechtis continues to push for greater transparency, tighter enforcement of protective laws, and the long-overdue creation of a proper management authority. Without this, they argue, the wetland will continue to fall prey to short-term interests at the expense of long-term ecological health.
From Prehistory to the Present
The story of Kolovrechtis, however, isn’t just ecological—it’s historical. Nearby sites like Voleri and Faneromeni have revealed traces of human habitation dating back 300,000 years. At Voleri, paleolithic tools and signs of continuous use by nomadic hunter-gatherers suggest this was a favorable settlement zone for millennia.
In the Mycenaean period, burial sites were found in nearby locations such as Glyfa and Varka, adding further weight to the area’s archaeological significance. The marshlands and their surrounding uplands have long offered food, water, shelter, and fertile soil—resources as valuable in antiquity as they are today.
A Future for Kolovrechtis?
There’s a growing push from environmental groups to develop low-impact eco-tourism infrastructure in Kolovrechtis—such as birdwatching platforms, educational signage, and guided nature trails. Done right, this could both preserve the wetland and open it up to public appreciation, turning local communities into stakeholders in its protection.
But first, it needs to be left standing. As one local activist bluntly put it: “The wetland must survive first—then we can talk about how to enjoy it.”
Accommodation near Kolocrechtis Wetland
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Places to Visit nearby
- Artaki: Just a short drive south, this seaside town is a great spot for a fish lunch or a relaxed walk along the marina. It has a local vibe, scenic waterfront tavernas, and easy access to urban comforts without the busyness of Chalkida.
- Psachna: Inland from the wetland, Psachna is a low-key town surrounded by olive groves and farmlands. It’s worth stopping here for coffee, supplies, or a look at everyday life in central Evia. The town also hosts local festivals and markets throughout the year.
- Chalkida: Around 20 minutes away, Chalkida is Evia’s lively capital and the first major city after crossing the bridge from the mainland. Stroll the waterfront promenade, watch the tide reversal at the Evripos Strait, or explore its cafés, shops, and archaeological sites.
- Politika: Located north along the coast, this coastal village has a more traditional feel and offers lovely views of the gulf. It’s a good place to experience rural Evia, especially if you’re visiting during the summer when the small beach scene comes alive.
- Dafni Beach: If you’re up for a bit more sun after birdwatching in the wetland, Dafni Beach is just a short hop north. Wide, quiet, and backed by tamarisks and hills, it’s ideal for a swim or a picnic with few crowds and plenty of nature.
Video
Photos
View (and feel free to use) all my photographs from Kolovrechtis Wetland in higher resolution.
