Alonissos
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Alonnisos (Αλόννησος) | |
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| Location | |
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| Coordinates | |
| Time zone: | EET/EEST (UTC+2/3) |
| Elevation (min-max): | 0 - 476 m (0 - 1562 ft) |
| Government | |
| Country: | Greece |
| Periphery: | Thessaly |
| Prefecture: | Magnesia |
| Population statistics (as of 2001) | |
| Municipality | |
| - Population: | 2,700 |
| - Area: | 129.6 km² (50 sq.mi.) |
| - Density: | 21 /km² (54 /sq.mi.) |
| Codes | |
| Postal codes: | 370 05 |
| Area codes: | 24240 |
| License plate codes: | ΒΟ |
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Alonissos, Alonisos or Alonnisos (Greek: Αλόννησος) is a Greek island in the Aegean Sea. After Skiathos and Skopelos it is the third member of the Sporades. It is 3 km (2 nm) E of the island of Skopelos. Alonissos is also the name of a village on the island. The Municipality of Alonissos includes several other islands.
The island at its widest is 4.5 km from northwest to southeast and at its longest is 20 km from southwest to northeast. The island is mostly limestone. It is located east of mainland Greece and Magnesia, northeast of Euboea and northwest of the island of Skyros. Alonissos has one main road which leads to three villages in the western part of the island and several unused roads throughout the island.
The village of Alonissos 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. The bay at the southern end of the island is also called Alonissos.
In the Middle Ages and until the 19th century, the village was known as Chiliodromia which means a thousand routes. Other names included Liadromia and Heliodromia. In ancient times, the place was known as Ikos Evonymos.
The Municipality of Alonissos includes the other islands of Adelfopoulo, Gioura, Kyra Panagia, Pelagos, Persitera, Piperi, Psathoura and Skantzoura.
Contents |
[edit] Communities and subdivisions of the Municipality
[edit] In the island of Alonissos
- Agios Petros (Άγιος Πέτρος) [2001 pop: 7]
- Alonissos
- Gerakas
- Isiomata
- Kalamakia
- Marpounta (Μαρπούντα) - abandoned
- Mourtero
- Patitiri
- Steni Vala
[edit] Outside the island of Alonissos
[edit] Information
On Alonissos agriculture is widespread - mainly mixed farming and vineyards, with the main products being almonds, grapes, figs and olives. Spruce trees are abundant on the island. Whilst fishing is a popular profession on the island, tourism is now the main industry.
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. The island and the village were heavily damaged in the 1965 earthquake. Many inhabitants returned not to the village of Alonissos, 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 monachus seals Monachus-Monachus are common around the island and in 1992, the Alonissos Marine Park was created to protect the monachus seals and other animals.
Alonissos has a school, a lyceum, churches, banks, a post office, beaches, an institute of homeopathy, and a square (plateia).
[edit] Historical population
| Year | Population | Change | Island population | Change | Density |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | 1,554 | - | - | - | - |
| 1991 | 264 (centre), 1,846 | -1,290/83.01% | 2,985 | - | 45.92/km² |
[edit] External links
- Complete travel guide to Alonissos island
- Pictures of Alonissos and other Greek islands
- Mapquest - Alonissos, street map not yet available
[edit] See also
- List of communities of the Magnesia prefecture, including the northern Sporades
| Municipalities and communities of the Magnesia Prefecture |
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| Afetes • Agria • Aisonia • Almyros • Alonnisos • Argalasti • Artemida • Feres • Iolkos • Karla • Milies • Mouresi • Nea Anchialos • Nea Ionia • Portaria • Pteleos • Sipiada • Skiathos • Skopelos • Sourpi • Volos • Zagora |
| Anavra • Keramidi • Makrinitsa • Trikeri |
