Wednesday 18 April 2012

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

24 comments:

  1. Thanks again Nick for letting us see other exciting parts of our world. Some photos look like they are here, if it is not labeled as in Greece, i might mistook it to be from one of our islands.

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  2. This island looks so peaceful and just my cup of tea....sea, sky, and sand.
    Joyce M

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  3. the water is gorgeous, i love the hilly streets and the houses. i wish i could visit Greece someday. your photos are beautiful.

    My Water World

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  4. Wow - what an amazingly beautiful place! Love that urchin in the last pic.

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  5. Gorgeous photos of a beautiful place! I would love to visit there someday...but if I can't, your photos have given me a taste!

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  6. This looks like a piece of 'heaven on earth' if you want my opinion!!!! Simply delicious.

    My Watery Link: FEEDING FRENZY

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  7. Yes, such beautiful scenes you've captured Nick. That crystal clear water looks wonderful. Looking at all those steps, I bet the locals have very well developed calf and thigh muscles! Thanks for sharing.

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  8. A beautiful island indeed.

    http://www.1sthappyfamily.com/2012/04/fountain-at-ragunan-zoo.html

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  9. oh wow..how beautiful. thank you for these pictures!

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  10. There is something so special about places like this, paradise on earth.

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  11. These place is beautiful. I wish I could visit this place someday. Thanks for linking!

    Watery World Wednesday

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  12. how pretty! now i want to go for a swim... right now!!!

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  13. Amazing shots! I can picture myself lost in the beauty of this scenery.

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  14. Kocham tą wyspę greckie za widoki, cudowne morze i białe domy. Pozdrawiam.
    I love the Greek island for the views, wonderful sea and the white houses. Yours.

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  15. Gorgeous photos, Nick. It looks so idyllic.

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  16. What a beautiful island. Greece is a place I'd love to visit someday. Thanks for the beautiful and unique view.

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  17. What may one say about something PERFECT?...Just: thank you for sharing: i would like to be there , in that magnificent place!

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  18. Enchanting series of views of a delightful island! Love the idea of flowers and fruit trees in abundance!

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  19. Wonderful series! I am longing for summer!
    Have a nice day:)

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  20. Wonderful photos.

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I love to hear from you, so please comment. I appreciate constructive criticism as it improves my skills as an amateur photographer.