Make bear fairy-tales come true in Nymfaio

Named one of the ten most picturesque villages in Europe by UNESCO, Nymfaio, is a born-again fairy-tale village where bears wander through the forest and butterflies flit between stately gardens. The village is a brilliant example of how locals have restored and revived this beautiful mountain settlement over the past few decades.

The area is famous for the Arcturos Bear Sanctuary, a non-profit, non-governmental, environmental organisation, which has created a home for rescued orphan brown bear cubs, injured bears, or bears saved from the dancing bear trade. Founded in 1992 with the aim of tackling the growing issue of bear imprisonment, Arcturos Bear Sanctuary played a crucial role in ending the dancing bear trade in Greece. Rescued bears live a peaceful life in large, natural forest enclosures away from harm.

Charitable Travel arranges trips for people wanting to help these furry friends. For a minimum of 15 days volunteers get involved in observing the bears and wolves in the area, get hands on assisting at the shelter with manual labour, feeding of the animals and assisting visitors, and chip in to environmental education activities and public awareness campaigns.

To reach Nymfaio travellers can fly to Thessaloniki, the gateway to Northern Greece, before a scenic two-hour drive or three-hour bus to the tucked away town.

Visit Website: https://www.responsibletravel.com/holidays/bear-watching/travel-guide/greece#:~:text=Where%20to%20see%20bears%20in,mooch%3A%20Northern%20Pindos%20National%20Park%20