Peristera - Περιστέρα

Peristera is a virtually uninhabited, serene haven in the Northern Sporades, floating less than a nautical mile east of Alonnisos. Meaning "dove" in Greek, this 16-square-kilometer island features a gentle landscape on its western coast and rugged cliffs to the east. It is widely celebrated for its natural breakwaters, which shelter its pristine, crystal-clear beaches from rough summer winds. As a protected sanctuary within the National Marine Park of Alonnisos, its secluded caves offer a vital refuge for the rare Mediterranean monk seal, while its rocky hillsides are home only to local wildlife and a handful of seasonal shepherds.

The defining highlight of Peristera lies just off its coast, where history buffs can explore Greece’s very first underwater archaeological museum. Submerged under the turquoise waves is the famous Peristera Shipwreck, a massive 5th-century BC merchant vessel that sank with thousands of ancient wine amphoras still completely intact. On land, the natural harbors of Peristeri and Vasiliko provide spectacular anchorages for yachts and day-trippers coming from Alonnisos. It is the ultimate off-the-grid destination for travelers looking to sunbathe on empty beaches, snorkel over ancient history, and escape the crowds of the larger islands.