The Ambracian Gulf is the largest wetland in Greece and one of the most important wetlands in Europe. It is named after ancient Ambracia, a city that was located near the Arachthos River, where the city of Arta is today.
Around 300 species of birds have been recorded in the area, 100 of which are rare or endangered.
A notable species in the region, with a permanent colony, is the Dalmatian pelican, one of the largest birds, with a wingspan reaching up to 3 meters.
The gulf is home to a permanent population of 150 bottlenose dolphins and is also the largest feeding ground for the sea turtles Caretta caretta. Encounters with these animals are frequent, while sightings of Monachus monachus seals, which also enter the gulf to feed, are rarer.
Today, the Ambracian Gulf is a protected Ramsar site as a wetland of international importance, a Wildlife Refuge, an Important Bird Area, and a National Park.