The National Marine Park on Alonissos is the first of two National Marine Parks in Greece and one of the largest protected marine areas in Europe. It covers a wide sea area of approximately 2 260 km2. Apart from the sea area, the park includes a large group of islands: Alonissos, six smaller ones (Peristera, Kyra Panayia, Psathoura, Piperi, Skantzoura and Yioura) and 22 small islets. The many caves along the coastline provide the ideal environment for the Mediterranean monk seal monachus monachus to rest, live and reproduce. The geographical isolation of the area, the Mediterranean climate, the characteristic morphology and the minimum human intervention, make the sea as well as the land in the park an ideal habitat for many rare species of fauna and flora.
The Mediterranean Monk seal (Monachus monachus) is one of the larger species of seals in the world. It is around 2.5 m in length and weighs about 300 kg. It can live to the age of 45. The greater part of its population is situated in Greek waters and is estimated to be about 250-300 seals.
The Mediterranean Monk seal prefers rocky and inaccessible shores on the islands or adjacent areas, and are thus found on the Sporades, NW Cyclades, Ionion and Dodecanese islands. They live only in clean, non-polluted waters, so the presence of the Monachus monachus seal in Greece is an indication of the health of the sea environment and part of its rich biodiversity.
if you like the sea food you can enjoy the best meals here, because Alonissos is the island of the fresh fish. Taste different kings of sea food: fish soup, stuffed squid, the pasta with lobsters, the barbecue eggplant and traditional cheese pie of Alonissos. What about desserts, here you can taste traditional rice pudding, the cake of walnuts, sweets from almond and roasted gigs with honey.
A safe haven for you and your loved ones, Alonissos island has to offer more than you would expect. A variety of sea-sports (kayaking, free-diving, boating, etc) and lots of opportunities for excursions will keep the interest of the younger family members. The rich tradition, quality food, laid-back rhythm and hospitable locals will help the older guests enjoy a quiet and relaxing holiday.