The Municipality of Alonissos is the public body of the island of Alonissos, which is located at the Northern Sporades Island chain, at the Prefecture of Thessaly, Greece. The island has a population of approx. 3.100 citizens and within its greater area exists the National Marine Park of Alonissos, one of the largest protected areas of the Mediterranean Sea. The National Marine Park acts as home to the 25% of the world’s population of the Mediterranean Monk Seal, the rarest mammal in Europe, as well as to hundreds of endangered species, including mammals, birds, reptiles and medicinal plants.

According to acclaimed travel websites, Alonissos is currently among the top seven sustainable tourist destinations worldwide, not only because of the existence of the National Marine Park, but also due to the operation of the Underwater Museum of Alonissos, which features a 5th Century BC shipwreck, that is up to the present considered as the most ancient visitable shipwreck worldwide. 

During the last 20 years, tourism has been the main source of income for the island of Alonissos. An increase in tourism usually triggers an upwards trend in infrastructure development, investment influx and population increase due to business proliferation. The island of Alonissos has successfully navigated though these changes balancing progress and socio-economical growth with environmental sustainability. The Municipality’s vision is to continue to improve and enrich the services towards visitors without compromising the island’s customs, traditions or environmental consciousness. It aims to increase the annual number of visitors, to incentivise outside capital fortifying the island’s financial prosperity while preserving its natural environment, history and cultural identity. 

The local community’s dream is to promote an alternative style of tourism and to attract visitors from all kinds of social and financial strata offering a variety of activities and services. A holiday destination need not be over-crowded nor ordinary. Environment, locals and visitors can co-exist in harmony via an eco-friendly model for tourism. The Municipality actively promotes a truly sustainable model for the island where diving, sport fishing, collection of medicinal herbs and trekking are among the key activities. Moreover, Alonissos is becoming a popular wedding destination. Combining eco – friendly services with natural products it aspires to continue to distinguish among other destinations in Greece and Europe.