Alonissos - Gateway to Peristera

Alonissos island is the base for visiting Greece's first underwater archaeological museum - the Peristera Shipwreck. The island itself is charming and less developed than neighbors. The marine park surrounding it protects both archaeological sites and Mediterranean monk seals.

What to do there

4 things to do

1. 1 Find the Island That Holds TWO European Firsts History · Free

   Alonissos is the only place on Earth where Greece's first marine park and Greece's first underwater archaeological museum occupy the same waters.

   One island, two firsts: The National Marine Park of Alonissos was established in 1992 — Greece's FIRST marine park and currently the largest protected marine area in all of Europe (2,200 km²). Then in August 2020, the same waters became home to Greece's FIRST underwater archaeological museum — a 425 BC shipwreck loaded with 3,000-4,000 wine amphorae. At Patitiri port upon arrival, read the marine park display boards near the ferry dock. Look for the map showing the park's 2,200 km² boundary encompassing 7 islands and islets, and find how many Mediterranean monk seals currently live here: roughly 300, almost HALF of the world's entire population of 600.

   Backup: The marine park visitor office in Patitiri has the same information plus printed maps showing protected zones.

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2. 2 Locate the Fisherman Who Found a Miracle in 1985 History · Free

   Dimitris Mavrikis dove with his son Kostas and came face to face with 2,500-year-old history during what was supposed to be a routine dive.

   In the summer of 1985, professional fisherman Dimitris Mavrikis dove with his son Kostas near Peristera islet and found what he later described as being 'face to face with a miracle': an entire field of ancient amphorae stretching 25 meters across the seafloor. He had found what archaeologists would later call 'the Parthenon of Shipwrecks.' It took 7 more years before systematic excavation began, and he never moved a single jar. In Patitiri harbor area or at the museum entrance in Chora (Old Town), ask any local taverna owner or museum staff: 'Pou einai to mnimeio tou Mavrikis?' (Where is the Mavrikis memorial?) The discovery story is known by everyone on the island.

   Backup: The Museum of the Sea in Chora has the full discovery story at its entrance. The fisherman's name and his son Kostas appear in exhibit text.

   Log Memory
3. 3 Watch the Monk Seal Comeback Unfold in Real Time Adventure · Free · Optional

   The Mediterranean monk seal was 'critically endangered' until 2016. The recovery happened largely because of what surrounds Alonissos.

   In 2000, the monk seal population near Alonissos numbered around 50. Today, Greek waters hold roughly 300 — almost half the global population of 600. In 2016, the IUCN downgraded their status from 'critically endangered' to 'endangered' — a conservation success story almost unprecedented in Mediterranean wildlife. Visit the MOm (Hellenic Society for the Mediterranean Monk Seal) information office in Patitiri, near the main waterfront, and ask to see the current seal population map. They have educational displays showing seal sighting locations and can tell you which zones to watch from shore.

   Backup: The ferry approaching Alonissos sometimes passes near islets where seals rest on rocks. Ask your ferry captain which direction the seals are currently concentrated.

   Log Memory
4. 4 Taste Kakavia - The Soup Cooked on Fishing Boats for 2,500 Years Adventure · Price: low · Optional

   Kakavia is fisherman's soup, named after the pot (kakavi) used on boats. The technique is unchanged since ancient fishermen worked these same waters.

   Kakavia is made from the fish NOT sold at market — too small, too regional to ship — using whatever came up in the nets that day. The technique: you NEVER stir the pot, you shake it by the handles to preserve the fish, creating 'the most beautiful golden silky soup' from the olive oil quantity. At Tassia's Cooking restaurant in Patitiri, or any waterfront taverna advertising fresh daily catch, ask 'Ekhete kakavia simera?' (Do you have kakavia today?) — it depends on the catch and isn't always on the menu. When it arrives, the bowl with broth-soaked rusks comes first, then the platter with whole fish for you to assemble your own plate.

   Backup: If kakavia isn't available, order whatever fish is displayed in the refrigerator case at the entrance. In Alonissos, always choose what's in the fridge over what's on the printed menu — the fridge shows today's catch.

   Log Memory

Insider tips

• Ferry from Skiathos or Volos

• Book accommodation in advance

• The marine park is special

• Allow multiple days for wreck visit