The National Marine Park of Alonissos and Northern Sporades was the first marine park established in Greece and is currently the largest marine protected area in Europe. The park includes the islands of Alonissos, Peristera, Kyra Panagia, Gioura, Psathoura, Piperi and Skantzoura.The National Marine park of Alonissos and Northern Sporades is the nature reserve for a series of terrestrial and marine species living in the Mediterranean Sea, including hundreds of plants and animals, as well as remarkable archaeological and historical monuments.
From both a scientific and a cultural point of view, this is an area of great interest given the archaeological finds (shipwrecks, old monasteries and churches) dating back to the prehistoric era, the classical period or the Byzantine Empire.
Visitors are welcome to enjoy swimming and diving, take pictures, record videos, go sightseeing, walk around or observe the wildlife in areas where public access is permitted.
There are also specific marine areas where fishing is allowed for amateur fishermen. Hunting is allowed only on the island of Gioura, subject to special permission.
Geographical isolation, particular soil morphology, limited exploitation of natural resources and intact landscape make up a beautiful natural habitat and reserve for many endangered species of the terrestrial or marine flora and fauna.
Flora
Sporades Islands are spread with Mediterranean coniferous forests (e.g. pine forests) and macchia vegetation composed primarily of bushes and shrubs such as arbutuses, mastics, phillyreas, heathers, buckthorns and kermes oaks. Evergreen trees and shrubs such as maple trees, wild olive trees and Phoenician junipers are also common in this area; a rare tree named Amelanchier chelmea is common here, too. There is also a wide variety of phrygana. The chasmophytic vegetation including several indigenous plants (Campanula reiseri, Campanula rechingeri, Linum gyaricum, Areanaria phitosiana, etc.) is also very interesting. The underwater seagrass beds of Posidonia oceanicae play an important role in the development of many organisms, as well as the retention and recycling of various substances of the marine environment. These seagrass beds are large, and are preserved in excellent condition.
Fauna
The area of the Marine Park is also a precious reserve for many fish species (about 300), birds (over 80 species), reptiles and mammals. The Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus), the red coral (Coralium rubrum), Eleonora's falcon (Falco eleonorae), Audouin's gull (Larus audouinii), the Common shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis) and the wild goat of Gioura (Capra aegagrus) are some of the most typical rare species living in this area. Bonelli’s eagles (Hieraetus fasciatus), Great cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo), Yellow-legged gulls (Larus cacchinans) and swifts (Apus apus & Apus melba) are some of the most common birds also found in the Marine Park. Various species of the Sylviidae family are also encountered here, such as the Sardinian warbler (Sylvia melanocephala) and the Blackcap (Silvia articapilla). Marine fauna is also diverse, including numerous benthic and ocean species. Dolphins and some whale species also live within the area of the Marine Park. Common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba), bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatua), sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) and cuvier’s beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris) are the most common species of dolphins and whales encountered here.

Source: www.alonissos.gr