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Chris and his wife Julia first built a house on Alonnisos in 1990 and moved there permanently in 1996. Chris has spent more than ten years guiding walks and boat trips around Alonnisos and the surrounding islands of the marine park, helping to open up the traditional footpaths which later became the marked hiking trails that now criss-cross the island.
He founded Alonnisos Walking Club in 2005 with the aim of encouraging both residents and visitors alike to better appreciate and enjoy this outstanding island environment.
Julia works as a representative for a travel company and in 2005 founded the Alonnisos Society for Animal Protection (ASAP). The aim of the society is the promotion of respect for pets, stray animals and the natural environment and the raising of public awareness with respect to their care.
ASAP |
or email the author directly:
Chris
Browne
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For such a small island (23kmx 3km) Alonnisos has a wide variety of terrain, ranging from relatively easy walks along forest trails and through unspoilt olive and almond groves, to a boulder strewn remote gorge or a taxing climb to the high point of the island in the north.
From the pine forests in the south, to the wild macchia vegetation of the north and a coastline dotted with small blue coves and white pebble beaches the island is abundant in natural beauty. In spring the profusion of wild flowers and herbs provide an explosion of colour and fragrance, which can only really be appreciated on foot.
Walking along the routes covered in this book gives you a unique insight into life on the island, both as it is today and as it was in years gone by. Perhaps on the “Across the Centre of the Island” walk, along the traditional old footpath from Melegakia in the north to the church of Ayios Konstantinos, over the “aloni” (threshing floor) and past the “laka” (small wheat fields), you will get a glimpse of life as it used to be.
Somewhere on your travels you are sure to bump into a shepherd, the resin collector, an old woman collecting her horta (wild greens) or perhaps someone leaving an offering at one of the many road side shrines. If you do then a cheery greeting of “Yassas” will almost always get you a reply.
By walking here you help to keep open the network of footpaths for others to use and enjoy.
It is also possible to walk on the deserted islands of the marine park, an unforgettable experience.
I hope this book helps you to enjoy the walking, swimming and snorkelling on Alonnisos and the surrounding islands.
That was the introduction to my new guide book “Alonnisos through the souls of your feet”, a guide to walking on Alonnisos and the marine park islands of Peristera, Kyra Panagia and Skantzoura. Also included is information on beaches and the best snorkelling spots.
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E-Mail Chris Browne |
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