8Alonissos – A Protected Marine Paradise

Alonissos is home to the National Marine Park of Alonissos and the Northern Sporades, the largest marine protected area in Europe. This park was established to protect the critically endangered Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus), one of the rarest seals in the world. 

While spotting a monk seal requires some luck, the surrounding waters are teeming with life, including dolphins, sea turtles, and numerous fish species. Divers can explore underwater caves, shipwrecks, and thriving coral formations. Alonissos is also a fantastic place for eco-conscious travelers, as conservation efforts here focus on preserving the pristine marine environment.