PERMITTED ACTIVITIES: In areas where approaching is permitted, swimming, observation of the sea bed, amateur photography and filming are allowed. There are specific restrictions on amateur fishing. Hunting is strictly forbidden in the entire Zone A except for the island of Gioura, where it is allowed only if special permission is granted. Approach to certain islands in the zone requires special permission from the responsible authority.

KYRA PANAGIA: The ancient island of Alonnisos which is also referred to in the later years as Pelagos or Pelagonisi, is the first island to be met in the northern part of the Park. It is hilly, with a rounded relief and has two deep bays, Agios Petros (St. Peter) to the south and Planitis to the north, which are safe natural havens. The island is mainly covered by dense macchia vegetation. The interior of the island consists of areas covered by holly (Quercus coccifera), small open areas, rocks and hilltops with a view of the surrounding country. In the east of the island is a recently repaired post-Byzantine Monastery dedicated to the Birth of the Virgin Mary.

GIOURA: Proceeding northeast, the next island one meets is Gioura. Its relief is striking and bold and its precipitous, rocky shores awe-inspiring. Phrygana dominate the island, which also has areas covered by holly. The "cave of Kyklopa" in the interior is of particular beauty. The rich avifauna consists of 31 species and several mating pairs of birds of prey. A species of wild goat (Capra aegagrus) is also found on Gioura. Many believe that this is endemic to the island. The main reason for the declaration of the island as a Scientific Research Refuge and the special regulations which apply to it is the protection of the above species and of the caves which are part of the habitat of the monk seal.

PSATHOURA: This is the north-easternmost point in the Park and its landscape is completely different. It is a small, flat island of volcanic origin and may be visited freely. All the activities referred to above (swimming, observation, filming etc.) are allowed. Clusters of lentisc and areas covered with heather make up the barren landscape. It is worth noting that plant species not found in the rest of the Park may be seen here, e.g. the sea lily (Pancratium maritimum), the Hemlock and the brooms (Imula viscosa). In the south, the white sands of Mandraki contrast the black rocks of andesite. In the east, the visitor can make out what is considered as the remains of an ancient, sunken city. In the north, the large lighthouse built in the last century by French engineers, signals to the international shipping routes of the North Aegean.

PIPERI: The island of Piperi is the core of the Park and is strictly protected. Its approach by any vessel without special permission is forbidden. The aim of the restrictions is the protection of the most important part of the habitat of the monk seal in the Park, and also of the birds of prey which live and reproduce on the inaccessible rocks of the island, which are also home to some rare plant species. Piperi has precipitous, rocky shores and its vegetation is dominated by pine forests, although there are also some holly, frygana and chasmophytes to be found on the cliffs. There are 33 species of birds and it is estimated that the island is home to about 350 - 400 pairs of Eleonora's falcon (Falco eleonorae)

SKANTZOURA: Skantzoura is a flat island with an even relief. The series of low hills end on shores of white marble. It is covered by macchia vegetation and frygana, and there is a forest of low cedars (Juniperus sp.) Skantzoura and the nearby rocky outcrops of Strongilo and Polemika constitute an important habitat for Audouin's Gull and Eleonora's falcon. It has been a monastic centre in the past. The monastery located in the centre of the island, is closed nowadays.