Kira Panagia

Kira Panagia

Kira Panagia, also called Pelagos or Pelagonisi, is an uninhabited island in the Northern Sporades, the largest of the small islands around Alonissos at 25 square kilometres, and part of the Alonissos Marine Park. It’s steep, heavily forested with pine and maquis, rising to 302 metres, with a deep natural harbour — Planitis Bay — that is considered one of the safest anchorages in the Aegean and was used by Byzantine and Ottoman fleets.

The island has a renovated 16th-century monastery dedicated to the Virgin Mary on its southwest coast, which gives it its name, but no permanent settlement. Today it’s protected for its monk seals, falcons and rare flora, so you can’t stay overnight and landing is restricted — most people see its green slopes and turquoise bay from a sailing boat cruising between Alonissos and Kyra Panagia’s wild, silent coves.

Best for sailors and seal lovers who want total wilderness

Kyra Panagia, also known as Pelagos or Pelagonisi, is a Greek island in the Sporades archipelago, northern Aegean Sea. Administratively part of municipality of Alonnisos. It is the largest of the uninhabited islands of the Sporades, except for a single monk, largest uninhabited island north of Alonissos.

The island is owned by the monastery of Megisti Lavra on Mount Athos, hence name Kyra Panagia = Madam Mother. Some people live on island particularly monks. The island lies at Alonissos Marine Park and is one of places where Mediterranean monk seal safely lives. Counts 10 permanent inhabitants. Post-Byzantine monastery dedicated to birth of Virgin Mary built on top hill east side, dependency of Megisti Lavra, recently renovated, 300m height wonderful views, vine-shaded courtyard where Father Hariton happily receives visitors.

Hilly with rounded relief, has two deep bays, Agios Petros to south and Planitis to north — Planitis Bay is wide inlet virtually closed to sea, fjord-like refuge, natural shelter, quiet place to spend night. Some delightful beaches including north end of Planitis. Ancient island of Alonissos was believed to be here, excavation of Agios Petros site showed Neolithic pottery-making traditions of deserted islands.

How to experience it

Part of National Marine Park of Alonissos and Northern Sporades — Marine Park protects large stretch sea around Alonissos including adjoining islands Kyra Panagia, Piperi, Gioura, Psathoura, Skantzoura and Peristera. Fish and marine fauna extremely abundant, water very clean and transparent.

You visit by boat trip from Alonissos. Full-day immersive journey — water, wine, fresh fruit included, route highlights Peristera Shipwreck Bay, Blue Cave, Kyra Panagia Monastery, Planitis Bay. Swim at Shipwreck, explore Blue Cave, visit historic monastery, discover unique natural harbor. Boat trip to sea park with Captain Pakis great, info in English. Sailing holidays also stop — navigation northeast 25 NM max, destination uninhabited island in Marine Park.

Overnight stays only allowed in couple designated bays like Planitis Bay and Agios Petros for safety and environmental protection. Special rules apply — core zone near Piperi off-limits no approach within 3 NM. Follow Marine Park access rules and seasonal restrictions. Pristine waters, secluded beaches, ideal for sailors seeking seclusion, swim snorkel in peace unspoiled wilderness.

Sources

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Last Updated on August 29, 2026 by admin