Tour the National Marine Park in Alonissos

Written by Greek Boston in About Alonissos, Greece, Greek Travel Guide Comments Off on Tour the National Marine Park in Alonissos

The National Marine Park of Alonissos is Europe’s largest protected marine area. It is  located at the edge of the Aegean Sea is a part of an archipelago formed by the Sporades Islands. While in Alonissos, you should consider getting to know the beauty that this park has to offer. Here’s more information that will heal-you visit this beautiful place:

About the National Marine Park

The National Marine Park of Alonissos mainly engages in the study and conservation of the remaining Monk Seal populations on the list of Threatened species.   Scientific research is a priority at the park, and those in charge have spread awareness on environmental protection to the locals.

For example, a rescue and rehabilitation center at the park helps orphaned and injured seals until they get strong to return to the natural environment. Researchers gather data to create efficient methods of conservation that they utilize in conjunction with the international scientific community and national authorities.

The park also has a small natural port called Steni Vala, where recreational and fishing boats dock. The docking activity has led to the growth of a Greek town comprising of lodgings and tourist-related businesses.

What to Do at the National Marine Park

Visitors to the National Marine Park of Alonissos can take boat rides while observing marine life in the vast waters. Every island within National Marine Park has its unique history and attractions. Alonissos stands out because it is the only inhabited and largest island. You can explore the numerous beaches, walking trails and lovely villages. You can also visit the monk seal rescue center and the scientific and administrative center of the Marine Park.

The National Marine Park of Alonissos has an attractive atmosphere for swimming, scuba diving, Snorkeling, and sailing. Each is an opportunity to encounter Mediterranean monk seals that are the most important species of the park. There are also different species of sperm whales, dolphins, loggerhead turtles, and more than 300 types of fish.

The dry land is also has a variety of things to do. You can go for bird watching as the park has more than 80 species, including Mediterranean shearwaters, eleonora’s falcons, audouin’s gulls, cormorants, and shags.

The island of Kyra Panagia is home to Marginated tortoises, and you can see red coral or Poseidonia pastures at the sea bed. Rugged cliffs and treeless hills make Gioura in the northeast inhospitable, but autochthonous wild goat species roam the island with comfort.

Getting to the National Marine Park

You first arrive at Alonissos Island to access The National Marine Park. The island does not have an airport. There are also no direct flights between Piraeus and Alonissos. The only option is to sail there on a ferry or boat. You take a ferry at the port in Piraeus or one of the main ports in Greece. The port town in Evia is another point to take a ferry, but it is available only during the summer months.

Another option to reach The National Marine Park of Alonissos is a flight to a nearby Island called Skiathos, and then takes a boat or ferry for the rest of the journey. A flight to Skiathos minimizes the time it takes to travel the entire distance by sea.

The National Marine Park of Alonissos offers much that makes visits memorable. It has beautiful points for swimming, diving, walking, taking pictures while watching rare flora and fauna.

Categorized in: About Alonissos, Greece, Greek Travel Guide

This post was written by Greek Boston