Alonissos Greece, pictures and information, beaches, hotels, car rental

The islands around Alonissos - The Alonissos Marine Park

Alonissos Marine Park The uninhabited islands northeast of Alonissos are a nature reserve. Kyra Panagia with a monastery on it, is the largest of these islands and measures 25 km2. It is a hilly island with two deep natural bays / harbours (Agios Petros and Planitis).
On the island Gioura many rare plants can be found and a unique type of wild goat lives on the island. The island is rocky and there is a beautiful cave. For this island there are restrictions on visits, also because a part of the monkseals live here. A large part of the island is covered with pine trees. This island is also the home of a large variety of birds, amongst which are around 800 falcons.
On Skantzoura and its steep cliffs there are rare falcons and the rare Aegean seagull. The island Piperi is the natural shelter of protected monk seal (approaching the island or a visit is prohibited). On the island itself and in the water off the coast thare are caves with stalagnites and stalactites.
Psathoura island is the most northerly island and it has a 25-metre-high lighthouse. The island is volcanic in origin and there is a beautiful sandy beach. The island itself is relatively flat and barren and it rises only between 10 and 15 meters above the sealevel. This island can be visited freely and there are no restrictions. In font of the coast in the sea are the ruins of an ancient city.
Between Alonissos and southern Skyros is 8 km2 large Skantzoura island, which holds an old and abandoned monastery. This island is also forbidden area.
In zone A there are more restrictions than in zone B, which is completely open for visits. In some parts of zone A you are allowed to approach, swim or make pictures but approach to certain islands in the zone requires special permission from the responsible authority.

The island Peristera, situated in zone B is about 16 km2 large and rather barren. The island is the habitat of some goats. It is believed to be inhabited in the ancient times according to graves that have been found here. The island is not as fertile as Alonissos itself so there are no pine tree forests. The island does have a number of nice beaches though and two sheppard's houses.