The monk seal Monachus – Monachus and other rare species of fauna and flora live in Alonissos and in the islands around it.
This region is of great ecological, biological and scientific importance. It is not accidental that it has been characterized since 1922 as the National Marine Park of Alonissos and North Sporades. It is the first at its kind in Greece and the biggest in Europe.
The establishment of this marine park was an important step to the salvage and protection of the Mediterranean monk seal.
The Marine Park has an extended sea region of 2200sq. Km and it is protected by a special law. It has more than 36 caves – shelters of the Monachus – Monachus monk seal, in Alonissos and the islands around it.
Visitors can take a tour around the Marine Park and meet this unique ecosystem, always following regulations. The region is superintended by port authorities.
The zone of ultimate protection includes the islands of Piperi, Gioura, Kyra-Panagia, Skantzoura and Psathoura.