Alonissos’ Peristera Shipwreck to Welcome Visitors in 2020

The shipwreck near the islet of Peristera, east of Alonissos.

Dubbed the “Parthenon of Shipwrecks”, the 5th-century shipwreck of Peristera, located off the Northern Sporades island of Alonissos, is scheduled to open to the public in the summer of 2020, Thessaly Region authorities said recently.

Thessaly Regional Governor Kostas Agorastos and head of the Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities Pari Kalamara vowed this week to ensure all actions are taken so that the shipwreck is visitable next summer.

Attending the launch of a new Information Center for Shipwrecks in Alonissos town, Agorastos said: “Thessaly is now entering the world tourism map, [offering] different and quality tourism. Diversity will bring [tourism] flows in the near future.”

The new info center offers virtual tours as well as simulated diving experiences thanks to the use of cutting-edge digital technologies.

There are currently four underwater museums or parks slated for opening in Thessaly’s Magnesia prefecture at the following locations: Peristera, Alonissos; Tilegrafos at Sourpi Bay; Amaliopolis, Kikinthos; and at Cape Glaros, Sourpi Bay.

The Kikinthos shipwreck. Photo Source: Ministry of Culture

“We have restarted the work of many archaeologists, won two European awards, and are proud of the ‘Parthenon of Shipwrecks’, which – once fully operational – will change the image of Alonissos and of our islands,” said Agorastos.

Alonissos is a front-runner in the area of sustainability and eco-friendly practices, with local authorities focusing their efforts on developing tourism based on the marine environment that will benefit the local and national economy without causing damage.

The EU’s BlueMed program is funding actions so that Alonissos and Pagasitikos Gulf shipwrecks will soon be diver accessible.