In Alonissos in North Sporades is located the first Greek National Marine Park and the largest protected marine area in Europe, which includes islands with special physical, morphological and geographical characteristics. Besides the island of Alonissos, the marine park includes 6 smaller islands (Peristera, Kyra Panagia, Psathoura, Pipperi, Skatzoura and Jura) and 22 islets! (above photo by pavel_p)
The Marine Park of Alonissos, is the safe home not only for the monk seal Monachus-Monachus, a rare and endangered mammal in the Mediterranean, but also for many other non-marine species. In areas where access to the public is free, visitors can become involved in swimming, diving, observing wildlife, amateur photography and filming, visiting historic monuments, walking etc.
The marine park offers recreational, educational and scientific activities and it is certain that its presence helps the development of the region, but also the marine ecosystems. In the natural park survive over 300 species of fish, 80 species of birds, numerous reptiles and mammals, and among them are the Jura wild goat, the Falcon of Aegean and the Aegean seagull (www.alonissos -park.gr).
There are daily boat tours to the uninhabited islands Jura, the “home” of a rare wild goat, Kyra Panagia with a monastery of the 12th century and Pipperi, the place where the seals breed. You can also visit Ksiro with beautiful beaches, the Skatzoura with the famous Monastery of the Annunciation and the volcanic Psathoura, where is located probably the tallest lighthouse in the Aegean! Like all the other Sporades (Skathos, Skopelos and Skyros), Alonissos has spectacular beaches with turquoise and crystal waters. Some of these is the Great Mourtias, the Stenivala, Milia, Chrisi Milia, the Marpounta, Kokkinokastro etc. (below photo by Karen Eliot)
If you have any question, about the beautiful Greek island, Alonissos and unique Marine Park, simply ask us!