ALONNISOS ISLAND, GREECE

Alonnisos (Greek: Αλόννησος) is a Greek island in the Aegean Sea. After Skiathos and Skopelos it is the third member of the Northern Sporades. It is 3 km E of the island of Skopelos. Alonnisos 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 Alonnisos 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.

Agriculture is widespread on Alonnisos, 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. The island and the village were heavily damaged in the 1965 earthquake. Many inhabitants returned not to the village of Alonnisos, 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 Alonnisos Marine Park was created to protect these seals and other animals.

This post is part of the Watery Wednesday meme,
and also of the Water World Wednesday meme,
and also of the Nature Footsteps Waters meme,
and also of the Outdoor Wednesday meme.

The ferry in the distance is arriving from Agios Konstantinos on the mainland. The boats in the foreground are still used extensively by the local fishermen

A lovely pebbly beach with crystal clear waters 

The gorgeous blue colour of the Aegean Sea

The local pottery is used to great advantage as planters

A steep, stepped street, along which one doesn't hear much traffic noise!

Lovely views of the sea can be had from most parts of the island

A lovely cluster of houses n a hillside. 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

As the island is quite hilly, the steps take you from neighbourhood to neighbourhood

Every house has many flowers and fruit trees in its yard

The crystal clear water allows view of the pebbly bottom of the sea where one may see a lone sea urchin