Sand Dunes (Alonitsi)

In the Alonitsi area of Agios Efstratios, various types of dunes extend along the coast, such as embryonic and coastal dunes, located 5 to 10 meters from the shore. They range from 0.5 to 2 meters in height and represent the first stage in dune formation. These dunes, which develop on sandy soils at low elevations, host communities of sand-loving vegetation. These plant communities grow both on the dune slopes and on their leeward sides. Their role is very important, as they help trap sand, stabilize the shoreline and protect the plant communities further inland. Their ecological value is high, as they are a key component of the area’s ecosystem.