Alonissos Marine Park

The National Marine Park of Alonnisos was founded by Presidential Decree on 28 May 1992 and is the first to be founded in Greece. It is located in Eastern Central Greece, in the region of the North Sporades Islands. The Sporades administratively belong to the district of Skopelos in the Prefecture of Magnesia.

Alonnisos is the largest island in the Park. The highest level of local government within the Park is the County Council of Alonnisos. The Park also encompasses six smaller islands (Peristera, Kyra Panagia, Gioura, Skantzoura, and Piperi) and 22 uninhabited islands and rocky outcrops.

Geography

GEOLOGY: Limestone rock dominated the area. Its main characteristics are the steep rocky slopes which run down to the sea and the caves, which are an important part of the habitat of the monk seal. Different types of soil are encountered.

CLIMATE: Mediterranean, with a wet winter and dry summer. The average annual temperature is 17? C and the average rainfall is about 515mm

SPECIAL CONDITIONS: The geographic isolation of the area, its morphology, the limited degree of human interference and the excellent condition of the natural environment make the land and sea areas of the Park an ideal habitat for many threatened species of plants and animals

Permitted activities

Zone A (1587 Km²)

In areas where approaching is permitted, swimming, observation of the sea bed, amateur photography and filming are allowed. There are specific restrictions on amateur fishing. Hunting is strictly forbidden in the entire Zone A except for the island of Gioura, where it is allowed only if special permission is granted. Approach to certain islands in the zone requires special permission from the responsible authority.

Zone B (678 Km²)

The entire area of ZONE B is open to visits and there are no specific restrictions, with the exception of free camping and the lighting of fires. Swimming and walking are amongst the simplest and most interesting ways of coming in contact with the natural environment. In addition, amateur fishing is allowed according to the rules laid down in the Fisheries Code.

There are communities in Zone B, the largest being Patitiri, Palia Alonnisos, Votsi and Steni Vala.

Alonnisos

A: Is the only inhabited island of the Park. The usual entrance to the Park is that used by the shipping lines bringing visitors to Patitiri, the largest community on the island. Patitiri with a population of about 2000 inhabitants today, used to be a harbour for the mountain village of Alonnisos (today Palia(Old) Alonnisos), where the existing wine presses for the production of grape juice and wine, gave it its name "Patitiri" which means wine press. The population of Alonnisos moved to Patitiri after an earthquake in 1965 which made most of their houses uninhabitable. Patitiri is the administrative centre of the island and all public services are based there. The village of Roussoum Gialos and Votsi lie north of the harbour. Organized boat trips from Patitiri take visitors to neighbouring beaches as Milia, Chrisi Milia, Kokkinokastro, Lefto Gialos, Megalo & Mikro Mourtia, Agios Dimitrios etc. and on day trips to permitted islands in Zone A.

There is an asphalt road network mainly in the south of the island. Leaving Patitiri in a westward direction, the road leads up to Palia Alonnisos. There is also a footpath for those wishing to walk (20 minutes from the harbour). The scenery here is completely different with narrow roads, narrow paved streets and stone houses in a fortified arrangement for protection against raiders, mostly pirates. The dwellings on the edge of the village have fortified walls and small windows on the outward facing side, doubling as a perimeter wall. There is a striking view of narrow rocky caves and the open sea on all sides. Unfortunately, earthquake damage is evident, although restoration work has begun lately, especially by private owners of the houses. Sections of the old fortifications, well-preserved threshing floors and several churches complete the picture.

Towards the north east part of the island lays Steni Vala. The small natural harbour is a refuge for fishing vessels and pleasure craft. With its picturesque view of the surrounding hills and the island of Peristera and abundant fresh fish - as was once the case in all of Alonnisos - it is an attractive summer seaside holiday area, with accommodation available in the village. The Rescue Centre, run by Mom-HSSPMS, which cares for wounded and orphaned seals and reintroduces them into the wild, is to be found here. The bond between mother and young, as for all mammals, is vital for the survival of the pups. Often, mainly due to bad weather conditions, pups are separated from their mothers. In such cases, they may be saved by human intervention.

After Steni Vala, newly constructed asphalt road continues north, ending at Geraka Bay and the Biological Station of the Park. During the drive, the view of the neighbouring islands of Peristera and Dio Adelphia is spectacular. In good weather conditions the islands in ZONE A are visible. The northern part of Alonnisos is inhabited only by a few shepherds. Continuing northwards, the macchia vegetation becomes progressively sparser. To the sides of the road, farmers' dwellings may be seen, some with old oil mills - remains of a forgone way of life. Reaching the area called Diaselo, the large white building of the Biological Station in the distance, indicates the end of the route.

The purpose of the creation of the Biological Station is to support scientific activities related to the study of the monk seal and in general, the ecosystem within the Park and acts as a centre for scientific meetings. In the future, it may be also be used as an exhibition and public information centre. The station is equipped to host at least 12 scientists and has a laboratory, freezer for preserving samples and a conference room. A resident keeper with his wife is employed to take care of and maintain the building.