General information about the island of Kyra Panagia
Strengths:
Sea and beaches, not crowded.
Average:
Points of interest, excursions, prices.
Weaknesses:
Connections, little nightlife, not very suitable for families with children.
- Population: 10
- Area: 25 km²
- Port: Agios Petros, Planitis
- Airport: no
- Public transportation: no
- Car and motorcycle rental: no
- Campsites: no
Kyra Panagia (from the Greek Κυρά Παναγιά) is part of the Sporades, specifically the archipelago of Alonissos islets. It is also known as Pelagos (or Pelagonisi), the largest of these islets, located northeast of Alonissos (12 nautical miles from the port of Patitiri on Alonissos).
Kyra Panagia has an area of 25 km² and is almost deserted, visited only occasionally by shepherds (goat herding).
The island is hilly and covered with green shrubs sprouting among the rocks. It has wild, jagged coasts that are inaccessible except for the natural harbors.
Its highest peak reaches nearly 300 meters in height.
Kyra Panagia is entirely owned by a monastery from Mount Athos in Chalkidiki; there is indeed an uninhabited Orthodox monastery on the island.
Since 1988, Kyra Panagia, along with the other islets of the archipelago, has been declared a marine park to preserve the environment, which is still frequented by the rare monk seal. Around the island, swimming, snorkeling, photography, and filming are allowed, but fishing and hunting are not permitted.
The island is a destination for sailors due to the presence of two very beautiful and perfectly sheltered natural harbors: Agios Petros in the southwest and Planitis in the northeast.
In the plain below the monastery, there are several olive trees that once provided oil for the monks of Mount Athos.
