Alonissos Marine Park: The Largest Reserve of its Kind in the World

Each of the seven main islands within the park possesses its own unique characteristics, charm and history. Officially established by Presidential Decree in 1992, the National Marine Park of Alonissos spans an estimated 2,250 square kilometres of the Aegean Sea.

With the new underwater museum where visitors can explore the remains of a 2500-year-old shipwreck, from both a cultural and scientific point of view the Alonissos Marine Park is an area of great interest given the archaeological finds dating back to the prehistoric era, the classical period or the Byzantine Empire.

In addition to its archaeological ruins, the Alonissos Marine Park is a place of unspoilt natural beauty that is also home to a fascinating variety of flora, fauna and marine life including the critically endangered Mediterranean monk seal.

Alonissos is the largest and only inhabited island in the group, offering several lovely villages to explore, great walking tracks and numerous beaches.

The beautiful Chora Village of Alonissos was the old capital before a major earthquake in 1965 destroyed the entire settlement. At that time all the inhabitants deserted the village and moved near the coast where they built Patitiri, the new capital of Alonissos.

Since that time, some parts of the old Byzantine walls have been restored, as well as some houses that can today be seen as cafes, guest houses and local shops.

At just 14 kilometres long and 4 kilometres wide, Alonissos provides a wealth of riches when it comes to beautiful beaches, many of which are accessible only by sea along the more secluded east coast and around the southern tip.

The scientific and administrative centre of the National Marine Park is based on Alonissos as a rescue centre for the critically endangered Mediterranean monk seal.