Animal Rescue Support Archives - Foxie – Outdoor Activities & Nature Experiences in Greece

Agia Marina Donkey Rescue: Visit the Donkey Sanctuary near Matala, Crete

Foxie — Fri, 30 Oct 2026 14:47:57 +0000

Agia Marina Donkey Rescue is a family-run, non-profit sanctuary for old, abandoned and unwanted donkeys in the south of Crete, a ten-minute drive from Matala beach. It started over 25 years ago when Barbara and Fanis were asked to take in Olive, a small donkey whose elderly owner could no longer care for her. More donkeys followed, and the olive orchard next to their home became a refuge. They receive no state support and rely entirely on donations and donkey adoptions.

Visitors are welcome five mornings a week. You walk among the donkeys, feed them (apples and carrots are welcome), brush them and hear their stories from the family. Peacocks, ducks, geese, hens, cats and dogs share the farm with them. Children love it and are welcome with an adult.

There is no entrance fee. The sanctuary encourages a small donation or a souvenir from its little shop, and every euro goes to feed, vet care and medication for the donkeys.

What is included

Free entry to the sanctuary
Meeting, feeding and brushing the donkeys with the family
A small shop with donkey souvenirs and local produce

Good to know

Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 to 13:30. Closed Sunday and Monday
On the Gortyna to Matala road, at Petrokefali. Free parking at the gate
No toilets on site and no smoking

Price

Free. Book your visit so the family knows you are coming. Donations are welcome on site.

Want to do more? Adopt or sponsor a donkey through the sanctuary’s website: agia-marina-donkey-rescue.com

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Corfu Donkey Rescue: Visit the Donkey Sanctuary in Doukades

Foxie — Fri, 30 Oct 2026 14:38:53 +0000

Corfu Donkey Rescue is a non-profit refuge for old, abandoned and mistreated donkeys, hidden among olive trees and mountains just outside Doukades, near Paleokastritsa. It was founded by Judy Quinn, who took in her first rescue, Hope, in January 2004. Since then more than 500 donkeys have found shelter here. The refuge is run by a small team and volunteers and survives on donations and donkey adoptions.

The refuge is open to visitors every day of the year. A volunteer shows you around, introduces you to the donkeys and tells you their stories. Many of them have been through a lot, so visits are calm and respectful: you pet them, take photos and spend time with them at their pace. Outside July and August you can also take a donkey out for a short walk.

The visit is free. If you want to help, the refuge welcomes donations, donkey adoptions and volunteers. Please do not bring carrots: many of the donkeys are on special diets. Watermelon is their favourite treat.

What is included

Free entry to the refuge
A walk around with a volunteer and the donkeys’ stories
Time to pet the donkeys and take photos

Good to know

Open every day, 10:00 to 16:00, all year round
Groups should call ahead; individuals and couples can just turn up
Wash your hands before and after, and keep children calm around the animals

Price

Free. Book your visit so the refuge knows you are coming. Donations are welcome on site.

Want to do more? Adopt a donkey or volunteer through the refuge’s website: corfu-donkeys.com

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Donkey Club Skiathos: Visit the Donkey Sanctuary at Aselinos Beach

Donkey Club Skiathos — Wed, 21 Oct 2026 09:51:12 +0000

Donkey Club Skiathos is a non-profit sanctuary for rescued and retired donkeys on the road to Aselinos Beach, on the quiet northern side of Skiathos. It is run by Panagiotis Kalogiannis and survives mainly on donations from locals and visitors, which pay for the animals’ food, veterinary care and shelter.

The club is open to all visitors every morning from May to September. You walk among the donkeys, meet them up close, pet them, take photos and hear their stories from the people who look after them every day. It is a calm, meaningful stop for families, animal lovers and anyone who wants to see a different side of the island.

The visit is free. If you want to support the donkeys, you can adopt a donkey for a year, volunteer with their daily care (feeding, cleaning, brushing) or pick up an official T-shirt at the club. Every contribution goes directly to the animals.

What is included

Free entry to the sanctuary
Meeting the donkeys up close with the people who care for them
Time to pet them, take photos and walk around the grounds

When

From 1 May to 30 September, every day from 09:00 to 12:00. Please choose a date and time within the opening hours.

Meeting point

Donkey Club Skiathos, on the road to Megalos Aselinos Beach, Skiathos. Follow the road towards the beach; the club is just before it. Parking is available at the beach.

Price

Free. Book your visit so the club knows you are coming. Your visit is confirmed automatically. Donations are welcome on site.

Want to do more? Adopt a donkey or volunteer through the club’s website: donkeyclubskiathos.com

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