Alonissos Kyra Panagia Islet

The islet of Kyra Panagia, also known as Pelagonisi, is found northeast of Alonissos. It is a small, rocky island with only a few inhabitants and two natural harbors, Agios Petros and Planitis. Of the two, the Bay of Planitis is the safest to moor your ship. In fact, during the Middle Ages, it was used as a pirate shelter.

Archaeological findings on Kyra Panagia suggest that this is where the ancient Alonissos, mentioned by the orator Demosthenes and the geographer Strabo, must have been located. Excavations have revealed ceramics, small statues, tools, and animal bones. In the bay of Agios Petros, remnants of an even older civilization (dating to around 6000 BC) have been found.

The monastery of Kyra Panagia lies atop a hill on the eastern side of the islet. Constructed in the 16th century, it is a dependency of the Megisti Lavra Monastery on Mount Athos. Its idyllic location offers impeccable views of the sea and the rocky islet. The remains of another old basilica lie close to Kyra Panagia Monastery.

Another interesting fact is that close to this islet, a shipwreck has been found. It was probably an ancient Athenian commercial ship, which carried an enormous number (possibly about 3,000 to 4,000) of wine amphorae.