Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THE MONK SEAL
Once populating hundreds of colonies in the Black Sea, the Mediterranean Sea and
along Africa's Atlantic coast, the Mediterranean monk seal has been reduced to
about 600 individuals. Half of these live in the seas around Greece.
One of the earth's rarest mammals, the seal is now one of the 20 most en-
dangered species worldwide. Major threats include incidental capture in fishing
gear, decreasing food supply as fisheries decline, habitat destruction and pollution.
However, once common killings by fishermen - who saw the seal as a pest that
tore holes in their nets and robbed their catch - have diminished with the recogni-
tion that protecting the seal also promotes recovery of fish stocks.
For more information, visit the website of
MOM
(Hellenic Society for the Study & Protec-
tion of the Monk Seal;
www.mom.gr
)
.
Activities
Hiking
Hiking opportunities abound on Alonnisos and over a dozen trails have been waymarked.
At the bus stop in Old Alonnisos, a blue noticeboard details several walks. From Patitiri,
a 2km
kalderimi
donkey track
winds up through shrubbery and orchards before bringing
you to Old Alonnisos. From Agios Dimitrios Beach to the wetland at Kastanorema, a
cir-
cular walk
with striking views takes about two hours. Popular trails are highlighted on
both the excellent Anavasi and Terrain maps of Alonnisos.
land resident Chris Browne. His book
Alonnisos Through the Souls of Your Feet
contains
trail descriptions plus snorkelling and kayaking sites.
Kayaking & Boat Trips
Sea kayaking excursions around Alonnisos, from half-day to overnight cove camping,
are arranged by
Albedo Travel
(
24240 65804;
www.albedotravel.com
; sea kayaking per half-
day €30)
.
out four-person 18Hp to 25Hp motorboats (€48 to €60 per day).
Diving
A number of ancient sailing vessels have been discovered at the bottom of the shallow
sea around Alonnisos. Several areas have opened (or are scheduled to open) for diving in
