We’re proud to support the Naxos Wildlife Protection Association, a local volunteer-based organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and protecting the island’s wild inhabitants—from majestic griffon vultures to sea turtles gliding silently in the Aegean.
Nestled high above the island’s heartland, where olive trees whisper and hawks wheel silently overhead, ELaiolithos has always drawn its inspiration from the land itself—its rhythm, resilience, and rich life force. Our home is not just a place of beauty. It’s a living, breathing ecosystem.
At ELaiolithos, we believe true luxury lies in living with intention—and that includes caring for the land and the life around us. From the herbs in your cocktail to the cheeses on your plate, everything here is rooted in our immediate surroundings. Now, we’re going one step further.
🌿 And now, you’re part of it too. For every booking at ELaiolithos, we donate €5 directly to the Naxos Wildlife Protection Association. Your stay helps fund veterinary care, habitat preservation, and educational outreach—transforming your visit into something even more meaningful.
From Hunter’s Stop to Birdsong Sanctuary: Supporting Wildlife Protection in Naxos
Before ELaiolithos took root in this soulful corner of Naxos, the land told a different story — one of silence, marked by a stillness that left little room for song. This area was once a known steki (hangout) for bird hunters, situated along the migratory path of countless wild birds. Drawn here by the abundance of trees, natural foliage, and the presence of water, these birds sought refuge and rest before continuing their long journey. But since ELaiolithos came to life, that old rhythm has gently faded. Today, the area has transformed into a quiet sanctuary, where birds return freely, and the landscape is filled with their song. From our terrace, guests can sip their drinks while watching hawks glide across the horizon and listening to the soft chorus of birds that now call this place home. A moment of harmony — between nature, place, and presence.
🐢 Guardians of the Wild
The Naxos Wildlife Protection Association (naxoswildlifeprotection.com) is a non-profit NGO run entirely by volunteers. Founded in 2014 in response to the alarming deaths of sea turtles, this volunteer-driven group operates a Wildlife First Aid Station right here on Naxos. Working year-round, they rescue and rehabilitate injured birds, hedgehogs, bats, reptiles, and endangered sea turtles. Most animals are treated at their small but vital wildlife first-aid station, stabilize them, and, when possible, release them back into their natural habitats.
One of their most moving success stories is the Griffon Vulture conservation program—which has helped the local population of these awe-inspiring birds grow from just 35 to over 70. These sky monarchs rely on open landscapes and clean food chains, both of which are under threat. Thanks to dedicated monitoring and community awareness efforts, they still soar across Naxos skies.
They also act as a rescue hub for sea turtles, partnering with organizations like ARCHELON – the Sea Turtle Protection Society, and MEDASSET, offering first-response care before animals are transferred to specialized hospitals in Athens or Crete when needed.
🌺 Why This Matters
Naxos is more than beaches and blue domes. It’s home to sea turtles, golden eagles, Mediterranean monk seals, owls, foxes, snakes, and more—species that are increasingly threatened by climate change, habitat destruction, and human activity.
By supporting this NGO, you help:
- Keep local wildlife safe and alive
- Fund medications, food, and transport for animal rescue
- Raise awareness among locals and travelers alike
- Keep Naxos a biodiverse, beautiful island for generations to come
🛠 What Your Support Funds
By staying at ELaiolithos, your €5 donation helps fund:
- 🐾 Veterinary equipment (like surgical kits and sterilization units)
- 🪶 Food, transport, and housing for rescued wildlife
- 🛟 Emergency phone line and staff training
- 🌍 Habitat protection patrols and trail clean-ups
- 🧒 Environmental education in local schools
- ⚖️ Legal action against illegal hunting, poisoning, or habitat destruction
Their work reaches every corner of the island—from wetlands to forests to sea.
“This isn’t just about animals. It’s about preserving the very soul of Naxos.”
— Naxos Wildlife Protection Team
📞 How You Can Engage
- Volunteer: Open to locals and visitors aged 18+, with a minimum 15-day commitment naws.gr+2Naxos Wildlife Protection+2Naxos Wildlife Protection+2.
- Donate: Support can take many forms—from equipment and vet supplies to direct funding.
- Report Injuries: A 24-hour rescue hotline is available: +30 697 679 7070 Naxos Wildlife Protection+4Naxos Wildlife Protection+4Cyclades Preservation Fund+4.
Read more about their mission:
🌐 https://naxoswildlifeprotection.com/our-association/
🐦 Wild birds of Naxos
🐢 The wilderness of Naxos
✨ Where Purpose Meets Experience
At ELaiolithos, we believe in intentional travel—where every bite, view, and moment is anchored in authenticity. By supporting our local wildlife NGO, we extend that philosophy beyond our terrace and into the hills, skies, and waters that surround us.
So when you sip your cocktail under the stars or savor your dinner made with local ingredients, know that part of your experience flows back to protect this land and the lives it holds.
Let’s make travel meaningful—together.
This is travel that gives back—to the skies, the seas, and the soul of the island.
Book your stay and protect wildlife with us. €5 of every booking goes directly to the Naxos Wildlife Protection Association and you help Save Wildlife
👉 www.naxoswildlifeprotection.com
