Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
flower-adorned and hidden luxe lodging,
Ilya Studios
(
210 803 0272, 6938327401;
www.ilyasuites.gr
; ste/villla from €80/160)
.
Kalamakia
, 2km further north and the last village of note, has a few domatia and three
fine dockside fish tavernas where the morning catch seems to jump from boat to plate.
Beyond Kalamakia, the sealed road continues 3km to a
wetland
marsh and
Agios
Dimitrios Beach
, with a truck-canteen and domatia opposite a graceful stretch of white
pebbles. Beyond this, the road narrows to a footpath heading inland.
Islets Around Alonnisos
Alonnisos is surrounded by eight uninhabited islets, all rich in flora and fauna.
Piperi
,
the furthest island northeast of Alonnisos, is a refuge for the monk seal and is strictly off
limits.
Gioura
, also off limits, is home to an unusual species of wild goat known for the
crucifix-shaped marking on its spine. Excursion boats visit an old monastery and olive
press on
Kyra Panagia
. The most remote of the group,
Psathoura
, boasts the submerged
remains of an ancient city and the brightest lighthouse in the Aegean.
Peristera
, just off Alonnisos' east coast, has sandy beaches and the remains of a
castle. Nearby
Lehousa
is known for its stalactite-filled sea caves.
Skantzoura
, to the
southeast of Alonnisos, is the habitat of the Eleonora's falcon and the rare Audouin's
seagull. The eighth island in the group, situated between Peristera and Skantzoura, is
known as
Dio Adelphi
(Two Brothers). Each 'brother' is actually a small island.
TOP OF CHAPTER
SkyrosΣκύρος
POP 2888
Skyros, the largest of the Sporades group, can seem like two separate islands: the north
has small bays, rolling farmland and pine forests while the south features arid hills and a
rocky shoreline. In Greek mythology, Skyros was hiding place of the young Achilles.
Skyros was also the last port of call for the English poet Rupert Brooke (1887-1915),
who died of septicaemia on a French hospital ship off the coast of Skyros en route to the
Battle of Gallipoli.
