Alonissos National Park 

Alonissos National Park

The National Marine Park of Alonissos Northern Sporades was the first marine park established in Greece and is currently the largest marine protected area in Europe (2.265km2). Besides the sea area, the Park includes the island of Alonissos, six smaller islands (Peristera, Kyra Panagia, Psathoura, Piperi, Skantzoura and Gioura), as well as 22 uninhabited islets and rocky outcrops.

After a period of internal and external migration, the population of Alonissos has been showing a small but steady rise over the last decades, but not exceeding 2,000 permanent residents. The main occupations of the inhabitants are agriculture farming, livestock farming and fishing, while tourism has been booming in recent years. The establishment of N.M.P.A.N.S. is expected to play an important role in the sustainable development of the region, offering new job opportunities while supporting the local traditional professions.

The area shows a great scientific and cultural interest. In the wider area of the Park there are findings dating back to the Prehistoric era, the Classical period and Byzantine Empire (shipwrecks, old monasteries and churches).

In the areas where public access is permitted, visitors can engage in swimming, diving, wildlife watching, taking pictures, recording video, visiting cultural monuments, hiking etc.

There are specific restrictions on sport fishing.

Zones of Action

Zone A

Zone A is generally strictly protected and in some areas, based on the urgency of conservation, uniqueness and wildness of plant and animal life, specific measures are in force. In order to enter Zone A, it is necessary to obtain a special permission from the Management Body of N.M.P.A.N.S. Hunting is forbidden and there are special restrictions on professional fishing (coastal and middle fishing). There are also regulations for sport fishing, and in the entire area of the Marine Park is prohibited free camping, use of fire, even on the beach, as well as scuba diving by using spear gun. In the areas, where the access of yachts and professional tourist vessels is allowed, anchoring, swimming, observation of fauna and flora, photography, video recording and visit to cultural monuments are permitted. Additionally, in some areas spending the night on boat is allowed.

       Zone B

Zone B includes inhabited areas with a lower protection level.

In Zone B, there are no special regulations for the visitor, except for the banning of free camping, use of fire and, in some areas, the limit of the speed of the boats. There are also specific measures for sport and professional middle fishing, others than those according to the National Legislation.

The plan of the Management Body will initially focus on:

• The protection of the Mediterranean monk seal and the habitats of other rare and threatened species.
• The protection, conservation and management of wildlife, natural landscapes, cultural heritage and fisheries resources.
• Providing a wide range of opportunities within the Marine Park, not only for the residents of Alonissos but also for the global community, always in line with the effective management and protection of the natural environment and cultural heritage.
• The effective management of the impact of human activities with the aim of preserving and restoring the natural ecosystem and cultural heritage.
• The surveillance and guarding of the area.
• The environmental education, information and public awareness, providing easily accessible information and educational material in a comprehensible form.
• The promotion of volunteering.
• The environmental education and training through the dissemination of research results on marine biodiversity.
• The preparation and implementation of an integrated and scientifically documented Management Plan.

More information about the Alonissos water park can be found on the official site of the park.