Alonissos

Infobox Greek Isles
name = Alonissos
native_name = Αλόννησος
skyline = Alonissos2.jpg
sky_caption = Port of Alonissos


coordinates = coord|39|9|N|23|50|E|display=inline,title|region:GR_type:isle
chain = Sporades
isles =
area = 65
highest_mount =
elevation = 476
periph = Thessaly
prefect = Magnesia
capital = Patitiri
population = 2700
pop_as_of = 2001
website = [http://www.alonissos.gr www.alonissos.gr]
postal = 370 05
telephone = 24240
license = BO

Alonissos, Alonisos or Alonnisos ( _el. Αλόννησος) is a Greek island in the Aegean Sea. After Skiathos and Skopelos it is the third member of the Sporades. It is 3 km (2 nm) E of the island of Skopelos. Alonissos is also the name of a village on the island, as well as the municipality that encompasses the island and the village. The village of Alonissos is located on the southern part of the island. It is locally known as Chora. The main port of the island is located in the southeast and is called Patitiri. There is ferry and hydrofoil service from Patitiri to Volos, Agios Konstantinos, and Thessaloniki on the mainland and to the islands of Skiathos, Skopelos and Skyros. The bay at the southern end of the island is also called Alonissos.

The Municipality of Alonissos includes the other islands of Adelfoi, Gioura, Kyra Panagia (Pelagos), Peristera, Piperi, Psathoura and Skantzoura.

History

In the Middle Ages and until the 19th century, the village was known as Chiliodromia which means a thousand routes. Other names included Liadromia and Heliodromia. In ancient times, the place was known as Ikos Evonymos.

Geography

The island at its widest is 4.5 km from northwest to southeast and at its longest is 20 km from southwest to northeast. The island is mostly limestone. It is located east of mainland Greece and Magnesia, northeast of Euboea and northwest of the island of Skyros. Alonissos has one main road which leads to three villages in the western part of the island and several unused roads throughout the island.

The Island

Agriculture is widespread on Alonissos, predominantly mixed farming and vineyards. The main products are almonds, grapes, figs and olives. Spruce trees are abundant on the island. While fishing is a popular profession on the island, tourism is now the main industry.

Housing traditionally consists of closely constructed houses with stone walls, which, until 1965, were centered around the capital. A small fortress protected against enemies and pirates. The island and the village were heavily damaged in the 1965 earthquake. Many inhabitants returned not to the village of Alonissos, but to Patitiri. The old village has been restored in recent years, with rebuilt houses now utilised for tourism.

The beaches around the island consist of pebbles. The ecosystem in the north side of the island is in good condition. The Mediterranean Monk Seal ("Monachus-Monachus") is common around the island, and in 1992 the Alonissos Marine Park was created to protect these seals and other animals.

Communities and subdivisions

The Municipality includes several other islands with small resident populations. The total land area of the municipality is 129.607 km². The 2001 census population was 2,700 inhabitants, of whom only 28 persons lived on the other islands.

Alonissos Island

*Ágios Pétros (Άγιος Πέτρος) [2001 census pop: 7]
*Alónissos (Αλόννησος) [173]
*Chrysi Milia (Χρυσή Μηλιά) [35]
*Gérakas (Γέρακας) [24]
*Isiomata (Ισιώματα) [19]
*Kalamákia (Καλαμάκια) [45]
*Marpounta (Μαρπούντα) - abandoned [0]
*Mourtero (Μουρτερό) [65]
*Patitiri (Πατητήρι) [1,697]
*Steni Vala (Στενή Βάλα) [107]
*Votsi (Βότση) [500]

Other Islands

*Adelfoi (Αδελφοί) [11]
*Gioura (Γιούρα) [0]
*Kyra Panagia (Κυρά Παναγιά) [10]
*Peristera (Περιστέρα) [5]
*Piperi (Πιπέρι) [2]
*Psathoura (Ψαθούρα) [0]
*Skantzoura (Σκάντζουρα) [0]

Historical population

References

External links

* [http://www.alonnissos.gr/ Official website] en el icon
* [http://www.alonissos-park.gr/ National Marine Park of Alonnisos Northern Sporades] en el icon