The island of Peristera is a 16 km2 large island in the group of the Sporades. It is situated just east of Alonissos island. Although the island is labeled as deserted or uninhabited there are 5 people living in a tiny settlement called Vasiliko. On the island are two safe harbours with the names Peristeri and Vasiliko. The highest point of the island is 259 meters. The name Peristeri means "Dove" and this name was given to the island because of its shape.
The island is sometimes also called Aspro (White) or Xero (Dry).
Compared to the green island of Alonissos Peristeri is a dry island where goats graze and its surface is mostly covered with low shrubs. There are two shephards houses on the island, one in the south and one in the north.
Graves that have been uncovered on the island prove that Peristera was already inhabited in the ancient times.
In Byzantine times the island was home to the Saracen pirates and it was called Sarakonisi (Saracen Island). The pirates had their base in the harbour of Vasiliko.
Nowadays the harbour of Vasiliko is sometimes used by the Greek navy during exercises.
Peristera can be visited with small fishing boats and excursion boats from the island of Alonissos. It is also possible to visit the island with your own boat which you can rent in Alonissos island (see the information there). There are some very nice beaches on the island.
There is another island with the same name, which is situated in the channel in between Corfu (in the Ionian island group) and the mainland. This is a tiny islet with a lighthouse on it.
