Prince Albert II of Monaco made a high-profile visit to the Northern Sporades islands this week to highlight marine conservation efforts, diving with endangered Mediterranean monk seals and pledging his foundation's support for local environmental initiatives.
The prince arrived in the archipelago on his solar- and sail-powered research vessel as part of a mission to promote the expansion of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) across the region.
On Wednesday morning, he conducted dives in the waters between Skiathos and Skopelos. "He put on his gear and went for a swim," said Theodoros Tzoumas, the mayor of Skiathos. "When we saw him, he told us he met seals and expressed his gratitude for the hospitality and conservation efforts."
Later, Prince Albert traveled to the island of Alonissos, home to the largest marine protected area in Europe, where he inaugurated an ocean-themed film festival.
Panagiotis Anagnostou, the mayor of Alonissos, welcomed the prince, saying his journey "inspires the human spirit."
During a dinner hosted by Mr. Tzoumas and Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni, the menu featured lionfish, an invasive species whose consumption Prince Albert has long promoted as a way to control its spread.
"The only way to combat its proliferation is to bring it to citizens’ tables,” Mr. Tzoumas said.
The prince reportedly favored the lionfish fricassee.
Prince Albert also expressed a personal interest in purchasing property on Skiathos, noting that his parents, Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly, were frequent visitors to the island as guests of the shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis.
The visit underscores the growing international recognition of the Sporades' ecological importance.