In the north of the Sporades Islands, the easternmost archipelago of Greece, there is a very small island that almost no one knows about. It's called Piperi and it is a true paradise.
It's part of the Alonissos National Marine Park, the first established in Greece and the largest in Europe. No vessel may approach the coast without special permission. You can't even fish. That is why it is a place that still remains uncontaminated.
In fact, these restrictions have kept the habitat of Pepper intact, so the island has become the permanent home of the monk seal - a rather unusual mammal in these parts - and some birds of prey, such as the royal falcon, which have chosen the most inaccessible rocks on the island to live. and reproduce. .
It's certainly not a picture-postcard island, Piperi. There are no long white sand beaches or palm trees or even beach bars. Its steep rocks make it quite inaccessible. The dense vegetation, which includes pine forests, holly trees and Mediterranean scrub, does the rest.
However, two people live there throughout the year, isolated like few others, and guardians of the island. The only building, besides his house, is a small church, Pigi, which is located at the highest point of the islet at just over 300 meters.
The coast of Piperi is very rugged. However, between one ravine and another hide some truly impressive views. Little clear sand coves or with white stones. Is famous pepper beach, the most photographed. Rocks that emerge from the sea and transform a point on the coast into a painting. Risks of white stone that reflect the light of the sun and the waters of the Aegean.
Therefore, Piperi is not the typical Greek tourist island, quite the opposite. Only very few people are admitted there. Academics, scientists, ornithologists and botanists come here for educational purposes. Tourists must request a permit to reach the island's shores aboard a rowing boat, for the sole purpose of visiting it.
Of course, no one will complain if you take advantage of the stop to take a swim - in a safe area around the island - in crystal clear (and very fresh) waters, without too much noise, so as not to disturb those protected. fauna.
Those looking for silence and total relaxation during a holiday on Alonissos or Skyros, the two closest resort islands, should come here on a trip.
