National Marine Park of Alonissos and Northern Sporades

Updated: September 2026

The National Marine Park of Alonissos and Northern Sporades (NMPANS) is the largest marine protected area in Europe, encompassing roughly 2,260 square kilometers. It mainly serves as a vital sanctuary for the endangered Mediterranean Monk Seal (Monachus monachus). Navigating the park requires strict adherence to local zoning rules.

General Park Navigation & Regulations

Restrictions vary depending on whether you are navigating Zone A (outer uninhabited islands) or Zone B (Alonissos, Peristera, and surrounding waters).

Zone A Navigation Limits: Open to visiting yachts under specific regulations, with strict no-entry zones around key habitats:
- Piperi Island: Navigation is prohibited within 3 nautical miles of the island.
- Kyra Panagia (NW Coast): Navigation is prohibited within 1/3 NM of the northwestern shore (between Planitis and Agios Petros).
- Gioura Island: Navigation is prohibited within 0.5 NM of the entire shoreline.
- Gioura Northeast Reef: Navigation is prohibited within 1 NM of position 39°26.717′ N, 24°12.600′ E.
Zone A Speed Limits: Vessels must not exceed 10 knots within 0.5 NM of the shores of any island or islet in Zone A where passage is permitted.
Zone B: Open for navigation and anchoring, though commercial fishing and blackwater discharge are heavily restricted. Note on Zone B1: Along the northeastern coast of Alonissos (from Cape Kalamos to Cape Amoni), swimming, diving, and anchoring are prohibited.
Specific Island Rules: For detailed anchoring rules, permitted bays, and night stay restrictions on individual islands, refer to our dedicated guides for Kyra Panagia, Skantzoura, and Psathoura.
Official Legislation: For official legal reference, you can view the primary Greek Government Decisions governing the park:
- View the NMPANS Zoning & Restrictions Decree (PDF in Greek)
- View the Zone A Ticket & Fee Regulations (PDF in Greek)

Regulations of the National Marine Park of Alonissos and Northern Sporades

Ticket for Zone A

Vessels entering Zone A must purchase an e-ticket prior to entry via the official NECCA portal.

Per Person: €5.50 / day
Per Vessel: €33.50 / day (covers entry and anchoring stay)

Note: Individual e-tickets must be issued for every crew member and the vessel itself. The vessel ticket is always payable in full regardless of individual crew discounts.

Common Discounts & Exemptions:

People with Disabilities: Exempt from the individual ticket fee.
Youth (< 12 yrs) & Seniors (> 65 yrs): Eligible for a 50% discount on their individual ticket.

Enforcement Notice: Operating or anchoring in Zone A without a valid e-ticket carries a mandatory fine equal to 20 times the original ticket price. Coast Guard patrols actively check tickets in the popular anchorages of Zone A.

Contact NMPANS

You can contact the Management Body of N.M.P.A.N.S.

by phone on +30 24240 66419
by email at mdpp.sporades@necca.gov.gr

The Mediterranean Monk Seal (Monachus monachus)

The marine park was created primarily to protect the Mediterranean Monk Seal, one of the rarest and most endangered marine mammals in the world. The caves along the deserted coastlines of Alonissos, Peristera, and Zone A islands serve as critical birthing and nursery sites.

Sighting Expectations: Spotting a monk seal from a yacht is rare. With an estimated local population of only 50–60 individuals, they are naturally timid, elusive, and avoid human activity during daylight hours.
If You Encounter a Seal: Maintain a minimum distance of 50 meters, keep engine noise to a minimum, and never attempt to swim toward, feed, or corner a seal in a sea cave or beach.