The Peristera shipwreck is an underwater shipwreck of a 5th-century BC merchant vessel at a depth of 20 metres (66 ft), just off the islet of Peristera near Alonissos. Its cargo of 3000-4000 amphoras made it the largest transport ship yet known of its period when excavation began in 1992, and it carried wine from Mende and Skopelos. In addition to amphoras, the ship transported many valuable items including black-glazed cups, plates and bronze tableware. The site was opened to the public for scuba diving visits as the Alonissos Underwater Museum in 2020, the first such underwater museum in Greece.
Excavation of the Peristera shipwreck in 2000
Wine amphora from Mende recovered from the shipwreck
Wine amphora from ancient Peparethos (Skopelos) recovered from the shipwreck
Black glazed stemless cup (kylix) from the shipwreck
The National Marine Park of Alonnisos Northern Sporades was founded in Greece by Presidential Decree on May 16, 1992. It was the first of its kind in the country, and is currently the largest marine protected area in Europe. Besides the sea area, the park includes the island of Alonnisos, six smaller islands, as well as 22 uninhabited islets and rocky outcrops. It is located in the region of the Northern Sporades Islands, in the northern Aegean Sea. There is one other marine park in Greece, namely Zakynthos Marine Park.
Beach in Alonnisos
Common Dolphin swimming in the park water
Mediterranean monk seal swimming in the park water