The news of Schinias National Park:
Useful Info:
Opening hours: Saturday and Sunday, 8 am – 4 pm (from October to April) and 7.30 am – 8 pm (from May to September).
For information regarding group visits (except Saturday/Sunday), volunteering and joining the Rowing and Canoeing/Kayaking Academy, please call the following numbers on working days (9.00-17.00): +3022940 63911 (Rowing and Canoeing Centre) and +3022940 67777 (Municipality of Marathon). You can also send an email to: info@olympicproperties.gr.
Admission is free.
Further information: www.olympicproperties.gr
At the Olympic Rowing and Canoeing Centre, the welfare of you and the environment is our primary concern:
- For the duration of their visit, parents are to be responsible for the safety of their children.
- In order to participate in the various activities, each person should assess their own physical ability and endurance.
- As the water is not drinkable, drinking tap water or water from the lake is prohibited.
- Swimming, lighting fires, smoking and the consumption of alcoholic beverages are prohibited
- A mobile medical unit of the Hellenic Red Cross operates on the premises.
Nature
Nature endowed with beauty and value
The Olympic Rowing and Canoeing Centre is an integral and vital part of the Schinias-Marathon National Park which was established in 2000. Its aim is to protect an outstanding natural area, both terrestrial and marine, with a wide variety of habitats and countless important plant and animal species. Thanks to them, the National Park was added to the European Union Natura 2000 network.
One of the last refuges in Attica
During the migration season, large numbers of migratory birds arrive at the wetland of Schinias, one of the largest remaining wetlands in southern Greece. In this hospitable place, the birds find food and a safe refuge to rest and/or to spend the winter. Among them, many belong to threatened species, such as the Great Egret, the Ferruginous Duck and the Glossy Ibis.
A rare habitat
Schinias bay stands out with its soft, sandy beach hosting the famous coastal pine forest consisting of Umbrella Pine and Aleppo Pine trees - one of the three forests of this type still remaining in our country. In protected corners of the beach, you can see the wondrous Sea Daffodil - a symbol of beauty and vigor since ancient times.
Neptune Grass plants, which only thrive in clean water, are to be found in the sea of the National Park providing shelter to numerous small fishes.
Water teeming with life
The water in the rowing lake hosts many life forms. Algae as well as vascular plants, eels, frogs and toads, terrapins, harmless water snakes – all coexist here. Among them, lives the Marathon Minnow, a small fish which occurs only in Eastern mainland Greece.
Myths and history
The gift of Hercules’ daughter
Makaria spring located to the northwest of the Rowing Centre carries waters to the rowing arena and at the same time, gives life to the wetland of Schinias.
The spring is called after the heroine, Makaria, the daughter of Hercules.
A famous battle and a glorious victory
In 490 BC the plain and the marsh of Marathon became the scene of the famous battle between the Greeks and the Persians. Victorious, the Greeks succeeded in routing the Persians who retreated in disarray.
Recreation
Relaxation, recreation, volunteering
Spend some time next by the lake:
The level pathway around the central lake is ideal for families with very young children and people with reduced mobility to enjoy the beauty of nature.
Your contribution to the better running of the Rowing and Canoeing Centre is important. Why not become a volunteer?
The Centre belongs to everyone
The Olympic Rowing and Canoeing Centre is a community asset. It is thanks to the effort of many people that it is well maintained.
Your visit here should not put a strain on the people of the Centre, or disturb the athletes. We ask that you respect the landscape and avoid doing anything that would endanger the plants and animals, and should respect the premises. We ask you to strictly adhere to the code of conduct of the Rowing and Canoeing Centre.